You are entitled to receive a free copy of your credit report each year from each of the three main credit reporting bureaus: Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax. How? Visit www.annualcreditreport.com to view your reports online or call 877-322-8228 to have reports mailed to you.

You can also request your credit score from a paid service, but keep in mind that many require you to sign up for monthly or annual services to receive your credit score. In many cases the service could cost between $50 and $100 per year or more. In some case you may receive the first month free, but if you forget to cancel the service, you will be charged automatically.

Credit information changes frequently but should not change so quickly that you need to pay to see your credit report. And keep in mind that if you are ever denied credit based on information on a credit report, you have the right to inspect that credit report for free. If you are denied credit, ask to see your credit report – you can find out what information is included without paying any fee.