Learn How to Check Your Credit Score
Take Control of Your Finances
One question that many people have is, “How do I fix my credit score?" Whether you are dealing with your own consumer credit report or a business credit report, it is possible to check your credit score so you can monitor it.
As a result, you can fix your credit score if it’s below a certain range. You can even get a credit report without a credit card. There are a few different ways you can go about obtaining your credit report to monitor it for errors or to simply check whether it is improving over time.
Free Credit Report Websites
The first thing you can do to check a business credit report or consumer credit report is to acquire them from free credit report websites. Generally, sites like Credit Karma and Credit Sesame are good options that allow you to check your credit score for free.
You can even find the answer to the question, “How do I fix my credit score?" if your credit is bad. These websites show you your current credit score through various credit check companies, usually TransUnion and Equifax.
In addition, you can even receive a free credit report without a credit card from these websites. It is especially helpful to go through credit check companies while you are still building your credit.
Three Major Credit Bureaus
Another way to monitor your credit is to obtain your report directly from the three credit reporting agencies: Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. Every year, you can obtain a copy of your credit report from the bureaus.
It’s a good idea to take advantage of this perk even if your credit is excellent. It enables you to check for errors and immediately report them to the three credit reporting agencies so they can be deleted or fixed, which can only benefit your credit score.
Credit Monitoring Services
Although credit monitoring services come with a price tag, it may be worth it to acquire them for your own peace of mind. There are a number of such services available, but TransUnion credit protection is considered one of the best. It costs only $19.95 per month and gives you access to your credit score and credit report, as well as monitoring your credit through the other two major credit bureaus.
However, for $29.95, you can access your credit scores and reports from all three bureaus. This is simply a one-time fee, however, which means you will have to pay it any time you want access to the information found on all three.
TransUnion credit protection also offers you valuable tools for identity theft protection and alerts you whenever there is fraud or other suspicious activity detected on your account. Customer service is reliable and available seven days a week as well.
Review Your Credit Accounts
It’s important to also review your credit card accounts on a regular basis. This might seem tedious, but it can be well worth it if you are wise about your spending and paying back your balances. It can also ensure you more readily spot suspicious activity should it arise.
If you do notice any discrepancies, you should immediately report them to your credit card company. It can help to improve your credit when you are struggling as a victim of fraud.
Even if your credit is excellent, it is essential to periodically monitor your credit reports. It can help you keep everything on the upside and improve your score and creditworthiness overall.