Practical guide
Check and correct your credit reports
Review reports from the nationwide credit bureaus and dispute information with the appropriate company.
Key takeaways
Start with the answer
- A credit report records account history; a credit score is calculated from report data. Check the underlying reports first.
- First step: Request reports through the federally authorized process.
- Avoid sites that require paid subscriptions to access a “free” report, and use identity-theft steps if accounts are not yours.
The short answer
A credit report records account history; a credit score is calculated from report data. Check the underlying reports first.
What to know before you act
A credit report records account history; a credit score is calculated from report data. Check the underlying reports first.
Federal guidance is a starting point. State agencies, local offices, plan documents, contracts, and individual notices may add rules or deadlines. Use the official links on this page to verify the current requirement that applies to you.
A practical next-step checklist
Work through these steps in order. Keep copies of confirmations, notices, and the date you contacted an agency or company.
- Request reports through the federally authorized process.
- Compare personal information, accounts, balances, and payment history.
- Dispute errors with the bureau and information provider, keeping copies.
Pause and get qualified help when needed
Avoid sites that require paid subscriptions to access a “free” report, and use identity-theft steps if accounts are not yours.
Do not send personal identifiers through an unofficial website or to someone who contacted you unexpectedly. For a disputed deadline, denial, safety issue, or legal consequence, use the responsible agency or a qualified professional rather than relying on a general guide.
Primary sources
Verify with the responsible agency
- CFPB — Credit reports and scoresregulator
- FDIC — GetBankedregulator
How this page was made
This page was drafted with AI assistance, edited for plain language, and checked against the official sources listed above. Source review confirms that the cited pages support this general starting point; it is not expert review or personalized advice. See the editorial policy and corrections process.