The Importance of a Free Credit Report
Order Your Free Credit Report Today
You should know what's on your credit report, even if you've never used a credit card in your life. You should get a free credit report once a year to keep an eye on your credit history. Remember, just because you don't have any credit cards, that doesn't mean someone else hasn't opened any up in your name.
Why Get a Free Credit Report?
Instead of asking why you should get a free credit report, ask yourself why you shouldn't get a free credit report. After all, it's free isn't it? What's not to like about free?
There are many advantages to getting a free credit report. If you are the victim of identity theft, you might not be aware of it unless you check your credit report. You should review a free credit report annually to look for any unusual activity.
Claim What's Rightfully Yours
A law called the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) actually allows consumers to order a free credit report once every twelve months from each of the three credit reporting agencies. The three credit reporting agencies are Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
It is very easy to get a free credit report. You can order one online at www.annualcreditreport.com or you simply call 1-877-322-8228. Before you order your free credit report, you might want to review your rights as a consumer by reading a brochure titled “Your Access to Free Credit Reports” which is published by the Federal Trade Commission. The brochure is available at the FTC website.
What Your Free Credit Report Will Tell You
A free credit report will include all activity associated with your social security number. It will include the credit accounts that are opened under your name as well as any information pertaining to your mortgage, student loans, or car loans. Most financial experts recommend that consumers get a free credit report once a year from each of the three major credit reporting agencies. You should check over your credit report thoroughly to see if there is any unusual or unauthorized activity and if there is, report it immediately.