First, access your credit reports.

If you are using the *recommended Identity IQ, your screen should look something like this.

Please note three separate columns running vertically down the page. The length of your credit report will vary, depending on how many total accounts you have.

The quality of the account (positive/negative) is not relevant at this point. What’s important here is that we first understand how to properly read the credit report.

The 3 credit bureaus are TransUnion, Experian, and Equifax. Some items may be reported with one bureau, and not with another.

You must pay close attention when disputing items to ensure you do not dispute something that is not listed on your report, with that specific bureau.

Lack of focus, moving too fast, or copying/pasting in mass will cause costly errors. Choose a quiet, uninterrupted space to do your work.

Gathering your reports is the first and most important step.

*recommended: Credit CDU does not have a partnership with any credit monitoring service. Consumers are free to use any monitoring service they choose.