Free credit resources
Official tools. No cost.
These free services are run by the government, the credit bureaus and nonprofits. CheckDispute is not paid for any link on this page.
Your credit reports
You never need to pay anyone to see your credit reports or to dispute an error on them.
- AnnualCreditReport.com · The official site for your free reports from Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.
Specialty reporting companies
Other companies keep files about bank accounts, check writing, rentals, insurance and more. You can ask them for a copy of your file, and many must give you one free every 12 months. Several also offer a security freeze.
- CFPB list of consumer reporting companies · Who they are and how to request your file from each one.
- LexisNexis Risk Solutions · Request your file or place a security freeze.
- Innovis · Freeze your Innovis file or request a copy.
- SageStream · Request your file or place a security freeze.
- ChexSystems · Bank and checking-account history.
- Early Warning Services · Bank-account and payment history.
Freezes and fraud alerts
A security freeze is free and stops most new credit from being opened in your name. You can lift it when you apply for credit.
- CFPB: What a security freeze is · How freezes work and how to place one with each bureau.
Stop prescreened offers
You can stop most prescreened credit and insurance offers for five years online, or permanently by mail.
- OptOutPrescreen.com · The official opt-out site run by the nationwide credit bureaus.
Identity theft
If someone used your information, report it first. The report and recovery plan help you with the bureaus and with creditors.
- IdentityTheft.gov · The FTC’s site to report identity theft and get a recovery plan.
When a dispute is not resolved
If a bureau, a company or a collector does not fix a problem, you can file a complaint. Filing is free.
- CFPB complaint · The CFPB sends your complaint to the company and tracks its response.
- Your state attorney general · Find the consumer protection office for your state.
- Better Business Bureau · File a complaint about a business.
Debt collectors
Collectors must follow federal rules about how they contact you and what they must tell you about a debt.
- CFPB: Debt collection · Your rights, sample letters and answers to common questions.
Student loans
Check a federal student loan’s real status and who services it before you act on what a report shows.
- StudentAid.gov: Find your loan servicer · Your federal loans, their status and your servicer.
Free legal help and counseling
For a lawsuit, a court date or a complicated debt, talk to a person.
- Find free legal aid (LSC) · Legal aid programs near you, for people who qualify.
- NFCC nonprofit credit counseling · Nonprofit counselors for budgets and debt.
Read the laws yourself
The federal laws behind credit reports and debt collection are free to read.
- Fair Credit Reporting Act · The FTC’s copy of the FCRA.
- Fair Debt Collection Practices Act · The FTC’s copy of the FDCPA.
Links open official websites. This page is general information, not legal advice.