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    Your Credit

    You know that a mistake on your credit history can ruin you--it may mean higher interest payments, inability to obtain a loan, a credit card or to buy a house. It may even prevent you from obtaining the job you want--because some employers check credit history.

    Thus, it is advised that you check your credit history every 1-2 years. There are a number of ways to obtain your credit report containing your credit history. Actually the "system" usually keeps three different versions of your credit report, but more on that later.

    Depending on your eligibility, you may be able to obtain your credit history completely free--for the cost of a first-class stamp. If you're ineligible, you can still get a free credit report, though that would require a little dirty-work on your part. See below for details. If you're ineligible and in a hurry, you would still be able to obtain your credit history for a nominal fee (less than $10).

    Who keeps your credit history?

    There are three major companies that are in the business of collecting and distributing credit histories on all Americans. If you're an average American, it is very likely that all three companies keep your credit history. They are competitors, which means that each company has a different version of your information. This makes it necessary to obtain reports from all three companies--to make sure that none of them has erraneous information in their files.

    A few companies specialize in providing Credit Reporting to consumers. They supply credit reports from all three credit reporting agencies. Some of such companies are:

    Free Credit Report and FREE Credit Scores - Get a Free Credit Report and Free Credit Score as well as free trial enrollment in TransUnion Credit Monitoring Service . You can also get unlimited access to credit reports from all three credit bureaus, 3 in 1 Credit Report: Get to your 3-in-1 credit report, credit scores, monitoring and analysis. Credit Monitoring - Free for 30-day. Plus get a free trial of Credit Monitoring Service, that offers unlimited copies of your credit history, including credit reports and credit scores. Try TransUnion Credit Monitoring Service FREE 30-day trial when you enroll.

    3 Bureau Credit Monitoring with All 3 Credit Scores (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion_. Get 24-hour notice of critical changes to ALL 3 of your credit reports (TransUnion, Experian and Equifax). Unlimited access to your 3-in-1 Credit Report and ALL 3 credit scores. Toll-free access to specialists & up to $25,000 ID theft insurance at no additional cost. Includes unlimited 3-in-1 Credit Reports & Scores! Receive a brand new credit report anytime you want at no additional cost. Reports are easy-to-read with color graphics and free interactive guide. Get 24 hour notification of critical changes to your credit report . Find out about credit report changes including fraudulent activity, new inquiries, new accounts, late payments, & more.

    Identity Theft - Protect yourself from identity theft.

    To obtain a credit card that is right for you, visit the credit card comparison page. You will find credit cards ranked by interest rates, rewards, rebates, fees and more.

    Information and eligibility requirements to obtain your free credit report can be found here.

    If you are ineligible, you can still obtain a free credit report by following instructions here.

    To obtain credit reports from all three companies at once, go here.

    If you want to obtain a paid credit report, follow this link.

    Summary: Credit Report Ordering

     
    All States
    Free Trial
    Online Availability
    Residents of California
    Residents of Connecticut
    FREE CREDIT REPORT
    FREE TRIAL
    FREE TRIAL
    FREE TRIAL
    FREE TRIAL
    FREE TRIAL
    Free Credit Report and FREE Credit Score 
    FREE TRIAL
    Yes
    Yes
    FREE TRIAL
    FREE TRIAL
    TrueCredit
    $ 9.95
    No
    Yes
    $ 9.95
    $ 9.95

    * Not available online. Require a request by mail or phone.

    Credit Score

    Creditors use credit scoring, also knows as FICO credit scores, to evaluate your creditworthiness and to decide automatically whether to extend credit to you or to deny your request. Learn everything you need to know about FICO credit score and how to manage it for better credit history in our popular feature What is a Credit Score?

    Dealing with Credit Fraud

    Your credit history can suffer greatly if you are a victim of credit fraud or if your credit card is lost or stolen. Learn how to protect yourself against fraud and other detrimental outcomes in our special article suggested by a reader, Credit Fraud and Your Credit Profile

     

     

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