Reviewing Your Credit For Free

Did you know that you can review your credit reports for free? Knowing what’s on your credit file is one of the smartest steps you can take to protect your financial health.

Where to Get Your Free Reports

The best place to start is www.annualcreditreport.com. This is the official site authorized by federal law that lets you request one free copy of your credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian — once every 12 months.

Another useful tool is Credit Karma. This free service allows you to check and track your credit from Equifax and TransUnion as often as you like. Experian data is available on Experian.com and is a helpful way to keep an eye on your progress each month.

Why Reviewing Your Credit Matters

• Spot Errors – Mistakes happen, and sometimes accounts are reported incorrectly.

• Prevent Fraud – Regular monitoring can help you catch identity theft or fraudulent accounts early.

• Understand Your Profile – Lenders look at the information in your report when making decisions. Knowing what they see helps you prepare.

• Stay in Control – Seeing how your payments, balances, and credit activity are reported helps you take proactive steps to improve your score.

If you notice discrepancies or possible fraud, your credit report will provide instructions on how to dispute or resolve those issues. Taking action quickly can save you headaches later.

Paid Monitoring Options

Equifax, the most commonly used bureau in the Baton Rouge area, offers a monthly credit monitoring service with fraud protection. You can learn more at www.equifax.com.

There are also several other services available that offer monitoring and credit score tracking, though some require a subscription fee.

The Bottom Line

Whether you use a free service like Annual Credit Report or Credit Karma, or you opt for a paid monitoring plan, the most important thing is to stay aware of your credit. Reviewing your reports regularly puts you in control of your financial future — and helps ensure your hard work is reflected accurately.