In short: The official way to get free US credit reports; look-alike sites charge, and you need your SSN.
- Free
- Federally authorized
- Beware look-alike sites
- Not tested by us
Before you sign up
Checked 2026-09-28 · based on official and public sources · not tested by us
The only federally authorized site for free reports from Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.
Data sheet
Compiled from the public sources linked below
| What it does | The only federally authorized site for free credit reports from Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. |
|---|---|
| Cost | Free. |
| Sign-up | US SSN and identity questions required. |
| Operator | Central Source LLC (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) |
| Caution | Serves the US only. Beware look-alike sites that charge; this is the official one. |
When to use it
Anyone in the US checking their credit reports for errors or fraud, for example before applying for a loan.
Before you use it
You need your SSN and must answer identity questions. Look-alike sites charge money; this is the official free one.
How to use it
- Go directly to annualcreditreport.com
- Enter your details and answer the identity questions
- Request and review your reports from each bureau
Why people use it
The site is required by US federal law (FACTA), and free weekly reports have been available to all Americans since 2023.
Checked 2026-09-28 · compiled from public sources; we have not tested it ourselves. Terms change, so check the official pages before you rely on it. · Official site · Wikipedia: AnnualCreditReport.com