Key takeaways
- AnnualCreditReport.com is the only federally authorized source for free reports from all three bureaus — checking your own credit never hurts your score.
- Payment history (~35%) and utilization (~30%) drive most of your score; errors are common and disputable for free.
- You never need to pay a credit repair company — everything they do legally, you can do yourself at no cost.
Table of contents
Get your reports free
Pull all three bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) at AnnualCreditReport.com — free weekly, no card required, no trap subscriptions. Reports don't include a score, but many banks and card issuers now show one free. What matters is the file itself: accounts, balances, payment history, and anything in collections.
What actually moves your score
Roughly: payment history 35%, utilization (balances vs. limits) 30%, credit age 15%, mix 10%, new inquiries 10%. Translation: pay everything on time, keep card balances low relative to limits (under 30%, lower is better), and let accounts age. Paying down cards moves scores fastest — our payoff calculator and strategy comparison put numbers on it.
Fixing errors
Mixed files, paid debts still showing, accounts that aren't yours — errors are common and the fix is free: dispute directly with each bureau (online, or by mail with documentation), which triggers a legally required investigation, usually within 30 days. The CFPB's guide covers the process, and unresolved disputes can be escalated through its complaint system. Suspect identity theft? Start a recovery plan at IdentityTheft.gov and consider a free credit freeze at all three bureaus.
Building from thin or damaged credit
Secured cards and credit-builder loans (many credit unions offer them) create positive history from scratch; becoming an authorized user on a well-managed account helps too. Time does the heavy lifting — negative marks fade in impact long before they fall off (generally seven years). Skip paid "credit repair": under the Credit Repair Organizations Act they can't legally do anything you can't do free, and the industry is a scam-warnings regular. Know your rights in our consumer rights guide.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check my credit report for free?
AnnualCreditReport.com — the only federally authorized source — provides free weekly reports from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Checking your own report is a soft inquiry and never lowers your score.
How long do negative marks stay on my credit report?
Most negative information falls off after seven years (Chapter 7 bankruptcy: ten). Their scoring impact fades much sooner, especially as new positive history accumulates.
Do credit repair companies work?
They can't do anything you can't do yourself for free — disputes are free by law. Save the monthly fee and put it toward balances instead.
Estimates are informational only, not financial advice or an offer of credit — see our disclaimers.