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9 Sites to Find Free Credit Reports
AnnualCreditReport.com
AnnualCreditReport.com is a centralized platform that lets you access your free credit report without paying any fee.
The federal law allows citizens access to a credit report every year and you can get your credit report by:
- Requesting from the website without registration, signing up or giving your credit card details.
- Dialling the service number on the website
- Requesting a PDF report to be delivered to your physical mailbox
Even though you’ll receive a detailed credit report, it doesn’t come with a credit score. However, the information can help you in other aspects such as;
- Establish if there’s any identity theft
- Access your suitability for jobs, credit card, real estate request and mortgage approvals
There is a guarantee of accuracy since the platform pulls the report from Equifax, Transunion or Experian at no charges.
Transunion
Transunion is one of the three recognized credit bureaus to get your credit report and credit score. It uses your credit history data to help you improve your finances and protect against fraud or identity theft.
Here you can get unlimited credit monitoring which can help you in assessing your credit health.
In addition, the platform sends alerts to your email in case of significant changes in your credit data, such as a new account or change of physical address. Therefore, you can take remedial action in case you suspect identity theft.
The service also sends you instant alerts if someone requests your credit report, and therefore, you can note when unauthorized persons are trying to apply for credit facilities with your name.
Most institutions such as banks, insurance companies and landlords rely on the report from Transunion and the other legal credit bureaus to assess your credit risk and worthiness.
You won’t pay to access a basic report. However, if you need more advanced services such as credit monitoring you pay $24.95 per month.
Other benefits of Transunion paid subscription includes;
- Email notifications from three credit bureaus
- Access to Identity theft experts
- Personalized debt appraisal services
- Access to Equifax and Transunion credit reports
- Up to $10000 ID theft insurance
FTC Consumer Information
The FTC ( Federal Trade Commission) is a federal body that protects consumers from deception and unfairness on the market. They also investigate and file lawsuits against businesses and individuals who violate consumer protection laws.
Under federal law, you have a right to access one free credit report every year to identify errors or signs of identity theft. Subsequently, you can report any fraud to FTC consumer information for the investigation.
To get your annual credit report, visit the AnnualCreditReport.com website at no charge and provide essential details such as;
- Name
- Address
- SSN
- Date of birth
Credit Karma
Credit Karma was established in 2007 and works alongside Equifax and Transunion to provide you with a free credit report.
Because of the partnership, the report you get is accurate, reliable and therefore, you can use it to make financial decisions such as borrowing, insurance and employment.
You’ll need to set up an account to access your report; however, you don’t have to provide your credit card details.
You can download the Credit Karma app and access your credit report on the go.
Other benefits of Credit Karma include;
- You’ll get an alert if there’s a change in your credit report and if there’s an identity breach.
- They’ll notify you of any unclaimed money lying somewhere
- You’ll get access to tools to help you evaluate factors affecting your mortgage plans, such as monthly income and down payment
- It helps in the preparation and filing of your tax returns at no cost
You can use the platform to generate your credit report and monitor your VantageScore 3.0 for a whole year for an unlimited duration.
You can use the platform to generate your credit report and monitor your VantageScore 3.0 for a whole year for an unlimited duration. VantageScore is a credit scoring system created by the three main credit bureaus to predict a borrower’s ability to borrow and repay a loan based on their credit history.
Experian’s Free Credit Report
Experian is a globally recognized agency that generates credit reports and credit scores to help individuals assess their credit risk and detect identity theft.
It’s one of the three legal agencies that financial institutions use to generate your credit report when you’re seeking a loan or mortgage.
The agency uses a credit reporting tool to;
- Track inquiries,
- Detect new accounts opened with your details
- Identify changes in your credit balance
You can access the report free of charge. However, for advanced monitoring, you can subscribe to the paid plan of $24.99 per month. A basic report helps you in detecting new accounts with your details, changes in credit balance and track any credit inquiries.
Also, enhanced SSN monitoring, account activity tracking, and dark web surveillance cost you $9.99 per month.
Experian also offers various resources and information to help you improve your credit scores, such as how to make timely payments for your utility, cable, internet, and phone bills.
If you have a business, you can use the software to manage your credit.
Experian charges
| Service | Amount |
|---|---|
| Basic report | Free |
| IdentityWorks Plus (for an adult) | $9.99 per month |
| IdentityWorks Premium (for an adult) | $19.99 per month |
| CreditWorks Premium | $24.99 per month |
| Credit report and FICO score | $19.99 per month |
| Three Bureau Credit report and FICO Score | $39.99 per month |
Credit Sesame
With Credit Sesame, you can get a Transunion credit report and advice on factors impacting your overall credit.
Firstly, you need to sign up to the platform by creating a personal account, and this doesn’t include sharing your credit card details.
After creating an account, you’ll gain access to regular monthly credit reports without paying any money.
You can access your credit report via the Credit Sesame app and get data on your credit status as well as how to improve the current score.
The platform also evaluates other information such as credit risk and recommends the best loans, credit cards and financial products available on the financial market.
CreditWise
You can get an up-to-date credit report and score via the CreditWise platform without paying any fee.
The sign-up process is straightforward; however, you’ll need to provide your credit card details.
CreditWise offers unlimited service and updates the information every week. In addition, the service is available on the web and mobile app so that you can access the report anywhere.
The platform sends you alerts about vital changes in your credit report, enabling you to evaluate your credit situation anytime.
CreditWise also has a free credit score tool that assists you in determining factors affecting your credit score and taking remedial steps.
For instance, if you’d like to apply for a mortgage facility, you can use the tool to evaluate your score and estimate factors that may affect your appraisal.
NerdWallet
You don’t need to pay anything to sign up and register with Nerdwallet to get a free credit report. The platform partners with Transunion to generate up-to-date credit reports and scores.
You can access the report anytime alongside your VantageScore 3.0, depending on the Transunion credit report information. In addition, the platform updates your credit score every week.
There are no major requirements to register to this platform, and you can use your Google account to get started.
You also need to enter the following information:
- Date of birth
- Physical address
- Last four digits of the SSN
Lastly, you can download your NerdWallet app on your mobile phone and access your credit report at any time.
WalletHub
If you’d like updated weekly or monthly credit reports, you can consider the WalletHub platform. In addition, you’ll get free daily alerts along with an updated full credit report delivered right to your inbox.
The platform pulls the report from Transunion, and therefore, the information is reliable, and you can use it to make sound financial decisions such as credit card and mortgage applications.
Unlike some platforms that may charge you to access a credit report, WalletHub is free and offers advice depending on your credit situation.
You can also get a free Vantage Score 3.0, which helps you assess your credit risk.
You don’t need to submit your information to access the service, and they don’t ask for credit card details.
Free Credit Report FAQ
What is the use of a credit report?
Financial institutions such as banks may require your credit report when appraising your ability to pay or suitability for a loan. Also, you can enjoy lower interest rates based on the information provided.
Some organizations may require a credit report for background checks when seeking a job, and insurance providers may use the data to determine the rates.
On a personal basis, you can use a credit report to detect signs of identity theft and monitor any changes in your account activity.
Do credit reports have scores?
Credit reports are a statement or summary of your credit data which includes your accounts, loans, and history. They don’t have scores, but you can get your credit score from the credit bureaus.
How many free credit ceports are available per year?
Federal law allows US citizens to access at least one report every year. However, some platforms such as CreditWise can provide unlimited reports per year.