To ensure that your credit report is accurate, you can periodically request a copy from each of the three major credit bureaus: Experian, TransUnion, and EquiFax.

Unless you check your credit report periodically for mistakes, you may not even realize a problem exists until you're denied a loan, turned down for a credit card or insurance, or fail to get a job due to negative information on your report.

Your credit report contains information on how you've paid your bills. It may also include your present and past addresses, Social Security number, employment history, and information that's considered public record, such as any bankruptcy judgments, tax liens, or collection efforts taken against you.