Rebuilding Credit: How to Check Your Credit Score |
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You can check your credit score in a large
number of ways. First, it is important to understand that there are
three separate for-profit credit agencies. You can check just one score
or all three, but they will likely be very similar. As a result,
checking just one score will usually be enough. Consider the following
options to do so.
Annual Credit Report
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) supplies one free credit
check each year for every individual through AnnualCreditReport.com.
This is the only totally free, government-provided option. It is wise
to start with this service and to use a paid service only if you need
more assistance.
Credit Agency Direct Checks
You can contact any one of the three credit agencies directly
for assistance in viewing your credit score. Typically, there will be a
one-time viewing fee up to $30. This fee may be waived if you want to
see only a portion of your report, but viewing the report in full will
likely be your best option. You may have the agency monitor your credit
for a monthly fee.
Third Parties
In recent years, a number of for-profit credit monitoring
services have been founded. For a monthly fee between $5 and $20, these
companies will provide you with a glimpse at your credit score or full
credit report. This kind of service is best for someone with a large
need to monitor reports from all three agencies. For example, if you
are recovering from bankruptcy and need a credit report each month to
determine how your recovery is coming along, one of these services will
be a good resource.
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