Man in gym lifting weights in plank position

Viewing Credit Reports

For more information or to speak with a Financial Education Specialist, please contact us at FinancialEducationAFB@afbank.com.


An important part of keeping up with and improving your credit is regularly reviewing your credit report. But how do you review a credit report, and how can you order one for free? Here’s everything you need to know.

How to Order a Free Credit Report

There are three major credit bureaus—TransUnion, Experian, and Equifax. You are entitled to one free credit report from each bureau every 12 months. To monitor your credit year-round for free, simply order one report from a different bureau every four months. Each bureau may have different credit scores, so check for consistency and accuracy.

Visit the three bureaus listed below to get your free credit report. Or, you can order one through www.annualcreditreport.com.


What to Review in Your Report

There are five main factors in your report’s FICO score. See how it breaks down in the chart below. Then, take a look at the list below to see other items to review in your report.The chart below breaks these categories down for a better understanding.

FICO chart breaking down credit factors

Additional items to review in your report:

  • Closed accounts
  • Collections
  • Public records, like tax liens and bankruptcies

If you see an error on your report, like a debt you didn’t incur or an account you didn’t open, you may be a victim of identity theft. Learn more about identity theft and what to do if you’re a victim in “Reporting ID Theft”.