.jpg)
As a consumer, you are entitled to a free credit report from each of the three credit bureaus every 12 months. Obtaining your report and reviewing your financial history can help you identify potential discrepancies or opportunities to strengthen your financial health.
Experian is one of the big three credit bureaus, along with Equifax and TransUnion. Curious about how to get credit report Experian records so you can review your financial history? Here’s everything you need to know.
How to get your Experian credit report
Want to know how to get credit report Experian records? You have three options.
Request it through AnnualCreditReport.com
The simplest way to obtain your credit reports from all three bureaus is to use AnnualCreditReport.com. This official website exists exclusively to provide consumers with digital access to their reports. TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian co-manage the site, so its information is up to date and reliable.
Once you visit AnnualCreditReport.com, follow these simple steps to get your Experian report:
- Fill out your personal information
- Select Experian
- Click the link you get through text or email to verify your identity
- View, download, or print your report
You can request reports from the other two bureaus as well. However, many consumers space them out so they can check up on their financial health periodically.
Create an account directly with Experian
You can go directly to Experian’s website and create a free account. Once you have verified your identity, you can view your report. Experian also offers other tools and services, some of which require a subscription.
Request by mail
If you’d rather not use an online portal or website, you can request your report by mail. You’ll need to print and complete the AnnualCreditReport.com request form and send it to the address listed on the site. Your report will be mailed to you within 15 days.
How to monitor your credit
Learning how to get credit report Experian information is just the first step to understanding your financial track record. Once you know where you stand, it’s time to proactively monitor your credit. Here are a few ways to do that.
Check your reports
Compare all three reports to verify that they are accurate and contain the same information. There may be minor discrepancies due to gaps in how long it takes lenders to report to each bureau. For example, one report may not reflect your most recent auto loan balance if you have just made a payment.
However, you should not see huge discrepancies, such as one report showing an account as closed and another listing the same account as being delinquent. If you find an error, you can file a dispute with the appropriate credit bureau.
Build a positive payment history
Your on-time payment history is the biggest factor influencing your score. If you want to boost your score, focus on consistently making all payments on time. You can also use tools like Kikoff to report on-time rent and utility payments. The stronger and longer your positive payment history, the better it is for your score.
Watch for identity theft
Sign up for a credit monitoring app so you can be alerted when new accounts are opened in your name. Many services also notify you when someone conducts a hard credit check.
If you don’t recognize the activity, it could be an incident of identity theft or fraud. In that case, follow up right away. You may need to place a fraud alert or freeze your credit.
Conclusion
Did you find something in your Experian history that’s negatively impacting your score? Kikoff makes it easy to add positive payment history by reporting on-time rent payments to the big three credit bureaus.
Frequently Asked Questions
About the editor
