Checking your credit report every few months is a great way to help you keep track of your financial situation and warn you about identity theft — for free.
- Get your free credit report from AnnualCreditReport.com. Right now, the three nationwide credit bureaus —Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion —let you get your credit report for free online once a week from each bureau at AnnualCreditReport.com. These weekly reports are in addition to the free yearly credit report the law says you get from each bureau at AnnualCreditReport.com or by calling 1-877-322-8228. Getting a regular snapshot of your credit history means you can address any problems with your credit report much more quickly.
- Place a credit freeze on your credit report. It keeps others from opening new credit accounts in your name. A credit freeze is free to place and lasts until you lift it — also for free.
- If you’re deploying, put an active duty alert on your credit report. That means creditors must verify your identity before giving credit in your name. It lasts for a year, and you can renew it.
- To place a credit freeze or active duty alert, contact one of the three credit bureaus.
- Equifax
1-800-685-1111 - Experian
1-888-397-3742 - TransUnion
1-888-909-8872
- Equifax
- To place a credit freeze or active duty alert, contact one of the three credit bureaus.
- Consider credit monitoring services for active duty servicemembers and National Guard members. These free electronic credit monitoring services from Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion scan activity that shows up on your credit reports.
- Read your bank and credit card statements. Make it a habit — and also read your health plan’s explanation of medical benefits. If a statement has mistakes or doesn’t come on time, contact the business.
