How can I check my credit score and full credit report for free?

Get your actual report for free at AnnualCreditReport.com, the only federally authorized site, where you can pull all three bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) weekly at no cost. The report shows your accounts, balances, payment history, and inquiries — the raw data lenders see. Note that the free report shows your data but usually not a score; for a score, many banks and card issuers now print a free FICO or VantageScore on your monthly statement or app. Stagger your pulls or grab all three at once and read each carefully, since a mistake on one bureau may not appear on the others. Avoid sites that ask for a credit card to 'verify' a free score — those are usually subscription traps. Set a calendar reminder to review your reports a few times a year.