Check your credit reports for free

Your credit reports are a record of accounts in your name — and they're your first line of defense against identity theft fueled by leaked or brokered data. Checking them regularly costs nothing and takes minutes. The sooner you spot an unfamiliar account, the faster you can report it and limit damage.

Get your free reports

AnnualCreditReport.com is the only federally authorized site to request free credit reports from all three major bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. The bureaus now provide reports continuously, not just once per year. You can pull them all at once or spread requests across the year for more frequent monitoring.

How to review them

When your report arrives, scan for accounts you don't recognize — credit cards, loans, or lines of credit opened without your permission. Check spelling of your name and address for errors too. If you spot fraud, report it to the bureau that issued the report and the company that opened the fraudulent account.

Pair checking with a freeze

Reviewing your reports catches problems after they've happened. A credit freeze prevents new accounts from being opened in your name in the first place. Together, regular report checks and a freeze create a two-layer defense: the freeze stops many attacks before they start, and your reports catch anything that slips through.

Make it a habit

Pull one report every four months — one from each bureau in rotation. This keeps you alert without overwhelming yourself. If you spot anything unusual, you'll catch it before interest and damage pile up.