Credit scores or ratings are one of the major criteria that many credit card and other lending institutions gauge the creditworthiness of an individual. Credit reports offered by three major credit bureaus track information in an individual's financial history, including but not limited to personal information, open credit card or loan accounts, payment history, and information regarding any defaults, bankruptcies or judgments against a person that may affect his or her ability to repay a loan. Knowing a credit score (which range between 300 and 850 (higher being best) can help individuals track or determine their potential for receiving anything from a new credit card line to an auto loan to a mortgage loan.
Step 1
Contact a major credit bureau, or better yet, contact all three, for a free copy of a credit report. Credit report bureaus such as Experian, TransUnion and Equifax offer consumers one free credit report every year. Consumers may log onto the credit bureau's website or call them at the following numbers:
Experian - 1-800-787-6864
TransUnion - 1-800-888-4213
Equifax - 1-800-685-1111
Step 2
Log on and create an account with myFICO.com, a website that offers up to date information regarding credit report and history. The company sends email alerts when any change affects credit report or scoring. A free 30-day free membership trial is offered on the site.
Step 3
Log on to the Internet and access freecreditreport.com, which offers a free credit report, though consumers will be required to join a Triple Advantage membership trial. However, individuals can cancel the membership within 7 days to avoid the $14.95 a month billing fee.
Step 4
Click onto annualcreditreport.com to access a free copy of a credit score report from all three major credit bureaus.
Step 5
Access the Federal Trade Commission's Facts for Consumers page via the link provided for information regarding accessing free credit reports as well as how to prevent fraud, identity theft and scams.
Member Comments