When obtaining your credit report, you need to be careful about giving out your information. The Federal Trade Commission provides guidelines on which sources are legitimate and contain safe tools for keeping an eye on your credit. By utilizing these tools, you will ensure that your credit score is as high as possible.
Annual Credit Report
The Federal Trade Commission recommends using the Annual Credit Report website to check your credit report each year for free. The website is operated by the three major credit reporting agencies: Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. After entering your personal information, the website allows you to see each of your credit reports and gives you the option to purchase your credit scores afterward.
Individual Credit Reporting Agencies
You may obtain your credit reports directly from the individual credit reporting agency websites. In addition, each of the websites also offers credit monitoring services to alert you of any changes that occur to your report during the year. By getting your credit reports directly from the reporting agencies, you ensure that your inquiries are marked as self inquiries, which won't impact your score negatively.
Warnings
Obtaining your credit report from any "free credit report" websites other than the Annual Credit Report site may turn out not to be free. The Federal Trade Commission warns that these websites are not part of the legally mandated free annual credit report program, and that they may charge you money after a trial period. In addition, some impostor sites collect your information and use it to sell you other products.
Considerations
It's important to check your credit report regularly so that you may report any errors immediately. If you do find errors, you must report them not only to the credit reporting agency but also to your creditor in writing. You'll need to provide copies of any documentation you may have regarding the discrepancy. Potential errors reported in writing are generally reviewed within 30 days.
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