The Best Way to Check Credit

The best way to check your credit is to obtain copies of your credit reports showing your credit activity--this way, you will be seeing the same information potential creditors will see when they pull your reports.

Instructions

1

Visit the website Annual Credit Report to view your credit reports and print them. Click on "Request Report" on the homepage and follow the prompts to see your reports. The system will guide you through a questionnaire designed to confirm your identity. You'll need your Social Security number and must answer questions about your background, such as previous addresses and credit accounts.

The three major credit bureaus--TransUnion, Equixfax and Experian--created the site to provide free copies of your reports. Under the terms of the Fair Credit Reporting Act you're entitled to one free copy of your reports every 12 months from each of the credit bureaus. The Annual Credit Report website is the only authorized source for getting your free annual reports under federal law, according to the Federal Trade Commission.

2

Review your credit reports. Look for inaccurate information, such as accounts that do not belong to you, or accounts showing incorrect credit limits or balances. Dispute inaccurate information by writing the credit bureaus at their addresses. You can also enter disputes online by visiting the websites (see Resources).

Equifax
P.O. Box 740241
Atlanta, GA 30374-0241

Experian
P.O. Box 2104
Allen, TX 75013

TransUnion
P.O. Box 1000
Chester, PA 19022

3

Review your credit scores, which will be included in your reports.