Annual Credit Report
What Is an Annual Credit Report?
An annual credit report is your free copy of your credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus.
Under federal law, you are entitled to one free report from each bureau every 12 months.
This allows you to review your credit history for accuracy, fraud, and errors.
Where to Get Your Annual Credit Report
AnnualCreditReport.com is the only website authorized by federal law to provide consumers with free credit reports from the three major credit bureaus This website was established as part of the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act (FACTA) to promote transparency and empower consumers to monitor their credit information.
You can request your official free credit reports through the government-authorized website managed in partnership with:
- Equifax
- Experian
- TransUnion
Oversight of this process falls under agencies like the Federal Trade Commission.
Be cautious of look-alike websites that may try to charge fees.
What’s Included in an Annual Credit Report?
Your report contains:
- Personal identifying information
- Credit accounts and payment history
- Credit limits and balances
- Hard inquiries
- Public records (such as bankruptcies)
It does not automatically include your credit score.
Why Annual Credit Reports Matter
Reviewing your credit report helps you:
- Detect identity theft early
- Dispute errors
- Monitor account activity
- Protect your credit score
Even small inaccuracies can affect loan approvals and interest rates.
FAQs About Annual Credit Reports
Does requesting my report hurt my credit score?
No. It’s a soft inquiry.
Are credit reports and credit scores the same?
No. Reports contain data; scores are calculated from that data.
How often can I request my report?
At least once per year per bureau.
Can I dispute errors?
Yes. You have the right to dispute inaccurate information.
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