All terms
Glossary

AnnualCreditReport.com

The only government-authorized source for free credit reports from all three bureaus.

AnnualCreditReport.com is the only website authorized by the Federal Trade Commission to provide the free credit reports required under FACTA. Originally limited to one free report per bureau per year, the site now provides free weekly reports from all three bureaus.

Anything else asking for a credit card to "view your free report" is selling a credit-monitoring subscription. AnnualCreditReport.com asks for personal info to verify identity but never requires a credit card.

Note: the free reports do not include credit scores. Scores are sold separately. Free score sources: most credit-card apps now show free FICO scores; Credit Karma shows free VantageScore 3.0.

Also called

annual credit reportfree credit report

Related terms

Credit Bureau

Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion — the three nationwide consumer credit reporting agencies.

FICO Score

The credit score model developed by Fair Isaac Corporation. Used by 90%+ of U.S. lenders.

VantageScore

The credit score model developed jointly by Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.

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