How to Read a Credit Report and Dispute Errors
How to read your credit report section by section, spot errors and signs of identity theft, and dispute inaccurate information with the credit bureaus for free.
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Credit Reports
Get your free reports, understand what’s on them and fix mistakes.
What is in your credit report
Your credit report is a record of how you have used credit. The three nationwide credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian and TransUnion — each keep one. Reports typically include:
- Identifying information: name, addresses, date of birth and employers.
- Accounts: credit cards, loans and mortgages, with balances, limits and payment history.
- Inquiries: companies that checked your credit, with hard inquiries from applications listed separately.
- Public records and collections: such as bankruptcies and accounts sent to collection agencies.
Your report does not include your income, bank account balances or your credit score itself.
How long information stays
Most negative information, such as late payments and collection accounts, can remain for up to seven years. Chapter 7 bankruptcies can remain for up to ten years. Positive accounts in good standing can stay much longer, which helps your credit history.
Check your reports regularly
Get free reports from all three bureaus at AnnualCreditReport.com. Look for accounts you do not recognize, incorrect late payments, wrong balances and personal details that are not yours — any of which could signal an error or identity theft.
Fixing errors
Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, you can dispute inaccurate information with the bureau and the company that furnished it. Our guide on how to read a credit report includes a step-by-step dispute checklist. If you suspect identity theft, the FTC’s IdentityTheft.gov helps you create a recovery plan.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I get a free credit report?
AnnualCreditReport.com is the only website authorized by federal law to provide free reports from Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. Free weekly reports are available there.
How do I dispute an error on my credit report?
File a dispute with the credit bureau that shows the error — online, by mail or by phone — and include supporting documents. You can also dispute directly with the company that reported the information. Bureaus generally must investigate within 30 days.
What is a credit freeze?
A credit freeze restricts access to your credit report so new creditors cannot open accounts in your name. It is free to place and lift at each of the three bureaus and does not affect your score.
Part of our Credit & Credit Cards hub and our complete personal finance guide. Read our editorial standards.
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