How to read your credit report, section by section
Credit reports look confusing. Here's what each part means and what to check.
Personal information
Names, addresses, birth year and sometimes employers. Check for names or addresses you never used. Those can mean a mixed file or identity theft.
Accounts (tradelines)
Each credit card, loan or mortgage. Check the status (open, closed, paid, charged off), the balance, the credit limit and the dates opened and closed. A paid or closed account should not show money still owed.
Payment history
A month-by-month grid. "OK" or "C" means on time; 30, 60, 90 mean days late; "CO" means charged off. Compare it with your own bank records.
Collections
Debts sold or sent to a collection agency. Check that the same debt isn't listed twice with a balance, and that the date of first delinquency matches the original account.
Public records and inquiries
Bankruptcies show here. Inquiries list who checked your credit; hard inquiries come from applications.
Let AI do the first pass
Our AI report reader reads your report and lists possible errors in plain words. Then use the letter builder for anything you confirm is wrong.
Questions
Why are my three reports different?
Lenders don't always report to all three bureaus, and each bureau may have different information. Check all three.
Where do I get my reports?
Free every week at annualcreditreport.com, the only official site.
General information, not legal advice. Sources: CFPB, FTC. Checked November 2026.