How to Track Credit Reports

Your credit report is basically a file that has all of the information about your financial transactions and history over roughly the last seven years. The information in this report comes from the companies you transact business with and rely on your for payments or who have extended you credit. It's a good idea to watch how the information on you is being updated. There are three main credit bureaus that keep credit records, Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. Each bureau may have all or different parts of your credit history.

Instructions

1

Familiarize yourself with what a credit report is and how it works. You can get one free credit report a year that is authorized by the federal government. Look over this report and pay attention to what each record lists, such as maximum credit and times past due.

2

Make notes and keep a notebook of everything that you notice. When changes happen you will be able to compare to what you initially found. This will help you notice mistakes also.

3

Sign up for a service. Several companies offer services where you can get constant access to your credit report or credit score. You can be emailed when changes happen to your report.

4

Keep up with your personal credit. Make a note when you apply for a new credit card or are late paying a bill. Knowing what should be on your credit report will help you avoid surprises.