How to Check Activity on Your Credit Report

A credit report tracks an individual's history of making timely payments on debt obligations. According to MSN Money, more than 30 million people struggle with credit issues that make getting credit difficult. Regularly checking activity on your credit report allows you to correct inaccuracies and catch identity theft.

Instructions

1

Order a free credit report. Every consumer can order a free credit report every 12 months, according to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). You can order a free credit report online from all three credit bureaus (see Resources).

2

Review information on your credit report. Review the credit report for inaccurate late payments and accounts that aren't yours. Also, look for inaccurate addresses and employers that don't look familiar. These inaccuracies could be a sign of credit fraud, according to the FTC.

3

Correct inaccurate information. If you find inaccurate reports of late payments, contact the reporting bureau. Each credit bureau--Experian, TransUnion and Equifax--offers online dispute forms on their websites. Be prepared to provide supporting documentation such as canceled checks or copies of statements that support your dispute. Most credit bureaus process these requests within 45 business days. If the claim is approved, the inaccurate information will be removed from your credit report.

4

Consider signing up with a credit monitoring service. These services notify you if there are changes to your credit file. An inquiry on your credit file or opening of a new account may trigger a notification. These notifications can be sent directly to your email. All three credit bureaus offer these services, which typically costs $20 or less each month.