Your credit report is one of your most valuable documents. It contains the information that lenders use to decide whether or not to grant you credit, and how much to charge you for it. Knowing your credit score and understanding what’s in your credit report can be important in achieving your financial goals.

But where to turn to get a free credit report?

The good news is that there are several resources available for you to access your credit report for free. The three main credit bureaus, Experian, Equifax and TransUnion, all provide a free annual credit report (called an annual credit report disclosure) upon request. Additionally, the federally mandated website, AnnualCreditReport.com, allows consumers to request all three reports at once.

In addition to helping you keep track of your credit score and information, there are several positive benefits for regularly reviewing your credit report. First, it allows you to be aware of any potential fraud or identity theft that may be occurring in your name, alerting you to any suspicious activity that could potentially have a negative impact on your score. This is the primary benefit of understanding what is in your credit report.

Second, regular review of your credit report can help you identify any inaccuracies that may be damaging your credit rating. According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, one of the key steps to improving your credit score is making sure your credit report is accurate.

Third, if you develop a good understanding of your credit report and credit score, you can use the information to take advantage of various types of financing while avoiding paying too much for interest rates and other fees. This strategy is especially beneficial when you are making major purchases.

Finally, regular review of your credit report can help you monitor your progress in achieving your financial goals. If you see any improvement in your score, that indicates that your credit strategy is working and you’re on your way to a healthier financial situation.

These are just some of the positive benefits of regularly bringing up your credit report. Knowing your credit score and understanding what’s in your credit report can help you achieve your financial goals. So make sure you know where to turn when you need your free annual credit report and take advantage of the positive benefits it provides.