Learn about your credit report and how to get a copy | USAGov (2024)

FAQs

How do I get a free copy of my credit file? ›

You can either request your credit history via a basic statutory report for free, or new customers can sign up to a free trial of CreditExpert which will include your Experian Credit Score, fraud monitoring and alerts, and tailored guidance on how to improve how lenders see you.

You can get your free Credit Information Report from each credit bureau at Paisabazaar by just mentioning your name, date of birth, PAN card, email address, PIN code and mobile number.

And with the cost of living crisis eating into people's budgets and perceived 'affordability', having a good credit report has only grown in importance. Thankfully, there's no need to pay to access your credit report. In fact, some newbies can even earn money for doing so. Here's how to check your credit report.

Federal law gives you the right to get a free copy of your credit report every 12 months from each of the three nationwide credit bureaus.

You can get your free credit report from Annual Credit Report. That is the only free place to get your report. You can get it online: AnnualCreditReport.com, or by phone: 1-877-322-8228. You get one free report from each credit reporting company every year.

For a score with a range between 300 and 850, a credit score of 700 or above is generally considered good. A score of 800 or above on the same range is considered to be excellent. Most consumers have credit scores that fall between 600 and 750. In 2023, the average FICO^® Score^☉ in the U.S. reached 715.

For example, someone can perform a hard credit inquiry on your credit report without permission if: They are a debt collector trying to verify what you owe. A state or local child support enforcement agency certifies to a credit bureau that they have a need to obtain your credit report.

You may access your credit report online for free with Equifax and TransUnion. Accessing your credit report online allows you to see it right away. Other companies may also offer to provide your credit report for free. Equifax allows you to access your credit report online and updates it monthly.

You can check your TransUnion credit score by going to TransUnion. You can also access your TransUnion and Equifax credit reports at the same time by registering for a 30-day free trial of CheckMyFile. Just make sure you have a look at their terms and conditions before you register.

While the general public can't see your credit report, some groups have legal access to that personal information. Those groups include lenders, creditors, landlords, employers, insurance companies, government agencies and utility providers.

Who is legally permitted to obtain a copy of your credit report? ›

While the general public can't see your credit report, some groups have legal access to that personal information. Those groups include lenders, creditors, landlords, employers, insurance companies, government agencies and utility providers.

AnnualCreditReport.com is the official site to get your free annual credit reports. This right is guaranteed by Federal law. You can verify this is the official site by visiting the CFPB's website. Don't be fooled by look-alike sites.

Can I get a credit report through my bank? Many banks will provide your credit score, but few will let you obtain a credit report. A credit report is a more detailed analysis of your credit. It contains information about your current credit activities and your status.