Monitor Your Credit Report

There are ads all the time saying that you should monitor your credit report. This is very sound advice. However, as with many things that are a benefit to people, others will find a way to try to use that to their advantage and take your money.

Up until only a few years ago, credit reports were these hidden secrets, only accessible to lenders and other similar institutions. You were expected to keep these records pristine, but of course you weren't actually privy to this record of YOUR information.

In 2003 however, the federal government instituted requirements that state that you are entitled to 1 free credit report every 12 months from each of the big 3 (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion) credit reporting companies as part of the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act.

Since this has existed for nearly 5 years, the fact that you are entitled to this may not be newsworthy to you. However, here are a few specific points I would like to make:

1. The only site you should ever visit to obtain these reports is https://www.annualcreditreport.com. Even the actual sites for the credit reporting companies will attempt to get you to pay for this free information (your information).
   
   
2. Even on this site, make certain that you always just click that you want the free report. At no point should you enter a credit card number, or pay any amount of money. There is no credit card necessary to verify your identity, or for any kind of trial.
   
   
3. Spread your benefit throughout the year for maximum benefit. You are entitled to 1 report from each agency every 12 months. Thus, rotate quarterly through each of them. I setup a calendar reminder for January, May, and September to get my report from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion respectively. There is no sense in obtaining all 3 at once, as they should all report nearly identical data.
   
   
4. Once you get the report generated, choose the "print your report" to keep a copy around for your records. I personally save the report in PDF format and store it with my other electronic records.
   

Once you have the report, look it over and make sure that all accounts are actually yours. Make sure that any closed accounts show that they were closed in good standing. Then, verify that all of the open accounts are correct, and whether you have any that should be closed. If there are any discrepancies, call the account in question as soon as possible.

Following these steps, you should be able to always be up-to-date on your credit report, without needing to pay anyone for the "privilege" of managing your own information.