Here’s a Totally Free Way to Check Your Credit History
Your credit history affects more aspects of life than you might imagine.
You probably know credit card companies and lenders look at your credit report when deciding whether to give you money.
But you might not know your cell phone provider, apartment management companies, car rental agencies and even prospective employers are peeking at your credit history, too.
Do you know what they’re seeing when they do?
They’re likely tapping into your credit history from the three major credit bureaus: Experian, TransUnion and Equifax. You can see this information, too… but it will probably cost you.
You can request a free annual credit report from each of these bureaus (and it won’t necessarily contain your credit score). But we’re sharing a program that will let you get it for free every week.
Free Access to Your Credit Report Helps You Make Smarter Money Moves
Having regular access to your credit report is the first step to keeping more cash in your pocket. Once you know where your credit stands, you can start making smarter money moves — like shopping around for cheaper car insurance, snagging a 0% balance transfer card to ditch high-interest debt, or finally breaking up with that overpriced cell phone plan.
Start with your free credit report, then check out these savvy ways to save:
| Offer | Why We Like It | What You Need to Do | Start Saving |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Penny Hoarder Auto Insurance Tool | Save ~$500 per year | Provide some basic information | |
| AmOne | Save on interest payments with a personal loan | Answer a 10 quick qualifying questions | |
| Balance Transfer Credit Cards* | Cancel Your Interest Payments Until 2026 | Apply for a 0% Interest Credit Card | |
| Upside | Save $40/month on Gas | Download this free app |
How to Check Your Credit Report for Free
The three major credit bureaus started offering free weekly credit reports via AnnualCreditReport.com during the COVID-19 pandemic. The program was originally set to expire after December 2023. But in September 2023, the three National Credit Reporting Agencies (NCRAs) announced they would continue providing free weekly credit reports permanently.
The move helps consumers make educated decisions about their finances by providing a better understanding of their current credit health. Prior to the change, consumers could only get a free credit report once a year.
To take advantage of this, head to AnnualCreditReport.com and click “Request your free credit reports.” From there, you’ll need to fill out a form, pick your reports, and request and review your reports online.
Remember AnnualCreditReport.com is the only source for free credit reports as directed by federal law. Steer clear of any websites making similar claims!
Dana Sitar (@danasitar) is a former staff writer at The Penny Hoarder. She’s written for Huffington Post, Entrepreneur.com, Writer’s Digest and more, attempting humor wherever it’s allowed (and sometimes where it’s not).
