Your credit report is organized into several sections:
- Personal information: Name, address, Social Security number, date of birth and employment history
- Credit accounts: Details about credit cards, mortgages, auto loans, student loans, and other credit accounts, including balances, limits and payment history
- Public records: Information such as bankruptcies, foreclosures or tax liens
- Credit inquiries: Records of when lenders or other parties have pulled your credit report (hard inquiries and soft inquiries). Only hard credit inquiries can affect your credit score.
- Statements: Optional consumer statements you add to clarify information on your credit report
What to look for when reviewing your credit report
Checking your credit report regularly can help you catch mistakes or signs of fraud. Look for:
- Correct personal information (name, date of birth, addresses)
- Accurate account details, including balances, limits and payment status
- Only accounts you recognize (to avoid fraud or identity theft)
- Accurate public records and credit inquiries
What to do if something looks off in your credit report
Credit report errors can negatively impact your credit score, so it’s important to actively look for mistakes.
If you spot an error, you can dispute it. To dispute an error, contact the credit bureau that reported the information by mail, phone or online. You can also dispute the error with the company that provided the data to the credit bureau.
If you think you’re a victim of credit card fraud or identity theft, you can take additional steps to protect your credit.
Fraud alert
You can place a fraud alert on your credit report to let creditors know that you might be a victim of fraud. You can request a fraud alert by contacting any of the major credit bureaus. Once you’ve requested a fraud alert with one credit bureau, that bureau will notify the other two.
A fraud alert requires creditors who access your report to verify your identity before opening an account in your name, making it harder for people to create fraudulent accounts using your personal details.
Credit freeze
A credit freeze blocks prospective lenders from accessing your credit report. This can help prevent anyone from creating new accounts in your name – normally, lenders will not extend credit if they can’t access your credit history. You must contact all three major credit bureaus if you want freezes on all your reports. A credit freeze is free and remains in place until you ask for it to be lifted.
Credit reports: Frequently asked questions
What is included in a credit report?
A credit report includes your personal information, credit accounts, payment history, public records, and recent credit inquiries.
How often should I check my credit report?
It’s a good idea to check your credit report at least once a year, but reviewing it more often can help you catch errors or fraud quickly.
Does checking my credit report affect my credit score?
No. Checking your own credit report is considered a soft inquiry, which does not impact your credit score.
Why is my credit report important?
Your credit report shows lenders and businesses how you manage debt. It can affect your ability to get approved for credit cards, loans, housing, or even some jobs.
How can I fix errors on my credit report?
If you find errors, you can dispute them with the credit bureau that issued the report and with the creditor who provided the information.
Disclosure: This article is for educational purposes. It is not intended to provide legal, investment, or financial advice and is not a substitute for professional advice. It does not indicate the availability of any Citi product or service. For advice about your specific circumstances, you should consult a qualified professional.
