About US credit reports

In the U.S., there are three different credit reporting bureaus. It’s important to order a copy of your credit report at least once a year from all three bureaus to ensure that everything is up to date and that your credit report doesn’t contain any errors. Additionally, if you have been denied credit, you’re entitled to receive a free copy of your credit report.

However, once you receive your credit reports, they can seem as though they’re written in a foreign language. Fortunately, there are many resources to help. There are numerous websites that tell you how to read reports, and if you’re working with a credit counseling agency, they can also help you. If you obtain your credit report online, there is often a ‘sample’ credit report that shows how the report is designed.