Free Credit Score

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Many consumers do not understand the difference between all the different free credit score and the free credit report offers that are advertise online everywhere.

Free Credit Report

The 3 credit bureaus, Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian, all used to advertise "Free Credit Reports" until the FTC cracked down on false advertisement back in 2005. The issue was many consumers felt they were tricked into signing up for the free credit reports and then hit with a monthly charge ranging from $9.99 to $19.99 that would give them access to their credit report and credit monitoring. Consumers sometimes didn't realize the monthly charge until 4 or 5 months later and one can imagine how anger they may feel.

The Crackdown

In 2005, the FTC settlement with the credit bureaus included a requirement any advertisement of "Free Credit Report" to include a disclaimer at the top of the page to read:
"You have the right to a free credit report from AnnualCreditReport.com or 877-322-8228, the ONLY authorized source under federal law."


The fine print is that the free credit report offered at AnnualCreditReport.com does not include a credit score.

Free Credit Score

You will now notice that almost all free credit advertisements is for a "Free Credit Score" rather than a free credit report. The credit bureaus are back at it again, now offering consumers a free credit score that often comes with access to their credit report and includes a short credit monitoring trial offer.

The free credit score offers are not a scam, dispite what many consumers may feel. The key is to know what you are getting for what you are paying. Paying $10 a month for automated notification whenever any activity happens on your credit report can help prevent identity fraud. Additionally, one can simply just cancel the service within 7 days and not get charged at all.

Bottom Line

If you simply need a copy of your credit report and do not need your actual credit score, visit AnnualCreditReport.com.

If you would like a copy of your credit score in addition to your credit report and credit monitoring service, visit any of the 3 credit bureaus.

AnnualCreditReport.com is available for consumers in all 50 states listed below:
  • Alabama
  • Alaska
  • Arizona
  • Arkansas
  • California
  • Colorado
  • Connecticut
  • DC
  • Delaware
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Hawaii
  • Idaho
  • Illinois
  • Indiana
  • Iowa
  • Kansas
  • Kentucky
  • Louisiana
  • Maine
  • Maryland
  • Massachusetts
  • Michigan
  • Minnesota
  • Mississippi
  • Missouri
  • Montana
  • Nebraska
  • Nevada
  • New Hampshire
  • New Jersey
  • New Mexico
  • New York
  • North Carolina
  • North Dakota
  • Ohio
  • Oklahoma
  • Oregon
  • Pennsylvania
  • Rhode Island
  • South Carolina
  • South Dakota
  • Tennessee
  • Texas
  • Utah
  • Vermont
  • Virginia
  • Washington
  • West Virginia
  • Wisconsin
  • Wyoming
 
 
 
 
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