Do you know what is on your credit report? Finding out what this important document contains is simple just contact one of the credit reporting agencies and request your free copy. Understanding the information on the report is simple too.

Most companies report to one or more of the major credit bureaus. You have a report on file at one of the three major credit bureaus if you have ever had a loan, or applied for credit. What this means for you is that to get your credit bureau report, you may need to request a report from all 3 so that you can get a look at your credit bureau “big picture” so you can repair your credit score and history if necessary.

Getting a free credit report is as simple as contacting the credit bureau. If you have a computer with internet access, you can make the request online. What you have to do is to either make the request online or by mail. Be prepared to provide some identifying information, to confirm that the report you are ordering is your own. There is no charge for your annual free credit report, the credit bureaus are required by law to provide you with a copy each year.

Once your credit report is in your hands, look it over carefully. Look for inaccuracies in the first section. Your name, address, and other identifying information will appear in section one. Be sure to contact the credit bureau with any errors or corrections that are needed.

The next section shows your current open accounts and payment history. Check that the credit bureau report accurately lists your bills, the amounts of your payments and the due dates. Late or missed payments of 30 days or more will also show up in this section.

Different businesses and lenders report to different agencies, so your credit reports may vary from bureau to bureau. It is possible to have an great credit score with two of the 3 major bureaus and a poor rating with the other, for example. Your credit report list any requests or inquiries by lenders that have occurred recently. Double check this section to be sure that there are no unauthorized inquiries or inquiries done without your permission.

After carefully reviewing your report, you should contact the credit bureau and request that any errors be corrected.

Knowing that your personal credit information is safe, accurate and up to date with the 3 major credit bureaus will give you peace of mind.