When should I review my credit report?
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You should check your credit reports at least once a year to make sure there are no errors that could keep you from getting credit or best available terms and rates on a loan.
You have the right to get a free credit report every 12 months from the three nationwide credit reporting companies, but since the COVID-19 pandemic you can now request and review your data weekly.
You should also check your credit report:
- Before making a major purchase that may involve a loan, such as a house or a car.
- Before applying for a new job. Many companies look at your credit history when hiring employees.
- To spot potential identity theft, so you can take action. Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal or financial information to commit fraud. Identity theft can immediately block your access to credit, destroy your ability to access credit in the future, and subject you to bill collectors.
Besides your credit report, there may also be reports about you made by specialty reporting companies. Specialty consumer reporting agencies collect and share information about you relating to your:
- Residential or tenant history
- Check writing history
- Employment history
- Insurance claims
You may be able to get free copies of your reports from many of these specialty consumer reporting agencies. The CFPB has put together a list of some of these reporting companies and their contact information.
If you have a problem with credit reporting, you can submit a complaint with the CFPB online.