Ordering Credit Reports

Find Out How Frequently Ordering Credit Reports Can Help You Stay On Top Of Your Credit

Make a point of knowing your FICO score.

FICO scores aren't just for bankers and financers; thanks to the Federal government, you have the right to know your score as well. The Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act (FACT Act) entitles each legal US resident to one free copy of their own credit report, from each credit reporting agency, once every twelve months. Note, however, that the free report doesn't contain the credit score, but that you will be offered an opportunity to purchase the credit score for a nominal charge at the time of access. FICO can help you, because a strong FICO score will make it easier for you to get credit. The good news is that you can increase your FICO score over the long run. What can you do? Pay your bills on time. Don't apply for credit frequently; inquiries about your credit report bring your score down. Reduce your credit card balances; 'maxed' out cards will bring your score down as well. But don't keep yourself outside their system! Insufficient credit will bring your score down, as well.

How can knowing your credit score, keep you on top of your credit?

Knowing your credit score will let you stay on top of your credit. The data that's at the basis of your credit report changes over time, and so even under the best of circumstances your credit score will also fluctuate. If you are signed up for a credit score monitoring service, you'll have a better sense of whether or not you qualify for credit, and if you do, what rate you'll receive. And, if someone else has taken credit in your name or you have reason to suspect that you've become the victim of identity theft, credit score monitoring will let you know much sooner.

Three bureau monitoring or single bureau monitoring?

You can choose between single-bureau monitoring, and three-bureau monitoring, it's up to you. Three-bureau monitoring will give you access to your credit scores from TrueCredit, Identity Guard, and Equifax. Of course, you'll find yourself paying more for access to all three credit reports, than for just one.