These days it is so important and wise to check your credit report for accuracy and identity fraud. There are certain websites you can go to obtain a free annual credit report for you convenience. However I learned when it says “free” it doesn't mean it's not going to cost you anything. Most websites will ask for a credit card upfront for monthly billing later on. Usually they will give you a free trial period and then later on bill you monthly for the membership. It's your responsibility to cancel membership to stop future billing. I visited several websites to see where was the best place for me to get my free annual credit report. I found three websites that work for me.
According to the FTC (Federal Trade Commission), this is the official site that helps consumers obtain their free annual credit report. I like this site because it's quick, easy, and most important secure. The site is sponsored by all three credit agencies: Equifax, Experian, and Trans Union. I was able to view my free annual credit report online immediately upon authentication of identity. If you request your free annual credit report by mail or phone then allow at least 2 weeks for them to process from date of receipt. The only personal information that I needed to give them was my address, social security #, date of birth. I was also asked three security questions in which the answers were based on the information that is on my credit report. For example: One question was “Who do you have auto loan financed through?” They give you multiple choices answers for you to select from. After my identity has been identified then I am taking to a screen where I am allowed to select which credit agency I want my free annual credit report from. You also have the option to get a credit report from all three agencies but remember you are only allowed one free annual credit report per year. There is no credit card required to obtain your free annual credit report.
This site is sponsored by Experian only and Veri Sign Secured. They provide you with a free annual credit report with a free trial credit check monitoring called Triple Advantage Credit Monitoring. This benefit is designed to monitor all three agencies and report suspicious activity. You are asked to put in your credit card information however they don't bill you during your 7 day trial period. Unfortunately for me I let it slip my mind and forgot to cancel and was billed for $14.95 in which was charged to the credit card that I had already provided to them. I provide them the same personal information just like Annual Credit Report, including the 3 security questions but the only different is I am asked to create a log in and password. This is so I can be able to access the website at anytime 24/7. I was able to view instantly my free credit report once my identity was verified. Credit reports are viewable online for 30 days from the date they pulled. It would be wise to print it out that way you have a paper copy as well for your records.
This hacker safe site provides you a free credit report and score. You are asked to provide credit card information in which you are billed $12.95 monthly after your free 30 day trial membership. Once your identity is verified then your free credit report is retrieved instantly. You have unlimited access to your credit report and score for 60 days as well as receive automatic notifications of critical changes to your credit report such as late payments. You are provided with a detailed analysis showing how to improve your score and what is actually affecting it. You have a choice to even view your 3-in-1 merged credit report from the three national credit bureaus. You can cancel at anytime.
As a consumer you are entitled to one “FREE” credit report at no charge annually. So remember if you decide to obtain your free annual credit report elsewhere other than the one sponsored by the FTC, be prepared to be billed to your credit card to continue membership after your free trial has expired. Majority websites out there have a No Obligation policy therefore you have the option to cancel membership at anytime.
