How to Monitor All Three Credit Bureaus & Scores Monthly

The three primary credit bureaus, Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian, all receive and report slightly different information on your credit report. They also calculate credit scores, the three digit number creditors check before issuing you a credit card or loan, differently. Viewing your credit report from all three ensures that you have the full picture of your credit history. Monitoring it monthly helps you track changes, report any fraudulent activity immediately, and manage and hopefully improve your credit score.

Instructions

1

Find a site that offers monitoring of all three credit bureaus. Most cost around $10-$15 per month and automatically refresh your credit score and credit report monthly. You can pay for the services with a credit card, debit card, or PayPal debit card. There are websites that charge the same amount to track only one bureau, so make sure you read the description before signing up. Each of the credit bureaus has its own online credit monitoring service, but each costs $10-$15 to track only their own reports. Some comprehensive credit report monitoring companies include Bank of America, Triple Alert and True Credit.

2

Apply for your credit report monitoring. Some sites offer a free or $1 trial month so you can try their services. You will need to enter your Social Security number, birth date and other personal information, so check the URL for "https" to make sure it's a secure connection. This may seem like too much personal information, but it's something credit bureaus already have and they need it to ensure that only you are receiving the information. If you don't have a Social Security number you'll need to apply for one before you can access your credit report.

3

Check the website every two to four weeks to monitor any changes in your credit report. If an account or credit card is opened that you did not authorize, call the credit bureau immediately to put a "fraud alert" on your account. Monthly credit report monitoring services have tools that help you plan and improve your credit by making smart choices with your money, paying bills on time, and keeping your information current and accurate.