When it comes to your financial health, it is of the utmost importance to have a clear understanding of the information in your credit report. Many people don’t think about it unless they’re applying for financing, but it’s important to check your credit report at least once per year. This allows you to know if there have been changes to your credit score and to ensure that all the information contained in the report is accurate.
These days, it’s easy to access your credit report for free, so plan to do so annually to remain up to speed with your financial fitness. Here are a few resources you can use to check your report at no cost:
Nationwide Credit Reporting Companies
There are three companies that track the credit reports of all consumers – Experian, TransUnion and Equifax. In accordance with Federal Trade Commission (FTC) guidelines, each is required to make your credit report available to you once every twelve months at no cost. You can do so online, or by calling their customer service numbers.
AnnualCreditReport.com
This is the only website authorized by the FTC to provide official credit reports from all three nationwide credit reporting companies. You’ll be required to verify your identity with information such as your birth date and Social Security number, but rest assured your personal data is safe with this credit reporting resource. Request your free credit report online, or call 1-877-322-8228.
Your Credit Card Provider
If you’re most interested in your credit report because you want to keep up with your credit score, you may already have a free service available through your credit card provider. Many credit card companies have begun offering bonus services to keep loyal customers, and this includes credit monitoring services. For example, Capital One customers can access the CreditWise service at any time to view their credit score at no cost. Contact your credit card provider to learn whether this service is available to you.
When it comes to accessing your free credit report, there are a plethora of websites claiming to offer this service. While many of them are legitimate, others are scams that could lead to identity theft. Stick to the resources above when checking your credit report to ensure your personal information will be protected.