| There is a bit of misunderstanding going around | | | | should cost you money. Are you confused yet? Well, |
| regarding free credit reports: you can get a free credit | | | | don't be: essentially you are getting both the credit |
| score too. In reality, this isn't true. If you go to the three | | | | report and the free credit score as part of the |
| credit reporting agencies, they are required to furnish | | | | package. In any event, you are likely paying more for |
| your credit report to you for free. If you want your | | | | the combined service than if you did the work yourself. |
| credit score, you will have to pay for it. There is a | | | | Again, it is a service so expect to shell out some |
| difference, so let's examine just what they are. | | | | money if you opt to go the free credit score with |
| A free credit report is available to you through each of | | | | credit report route. |
| the Big 3 credit reporting bureaus. Trans Union, | | | | For consumers wanting a free credit report, than a visit |
| Experian, and Equifax have been authorized by an act | | | | to is in order. Again, in this case your credit report will |
| of Congress to supply a copy of your credit report to | | | | be free but don't look for a free credit score. The |
| you once per year. If you order more than one copy | | | | previously mentioned $4 to $7 fee will be charged to |
| from the same company within that year you will pay | | | | your credit card. |
| for that report. In addition, if you want your free credit | | | | As with so many things, shop around and read the fine |
| score, you won't get one: for free, that is. Instead, | | | | print. Remember, companies do provide a service by |
| expect to pay a separate fee of approximately $4 to | | | | offering reports and scores to you. For some |
| $7 per agency to get your credit score. So, it isn't a | | | | consumers this is a great way to "remember" to get |
| free credit score, but it won't cost you a bundle either. | | | | copies of their reports and scores when someone |
| On the other hand, there are companies marketing | | | | else is doing the work for them. In any case, make |
| free credit scores as part of their package of selling to | | | | certain that you obtain a copy of your credit report |
| you copies of your credit reports. In these cases you | | | | and scores today regardless of whether you choose |
| pay for what is already free and get free what really | | | | to do it yourself or have someone do it for you. |