Get your credit reports
Find the official report link and save your starting copies.
Start with all three reports.
Your reports are your starting point. Request your free copies through the official AnnualCreditReport.com website. You do not need to buy a monitoring subscription to follow this guide.
Open my free report instructions →Save one copy for each bureau.
Save a PDF for Equifax, Experian and TransUnion on your own device. Put the bureau name and report date in each filename so you can find the right copy later.
If you cannot access a report
Follow the official site’s instructions for alternative request methods. Do not guess at identity verification answers. Keep a note of which report you still need.
Why all three reports matter
A change at one bureau does not tell you what happened at the others. Use the same bureau’s report when comparing an account over time.
Reading a chapter does not record a mailing, change your account progress or unlock paid tools. Take each action when you are ready.