How to Monitor Your Credit and Protect Your Identity
Your credit file gets used for loan pricing, insurance rates in some states, and a fair number of rental and job applications. Errors on it cost real money.
Start with what is free
- Free reports from all three bureaus. You are entitled to them through the federally authorized site, annualcreditreport.com. Start there before paying anyone.
- Checking your own report is a soft inquiry. It does not lower your score.
What a paid service adds
- Ongoing monitoring. Alerts when something changes instead of you remembering to look.
- Your actual score. Free reports show the file, not always the score lenders use.
- Identity monitoring. Watches for your details showing up where they should not.
The strongest move is free
A credit freeze blocks new accounts from being opened in your name. It is free at all three bureaus, and you can lift it temporarily when you apply for something. Most monitoring services do not do this for you, and it prevents more damage than an alert does.
Watch the trial terms
Many credit products lead with a low-cost trial that converts to a monthly subscription. Read what it renews at and put the cancellation date in your calendar the day you sign up.
Financial in our directory
Monitor your credit and protect your identity
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MyScoreIQ — FICO Score
Unlock your FICO score for $1
A $1 trial to see your FICO score and credit report, with ongoing monitoring and alerts.
Learn moreCreditScoreIQ — DIY Credit Repair
Dispute credit report errors yourself
A do-it-yourself credit repair service to help dispute errors on your credit report.
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Monitor for identity theft
Identity monitoring and alerts to catch identity theft early.
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