Your credit report is the underlying record that credit scores are calculated from. It lists every credit account you've opened, your payment history, outstanding balances, public records, and recent inquiries — maintained separately by the three major bureaus.
How to pull your report for free
AnnualCreditReport.com is the only federally authorized source for free weekly reports from all three bureaus. You can also pull free reports through bank apps, Credit Karma, and Experian's consumer site, though those may show different subsets.
What to check for
Wrong personal info, accounts you don't recognize (identity theft), incorrect late payments, accounts that should have aged off (7 years for most negative items, 10 for bankruptcy), and outdated balances. Dispute errors directly with the bureau — the Fair Credit Reporting Act requires a response within 30 days.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I check my credit report?
At minimum once a year per bureau. Stagger them across the year (one every 4 months) for ongoing visibility, or check all three before any major credit application.