Checking Your Credit Score Online – Who Do I Trust?
It’s that time again! Perhaps you’re looking to apply for a new car loan, purchase a home or maybe looking to add on an addition to your existing home. There are many reasons you may want to check your credit score. But, with so many sites out there and so many being added each and every year, how do you know who to trust and what sites are the best?
Before you buy a credit report online you to make sure you use a reputable company and are not getting scammed. Just as if you were to go out and purchase a new car you’ll want to do a bit of research first.
Here are some tips for buying an online credit report:
- Check out various sites before you sign up for any particular one. Do some online research by typing in search queries such as, “what are the best credit rating sites.” You will more than likely get a lot of responses to your search, so you will need to read through some of them to get an idea of what you’re looking for. Check the site with the Better Business Bureau as well, so as to get an idea of which ones may be legitimate and which ones may be scams.
- Once you’ve narrowed your selection down to a few sites that seem reputable, start looking at how much they charge. Companies that seem a bit overpriced may be looking to get more than your social security number and your credit rating. Determine what features you’re getting for the price. If they are charging you for a one-time credit report and their fees are substantially higher than other online companies, you may want to pull back and search somewhere else.
- Check for how long the business has been around. Just because the business or company may be new, doesn’t necessarily mean they offer poor services or that they’re not qualified to handle your sensitive information. However, if you’re looking for a company that’s been around for many years, you may want to consider one of the three big creditors out there such as Equifax, TransUnion or Experian!
Credit Report Scams and Ripoffs?
Free credit reports aren’t always the best. They can be helpful but they don’t always offer the full report, so make sure you’re reading between the lines. Review the site and find out what they offer for free. If you don’t feel like you’re getting the services you need most, then it may be worth paying a one-time fee to get the correct information from another company.
Did you know that in order for some online credit report sites to see your credit report, they are pulling it from one of the three major reporting agencies? It’s the same as if you had applied to a new credit card; regardless of whether you were approved or not, your credit score could have been lowered by a few points. The same is true for online companies. Make sure you know the facts before you sign on the dotted line.
You’re entitled to one free copy of your credit report every 12 months from each of the three nationwide credit reporting companies. Order online from annualcreditreport.com, the only authorized website for free credit reports, or call 1-877-322-8228. You will need to provide your name, address, social security number, and date of birth to verify your identity.