Check Your Credit Report and Score

Ensure your credit report is accurate, see who’s been checking your credit, and know what interest rates you’ll qualify for before you apply for new credit.

There are dozens of places on the Web to get your free credit report and score. They are “free” in that they give you a free copy of your report and score if you sign up for a trial of credit monitoring ID theft protection. These services may or may not be helpful, but you can get your credit information free when you cancel these services before their free trial period ends (in either seven or 30 days).

I have picked three of the best free credit report services available, and outline here what each one is best for.

GoFreeCredit 3-in-1 Most free credit report offers only provide you with one credit report. Problem is, you have three different reports from each of the three credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion). This offer provides all three reports and scores; cancel the offer within seven days to keep the reports free. Get your free 3-in-1 credit report now

MyFICO.com MyFICO.com is the best place to get your credit score—because it provides your actual FICO score, the score lenders use more than any other. They also provide your Experian credit report. You can choose to get your score free with a 30-day trial of their Website membership (after the trial it’s $99.95 a year) or purchase your score for a one-time charge of $15.95. Get your free FICO score now

Protect My ID.com Includes identity theft protection. Most credit report checks don’t do anything to help protect your identity from fraud. With ProtectMyID.com by Experian, you’ll have access to your own credit report and the peace of mind that you’ve got help protecting your identity free for 30 days ($9.95 a month if you continue). Get your credit report with ID protection now

Notes on Checking Your Credit

• Checking your credit will not cause your credit score to go down.
• You have three separate credit reports. Of these offers, only GoFreeCredit 3-in-1 provides all three.
• If you are concerned about identity theft, I strongly recommend subscribing to ProtectMyID’s protection service for just $9.95 a month. It’s like insurance for your credit profile, and if you ever become a victim of ID theft, you’ll be glad you have it.
• Remember to cancel the free trial of services within seven or 30 days to avoid being charged.