With that said, why would anyone care anyway? Big deal what's in your credit file. Right? Wrong. Remember that join charge account you had with your wife, or now should I say your ex-wife? Well maybe she never cut up her credit card and continues to use it like nobodys business. If you would check your free credit report, it would be in there.
And don't forget about identity theft. Is someone in Budapest opening up accounts in your name? Again, this information would be in your credit file.
Monitor your Free Credit Score Report - http://www.creditcardbankaccount.com/free-credit-report.html
If you plan on opening up new credit accounts later this year, like from a cellphone company, a new credit card or an auto loan, it is best to view your credit report before hand just so there are no surprises.
You also need to decide if you want to view all three credit reports at the same time or view one now and the others on a later date. The obvious advantage of ordering all three credit reports at the same time is that you will be able to compare them. Then you would have to hold off on requesting your credit reports again for another 12 months.
But if you only order one report today from either Equifax, Experian and TransUnion, you could request another report in four months. This way you can keep tabs on your credit report three times a year.
What's the difference between your free credit report and your free credit score?
Your annual free credit report lists the full detail on all your credit accounts. It tracks your past payments on all your loans and credit cards. Your credit report is different than your credit score. Your credit score is a number that ranges from 300 to 850.
Your credit score is used by a lender to help them determine whether you might qualify for a particular credit card, loan, or service. Most credit scores estimate the risk a company incurs by lending you money or providing them with a service. In other words, the likelihood that you would make your payments on time in the future. The higher your credit score, the less risk you represent to a lender.
The credit score you saw last year or even last week for that matter, was a snapshot of your credit file at that moment in time. Credit scores are fluid and can change anytime your credit report file is updated with new information.
You should always stay on top of your credit reports and credit score before you apply for any loans or credit card. Get your annual free credit report from any or all of the three major credit reporting agencies. You will also find excellent tools such as credit monitoring services to help you stay on top of your credit rating.
Get your Free Credit Score Report - http://ficofreecreditreport.info
Get your Free Credit Report, FICO Scores, and Free Identity Protection. Monitor your credit rating online.View the original article here
