How to Check Your Credit Report Without a Credit Card

Don't Charge It - Get A Free Credit Report

Viewing credit card information is increasingly important these days as identity fraud is on the rise. To combat identity fraud many companies are offering credit monitoring, score ranking, and credit lockdown services. These services do provide good information, but at a substantial cost. It is important to check your credit information on a yearly basis. This can be done without with paying any fees.

Things You'll Need

• Computer,Printer,Social Security Number,Full Name, Address

Instructions

1. Find information on your credit history online. There are a variety of ways to look at your credit report for free. It is important to note that the ONLY website that is allowed by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to access your credit report for free is annualcreditreport.com. (See link in Resources section.)

2. Log onto annualcreditreport.com. This site will prompt you for your name, address, how long you have lived at your address, and your social security number. Prompts then ask to pick from the three major credit reporting agencies: Experian, TransUnion and Equifax. It is difficult to notice, but in tiny print it says you can check all three agencies for free. Different agencies may report different figures. It is always best to check and compare information on all three.

3. Upgrading your report for a fee is possible, but not necessary. An offer to upgrade for your credit score will pop up. An extra fee is charged for this upgrade at each credit agency selected. There is no obligation to upgrade, the free reports are still available. The reports for a fee will include an estimated credit score that banks and credit cards use to determine creditworthiness. The three different agencies may have three different scores, but they should all be right around the same. The disadvantage to opting to look at your credit score is every time your credit score is computed or examined at the credit bureaus, it actually decreases your credit score. By deciding to upgrade to this report, you may unintentionally drop your credit score.

4. Examine your credit report. It will list every credit account you have ever held such as mortgage accounts, car loan accounts, second mortgage accounts, even student loans. It will not come with a credit score unless you pay for an upgrade.

5. Understand the importance of checking your credit history. Regularly confirm that you recognize all accounts open in your name. This will ensure that no one else is using your name to open credit cards. Balances and information should match up between credit agencies. All information should be reported consistently for all three agencies. Check all current balances to make they are correct. If a discrepancy is found, call the agency directly. The credit reports will provide instructions on how to resolve reporting problems or fraudulent transaction.

6. Contact the three credit agencies directly and request a free credit report. This is a good option for anyone who does not like to enter personal information online. The credit bureaus will give the address on where to write to request your credit information for free. It just takes a little longer. (See addresses and phone numbers under Tips section.)

Tips & Warnings

• The credit agencies will provide directions on resolving errors or concern on your credit report. They will work with you to resolve it. If an error shows up on one report, make sure it is not replicated in the other two credit agencies' reports. Equifax Credit Information Services, Inc., P.O. Box 740241, Atlanta, GA 30374. Phone: [phone]. Experian Credit Information Services, P.O. Box 2002, Allen, TX 75013. Phone: [phone]. Transunion Credit Information Services, P.O. Box 1000,Chester, PA 19022. Phone: [phone].

• Don't enter your private information into an unknown credit reporting website. You could be a victim of identity theft.