Free Credit Report. Get 3 ‘No Harm, No Foul’ Credit Checks Every Year

Understanding Free Credit Reports and How They Work

Your credit score plays a crucial role in your financial health, influencing everything from loan approvals to interest rates. But do you know you have the right to check your credit report for free? Thanks to federal law, you can access three free credit reports every 12 months—one from each of the major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.

At Texas Bay Credit Union, we want to empower our members with knowledge about their credit. A regular credit check helps you monitor your financial standing, detect potential fraud, and correct any errors before they cause serious damage. Best of all, these reports are "No Harm, No Foul"—checking them won’t affect your credit score.

What Are Free Credit Reports and Why Do They Matter?

A credit report is a detailed record of your financial history, including:

• Your open credit accounts (credit cards, auto loans, mortgages, etc.)
• Payment history (on-time vs. late payments)
• Credit inquiries (who has checked your credit)
• Public records (bankruptcies, liens, or collections)

Lenders use this information to determine how responsible you are with credit. The higher your credit score, the better your chances are of securing loans, renting an apartment, or even getting a new job in some industries.

Regularly checking your credit report is essential because:

• It helps you catch identity theft early. If someone opens an account in your name, you’ll see it on your report.
• You can correct errors before they impact your score. Mistakes happen and fixing them early can prevent problems.
• You can track your credit-building progress. Watching your report improve over time is key to financial growth.

Also, checking your own credit report does NOT affect your score. Many people mistakenly believe that pulling their own credit lowers their score, but that only happens with “hard inquiries” (like when you apply for a loan).

How to Get Your Three Free Credit Reports

Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), you’re entitled to one free credit report per year from each of the three major credit bureaus. Here’s how to access them:

Step 1: Visit the Official Free Credit Report Website

The only government-authorized website for free credit reports is:

🔹 AnnualCreditReport.com

Beware of impostor sites that charge fees or ask for unnecessary personal details. The correct site will never ask for payment information.

 

Step 2: Provide Your Personal Information

To verify your identity, you’ll need to enter:

• Your name
• Social Security number
• Date of birth
• Current and past addresses 

Step 3: Choose Your Reports

You can request all three reports at once or spread them out throughout the year. For example:

• January: Check Equifax
• May: Check Experian
• September: Check TransUnion

Spreading them out lets you monitor your credit every few months for free.

 

Step 4: Review Your Report Carefully

Once you receive your credit report, go through it line by line. Look for:

• Incorrect personal information (name, address, SSN)
• Accounts you don’t recognize (could be fraud)
• Late payments you didn’t make
• Incorrect balances or limits

What to Do If You Find Errors on Your Credit Report

If you spot an error, you have the right to dispute it!

Errors on your credit report can lower your score and cause issues when applying for credit. Take the following steps if you come across an error on your report:

Step 1: Contact the Credit Bureau

If you find a mistake, contact the credit bureau that issued the incorrect report:

 Equifax: www.equifax.com | (866) 349-5191
 Experian: www.experian.com | (888) 397-3742
 TransUnion: www.transunion.com | (800) 916-8800

 

Step 2: File a Dispute Online or by Mail

Most credit bureaus allow you to file a dispute online, by phone, or by mail. No matter how you file your dispute, remember to include:

• A clear explanation of the error
• Copies of supporting documents (bills, payment records, etc.)
• Your contact information

Step 3: Wait for Investigation Results

Credit bureaus typically have 30 days to investigate your dispute. If they find an error, they must correct it and send you an updated report.

 

Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Credit Score

Monitoring your credit report is only part of the equation. To maintain a strong credit score, follow these best practices:

Pay Your Bills on Time – Payment history makes up 35% of your credit score. Even one late payment can hurt.

Manage Credit Utilization – Use less than 30% of your available credit limit. High balances can lower your score.

Avoid Too Many Hard Inquiries – Only apply for credit when necessary. Too many applications in a short time can signal risk.

Keep Old Accounts Open – The length of your credit history impacts your score. If possible, keep older credit accounts open even if you don’t use them.

Diversify Your Credit Mix – A mix of credit cards, auto loans, and mortgages can boost your score over time.

 

Take Control of Your Credit—Contact Texas Bay Credit Union Today!

Your credit report is a vital tool for maintaining financial health. Checking it regularly can help you stay on top of your finances, detect fraud early, and correct any errors before they impact your score. With three free credit reports available every 12 months, there’s no reason to leave your financial future to chance.

At Texas Bay Credit Union, we’re here to help you make sense of your credit report and take the right steps toward a stronger financial future. Whether you have questions about your credit, need guidance on improving your score, or are looking for the best financial products to fit your needs, our team is ready to assist you.

Call us today or Contact Us to learn more about how we can help you achieve your financial goals. Let’s work together to build a brighter financial future—starting with your credit!