Information checked: September 9, 2026.
A credit report is different from a credit score. The official federally authorized source for free reports from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion is AnnualCreditReport.com.
Key answer: Type AnnualCreditReport.com directly, call 1-877-322-8228, or use the official mail form. The three nationwide bureaus currently allow a free online report from each bureau once a week. The request does not require buying a score or monitoring subscription.
Table of contents
- Official request methods
- Report versus score
- How to check all three
- Errors and identity theft
- Avoid look-alike sites
- Frequently asked questions
Official request methods
- Online: AnnualCreditReport.com
- Phone: 1-877-322-8228
- Mail: Annual Credit Report Request Form to the address printed on the current form
The FTC says this is the only website authorized to fulfill the free annual reports provided under federal law. The centralized service can request reports from one, two, or all three bureaus.
Report versus score
The report lists accounts, payment history, inquiries, collections, and public-record information where applicable. A score is a calculated number derived from report information. A free report does not necessarily include a free score.
How to check all three
- Use a secure device and type the exact domain.
- Complete identity verification.
- Request Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
- Save each report or its report number securely.
- Compare identity, accounts, balances, dates, and inquiries across bureaus.
Not every creditor reports to every bureau, so differences are not automatically errors. Review each report on its own evidence.
Errors and identity theft
Look for accounts belonging to someone with a similar name, accounts you never opened, closed accounts shown as open, wrong late payments, duplicate collections, incorrect balances, and unfamiliar hard inquiries. Dispute inaccuracies with the bureau and the furnisher. For identity theft, use IdentityTheft.gov to create a recovery plan.
Avoid look-alike sites
FTC warns that impostor sites use misspelled domains and “free report” language to sell subscriptions or collect personal information. AnnualCreditReport.com and the bureaus will not email asking for your Social Security number or account information. Navigate directly rather than following an unsolicited link.
Frequently asked questions
Does checking my own report hurt my score?
No. Requesting your own report is not a lender hard inquiry.
Can I check weekly?
The FTC says the three bureaus have permanently extended free weekly online reports through the authorized site.
Why are the three reports different?
Creditors may report to different bureaus or update on different dates.
Final checklist
Use the exact authorized domain, request all three reports, store them securely, review every section, and dispute errors without paying a credit-repair company.
Related guides
- How to Dispute a Credit Report Error: Documents, Deadlines, and Follow-Up
- Medical Bill Sent to Collections: Dispute Rights and First Steps