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Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →The three major nationwide U.S. credit bureaus are Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. They are separate companies that collect and compile consumer information into credit reports—not lenders. Their reports can differ, so check each one rather than assuming a single report shows your full credit history.
What do the three credit bureaus do?
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) calls these companies nationwide consumer reporting companies. They gather information about consumers and provide reports to businesses with a permissible purpose. A report may include identifying details, credit accounts and payment history, credit use, certain collection or public-record information, and inquiries.
A credit report is not a credit score. A score is calculated from report information using a scoring model. There is no single score or bureau that every lender uses, and you cannot assume a particular lender will consult a particular bureau for an application.
Why are Equifax, Experian and TransUnion reports different?
Creditors and other data providers may not send every item to all three companies. As a result, one report may include an account or detail that another does not. Differences alone do not establish that a report is wrong.
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Compare each file for completeness and accuracy: check whether relevant accounts appear, whether your identifying and account details are correct, whether payment status and balances are accurate, and whether you recognize the inquiries. The CFPB recommends reviewing reports from all three companies because information may not be reported to each one. CFPB guidance on reviewing credit reports.
How to get your reports
For U.S. consumers, the CFPB identifies AnnualCreditReport.com as a route to request reports from the three nationwide companies. The CFPB says consumers can view their reports online for free weekly. Federal law also provides a free report from each company every 12 months; that statutory interval is separate from the CFPB-described weekly online access.
The CFPB also says consumers may request up to six additional free Equifax reports in each 12-month period through December 2026 under a 2019 settlement. This is a temporary Equifax-specific allowance, not an annual limit applying to all three bureaus. Access arrangements can change; check the CFPB and AnnualCreditReport.com for current instructions.
Requesting your own report does not hurt your credit score, according to the CFPB. If you have trouble obtaining a report, the CFPB’s consumer reporting companies page lists direct contact routes.
What to check on each report
- Personal information: Confirm identifying details are accurate.
- Accounts: Look for unfamiliar accounts and check account details, payment history, balances and credit use.
- Collections or public records: Review any items shown and whether they are accurate.
- Inquiries: Check whether you recognize the listed inquiries.
How to dispute an error
If information is inaccurate or incomplete, dispute it with both the bureau displaying it and the company that furnished the information. The CFPB says a reporting company must investigate a dispute without charge and forward relevant information to the furnisher. A dispute does not guarantee that an item will be deleted or changed; the outcome depends on the investigation.
- Identify the problem. Note the report, item and specific detail you believe is inaccurate or incomplete.
- Contact both parties. Send a dispute to the credit reporting company and to the information provider that supplied the item.
- Explain and document. Clearly describe what is wrong and why, and include copies—not originals—of supporting documents. Keep copies of everything you submit.
For the CFPB’s current steps and contact guidance, see How do I dispute an error on my credit report? (last reviewed September 2, 2026).
If you suspect identity theft
For suspected identity theft, the CFPB directs consumers to IdentityTheft.gov for reporting and recovery information. A security freeze is another option to consider, but it is a separate action from disputing an inaccurate item.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Are these the only consumer reporting companies?
No. Equifax, Experian and TransUnion are the three large nationwide credit reporting companies, but other companies prepare consumer reports for particular industries or consumer segments. The CFPB maintains a broader list of consumer reporting companies.
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