How Can I Find Out Information About My Credit History?

Find Your Credit History

When preparing to buy a home, one of the smartest things you can do is check your credit history. This report offers a detailed picture of your financial background and helps determine your eligibility for a home loan. Understanding your credit history early in the process can help you avoid surprises, correct any mistakes, and improve your chances of securing favorable terms. 

What Is a Credit History?

A credit history is a record of how you’ve managed debt over time. It includes details like your open accounts, payment history, balances, and whether you've made late payments or defaulted on any loans. The report may also show public records such as bankruptcies or foreclosures.

Your credit history is different from your credit score. While the score is a three-digit summary, the history provides the information used to calculate that score. Lenders look at both when deciding whether to approve your mortgage application.

Why You Need to Know Your Credit History Before House Hunting

Your credit report can impact more than just whether you’re approved for a mortgage. It also affects the interest rate, loan amount, and terms you're offered. A strong report can help you qualify for better rates, while issues like missed payments or high debt can result in higher costs or even a denial.

By reviewing your credit history early, you give yourself time to correct errors, pay down debts, and improve your overall financial profile before applying for a loan. This preparation can make the home buying process smoother and less stressful.

How to Access Your Credit History for Free

Everyone is entitled to access their credit reports for free from the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. The official website to request these reports is AnnualCreditReport.com. It is the only federally authorized source for free credit reports.

Currently, reports are available weekly through the end of 2025. After that, access will return to once per year. You can request all three reports at once or space them out across the year to monitor your credit more frequently.

What to Look for in Your Credit Report

Once you have your credit reports, review them carefully. Start with your personal information to make sure it is correct. Then, go through the list of accounts to confirm that all listed items belong to you.

Look for signs of missed payments, accounts in collections, or unfamiliar activity. Review the inquiries section to see who has accessed your credit. Identifying inaccurate or outdated information early can help you take steps to fix it before it affects a loan application.

What to Do If You Spot an Error

If you find incorrect information on your credit report, you have the right to dispute it. Each credit bureau offers a dispute process, which usually begins online. You’ll need to explain what the issue is and provide any documents that support your claim. The bureau will typically respond within 30 days.

Correcting mistakes can help improve your credit standing and prevent unnecessary complications during the mortgage process. It’s best to handle disputes well before you begin looking for a home.

How to Improve Your Credit Before Applying for a Mortgage

If your credit needs work, there are steps you can take to strengthen it. Make all your payments on time, reduce outstanding debts, and avoid taking on new credit. Keep your credit card balances low in relation to your credit limits.

Responsible credit behavior over time can raise your score and improve the overall content of your report. Even a few months of consistent effort can make a difference when applying for a mortgage.

A Smarter Start to Your Home Buying Journey

Finding and reviewing your credit history is an essential early step in the home buying process. It helps you understand where you stand financially and gives you a chance to make improvements before applying for a loan. Being proactive with your credit report can lead to better loan terms and a smoother path to homeownership.

Start your home search on the right foot by checking your credit report today. A little preparation now can go a long way in helping you reach your homeownership goals.