Check Your Credit Report-and Keep Checking!
Many people wonder how often they should check their credit report and the answer they receive is similar to the advice from their doctors about getting a physical: each must be done once a year. However, checking your credit report once a year may not be enough. In fact, it may only be good advice for someone who has a good credit score and who doesnat open many new accounts every year. In the worldas current economic state, many people do not fit into this category and therefore it is important to know and understand the instances in which credit reports ought to be checked.
You may check your credit card and bank statements thoroughly every month, but in these times, that may not be enough to detect identity theft. When a thief opens a brand new account in your name, it won’t show up on your credit card bill, but you will see it on a credit report, since credit reports show new accounts that have been opened.
If you wait until you have bill collectors calling you about a large amount of debt you have accumulated, you will be too late to stop an identity thief from ruining your credit. By staying on top of your credit report, you can detect identity fraud early on, giving you a chance to resolve the situation before it is too late to keep your credit intact. There are other reasons to check your credit report regularly as well.
If you are planning to get out of your current credit card debt or to improve your credit in general, your credit report is the right place to begin your research. It contains details about all of your financial accounts and what creditors are saying about you. Staying on top of your finances is the best way to maintain good credit or to improve upon it.
Another important reason to know what is on your credit report is when you are applying for a loan. If you are denied for that loan, it is vital to know why in order to keep it from happening again. A small credit card debt, even a twenty dollar one from four years ago, can keep you from being approved for a loan. If you are denied for a loan, you are entitled to a free credit report, which you should review to ensure that all information is accurate.
Credit reporting bureaus are made up of people, and where there are humans, there is the possibility for human error, even on your credit report. You have the legal right to challenge any errors that you may find on your report. If you do make a challenge, credit agencies are required by law to investigate to make sure the information is correct.
You have the right to know what your credit report says about you. Whether you are looking into getting a loan, or just trying to make sure your identity has not been stolen, it is important to keep aware of what information is on your credit report.
Remember, you are entitled to one free credit report each year, but that does not mean that you are safe checking your report only once per year. If you are planning a large investment, thinking about taking a major loan, buying a house or maybe just being curious, get your credit report and make sure everything is in order.