Once a year I make it a point to look at my credit reports at annualcreditreport.com to make sure nothing out of the ordinary is on them.   I realized the other day I hadn’t done this in a while so I took a look at my reports from each of the three major credit consumer reporting agencies.  Thankfully, everything was in order. 

What is annualcreditreport.com?

If you’re not familiar with annualcreditreport.com, it is a site created by the three major credit reporting agencies, Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.  It provides a free, easy and convenient way to view your credit report from each agency once every 12 months.

Space out your credit report viewings

As I mentioned, I typically view my reports once per year.  However, I found out in the FAQs you don’t have to view them all at once.  You can space them out.  For example, you could view one report every 4 months to try to try and get ahead of any issues versus waiting an entire year.   The disadvantage is that you can’t compare the reports next to each other.

You don’t get your credit score for free

Keep in mind you can’t get your actual credit score from the free credit reporting service.  You have to purchase it from each agency and you can do this when you request your free report.  Personally, I don’t get too concerned with finding out my score.   I’m just there to review my reports for fraudulent activity even though it is a little bit tempting to take a peak. 

Dispute information on your report or find fraudulent activity

I decided to visit Equifax.com and check out there dispute process.   Basically, you submit the dispute, Equifax investigates with the creditor, Equifax updates its files if the dispute is verified and results are delivered back in 30-45 business days. 

Each agency has a process for placing a fraud alert on your file.  A fraud alert, used if you think your identify has been stolen, can make it more difficult for someone to get credit.  It can also make it more difficult for you to get credit and slow the process down.  If you place the fraud alert on your file with one agency, they will contact the other agencies and do the same.

For more information, I recommend going to annualcreditreport.com or visiting the websites of Experian, TransUnion, or Equifax.

What has been your experience with the annualcreditreport.com?

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