Viewing your credit report online allows you to access it instantly from the convenience of your home. You’ll see your payment history, open accounts, recent credit inquires, and other credit information. With your report you can check for errors or fraud. Regardless if you are planning to apply for credit or not, annually checking your credit is a good practice.

Online Credit Reports

Online credit reports can be checked in minutes through either the reporting agencies’ sites or through a third party. Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion will provide you with a copy after you have submitted your personal information and answered an obscure question from your past, like a parent’s name or former address.

Third party credit monitoring companies also offer free credit reports as part of their trial offers. With many of these companies you will also receive your FICO score and tips for improving your score. You can cancel the service after you receive your report and not have to pay any fees.

Review Your Credit History

With your credit report in hand, review the information to determine if there are any mistakes. Check for any reporting errors with your payment history, such as late payments. If you do find a mistake, mail a letter explaining the situation both to the reporting agency and creditor. The reporting agency is obligated to investigate any errors.

Also, look at your open accounts. Do you recognize them? If not, make sure they are in your name and not being used by someone else. Another sign of identity theft is numerous credit inquires from companies you don’t recognize.

This is also a good time to think about improving your credit score. Close unused accounts and spread credit card debt amongst a couple of accounts. You can also attach a letter to your report explaining any bankruptcies or foreclosures.

When To Check Your Report

Annually checking your report is a good practice to prevent damage from identify theft or credit mistakes. Review your report before making major life decisions which will require a credit check, such as buying a home or life insurance, or applying for certain jobs.

To view our recommended sources for a copy of your credit report, visit this page: Recommended Sources For a Free Copy of Your Credit Report.

Carrie Reeder is the owner of ABC Loan Guide, an informational website about various types of loans.

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