| Unfortunately the holiday season usually brings an | | | | your credit. |
| increase in credit card fraud and identity theft, so right | | | | How to check your credit: |
| after the holidays is a great time to check your credit. | | | | There are three credit reporting agencies (Equifax, |
| Following is why, when and how to check your credit | | | | Experian and TransUnion), and they are required to |
| score... | | | | provide you with one free credit report each year. The |
| Why you should check your credit report | | | | three agencies do not always share the same |
| * to check for errors | | | | information, so it's important to check all three. |
| * to check for fraud and identity theft | | | | You can order all three reports at one time, but it may |
| * to get the best interest rates | | | | be a better idea to check one company one month, |
| * more and more people are relying on credit scores - | | | | wait a few months, then check another company, then |
| car insurance, employers, etc. | | | | the third company a few months later. This way you |
| When to check your credit history: | | | | are getting three free reports a year, and you are |
| * Once a year if you have good credit and don't | | | | checking several times a year, so you are more likely |
| anticipate any large purchases in the near future | | | | to catch errors and/or fraud. |
| * Before a major purchase, such as a new home, new | | | | Go to to request your free report online. This is the |
| car, etc. - should check your credit 6 months ahead of | | | | only authorized source for consumers to check their |
| a big purchase so you have time to correct any errors | | | | credit online for free. There are commercials and |
| * If you've been denied a credit card, loan or other | | | | websites for other companies who claim to offer your |
| product or service because of your credit (you are | | | | credit report online for free, but they are generally |
| entitled to a free credit report if you have been denied | | | | selling a service or they are a scam. |
| credit based on information found in your report) | | | | In addition, you can call 1-877-322-8228, or you can |
| * If you suspect that your identity has been stolen | | | | write: Annual Credit Report Request Service, PO Box |
| * If you are starting a plan to get out of debt or repair | | | | 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281. |