The Ledger tools
A closer look at your credit report.
Review the details that can affect your borrowing options, then use the findings to decide what to do next.
Review your reportWhat to look for
Review the accounts, balances, payment history, inquiries, collection accounts, and personal information shown on each report. A report can contain an account that is not yours, the same debt more than once, or an outdated status. Those details are worth documenting before you dispute anything.
Use the official reports
You are entitled to a free report from each of the three nationwide reporting companies through AnnualCreditReport.com. A credit score is different from a credit report, and scores can vary by scoring model and the type of loan being considered.
Turn the review into a short action list
Save a copy of each report, mark anything unfamiliar, gather supporting documents, and contact the reporting company that supplied the information. Keep records of disputes and follow-up dates. This page is educational; it is not a credit-repair promise or a guarantee of a score change.
The Ledger
Read up before you decide
These credit notes explain the information behind a credit profile.
Your questions, answered
Preparing for a report review
Your report
What should I have ready for a review?
Identify the accounts or reporting details you want explained. Follow the service’s instructions for submitting documents securely.
Before your next step
Bring the details you want explained
Read through the accounts before deciding what to ask.
Review your reportA few details to keep beside you.
- Check account names, balances and payment history.
- Mark information you do not recognize.
- Use the review service’s submission instructions; avoid sending sensitive documents by ordinary email.
