Key Differentiating Features of Free Credit Report Offers
Josh Paul asked:
People need to retrieve their credit reports for a variety of reasons. Most usually get them on the Internet. This is simple to do with a quick Google search. What might come as a surprise is the number of credit report offers, especially those marketing both free credit reports and scores. It can be a little overwhelming and confusing for some so let me shed some light on these promotions.
The only place on the Internet to get completely free bureau credit reports is at the website www.AnnualCreditReport.com. This is a government authorized site people can go to retrieve their Equifax, TransUnion, or Experian credit files. Consumers are entitled to one free credit report every 12 months under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. The offer does not include a look at any of the three bureau credit scores, so this might be a drawback for some.
Many free credit report offers also come with free access to bureau credit scores. However, a caveat to these types of deals is that they require users to first sign up for a free trial membership into a credit monitoring service or other program. This may be acceptable for some, as there are no obligations to keep the service after the trial has expired. To help differentiate the many merchants and deals that are offered, I’ve listed some key points to consider before one decides.
How many free bureau reports are offered? How many free bureau credit scores are offered? Is there a conditional free trial membership that users need to sign up for? How long is the free trial for the credit monitoring? Is there Identity Theft Insurance Coverage and how much is it? Is there a Credit Simulator tool or other credit resources offered?
Ana
People need to retrieve their credit reports for a variety of reasons. Most usually get them on the Internet. This is simple to do with a quick Google search. What might come as a surprise is the number of credit report offers, especially those marketing both free credit reports and scores. It can be a little overwhelming and confusing for some so let me shed some light on these promotions.
The only place on the Internet to get completely free bureau credit reports is at the website www.AnnualCreditReport.com. This is a government authorized site people can go to retrieve their Equifax, TransUnion, or Experian credit files. Consumers are entitled to one free credit report every 12 months under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. The offer does not include a look at any of the three bureau credit scores, so this might be a drawback for some.
Many free credit report offers also come with free access to bureau credit scores. However, a caveat to these types of deals is that they require users to first sign up for a free trial membership into a credit monitoring service or other program. This may be acceptable for some, as there are no obligations to keep the service after the trial has expired. To help differentiate the many merchants and deals that are offered, I’ve listed some key points to consider before one decides.
How many free bureau reports are offered? How many free bureau credit scores are offered? Is there a conditional free trial membership that users need to sign up for? How long is the free trial for the credit monitoring? Is there Identity Theft Insurance Coverage and how much is it? Is there a Credit Simulator tool or other credit resources offered?
Ana
