Once you’ve gathered your reports from all 3 bureaus (Equifax, Transunion, Experian), it’s time to review them. Check for any errors or discrepancies that could be causing a negative impact on your credit score. Look out for inaccurate personal information, outdated accounts, and fraudulent activity. If you find any of these issues, follow the instructions provided by each bureau to dispute the error or reach out to their customer service for further assistance. It’s important to take action quickly as incorrect information can remain on your credit record for up to 7 years.

After reviewing each report, compare them side-by-side and make sure the information is consistent across all three bureaus. Make sure all of your current accounts are included and that they reflect the most up-to-date activity. Also, pay attention to your payment history, credit utilization ratio and total amount of debt to ensure the numbers are correct.

If everything looks good, great! Keep up the good work by using credit responsibly and always making on-time payments. This will help you maintain a healthy score and financial security. If you notice discrepancies or anything that doesn’t add up, take action as soon as possible to dispute them or reach out to the bureaus for assistance. Doing so can save you a lot of time, energy, and money in the long run.

Good luck! Checking your credit report is an important step towards maintaining a healthy score and financial stability — taking control of it now can pay off in the future.

Happy credit checking!