Credit cards aren't the only determining factor when it comes to your credit score. Loans have an effect as well, so your credit score may go up or down regardless if you've ever applied for a credit card. You can check your credit score at any time, even if you don't own a credit card.
Free Annual Credit Report
Annualcreditreport.com is the only officially authorized free credit report website, according to the Federal Trade Commission. You can use the website to obtain your credit report and score from all three credit reporting bureaus. After you enter in your personal identifying information, such as your name and Social Security number, you will have the option to view your TransUnion, Equifax and Experian credit report. You can only use annualcreditreport.com once a year.
Major Credit Reporting Bureaus
All three major credit reporting bureaus offer detailed credit reports and scores. If you have already used annualcreditreport.com, you can use the services from one of the three major bureaus. You will need to enter your personal information so that the credit bureau can identify you. In some cases, you may need to call the bureau's customer service to verify your identity, particularly if you don't have a lot of credit history.
Third-Party Websites
You can also sign up with a third-party credit reporting website. Many third-party websites offer customers credit reports from either one or all of the credit bureaus. Third-party websites may also offer additional tools, tips and plans to help reduce credit card debt and save money. Because credit scores impact approval decisions for credit cards and loans, many people want to know their score. Unfortunately, predatory websites know that and try to capitalize on it. Stick with third-party websites that you know for a fact are secure or research them before entering in your personal information.
Plans & Hidden Fees
Many credit report websites, including the three major credit reporting bureaus, advertise credit reports for $1 or even for free. Most of the time, that price is for a trial period only, after which the company will bill your credit card for a monthly fee. Look at the offered plans before you select one. Most plans cost a monthly fee and may not provide you with what you want. For example, Experian's Identity Theft Protection package provides you with your Experian credit report and also notifies you about possible identity theft, but it does not provide you with your Experian credit score. The plan also costs a monthly fee. Most websites offer a plan that will provide you with reports and scores for all three credit reporting bureaus, but it usually comes with a higher monthly fee.
0 comments:
Post a Comment