Getting your Free Annual Credit Report
Get your credit report:
Everyone is allowed to get a free credit report from each of the 3 main credit bureaus every 12 months. The official site is http://www.annualcreditreport.com/
There are other websites that promise free credit reports, but be careful because all that they really promise is a FREE TRIAL! AnnualCreditReport.com provides consumers with the secure means to request and obtain a free credit report once every 12 months from each of the three nationwide consumer credit reporting companies in accordance with the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act (FACT Act). AnnualCreditReport.com is the only service authorized by Equifax, Experian and TransUnion for this purpose. AnnualCreditReport.com will not approach consumers via email, telemarketing or direct mail solicitations.
Get your credit score as well:
The above service will not only get you your credit report, but not your credit score. Around once a year it is usually worthwhile to pay something extra and get your credit score so that you understand how your credit compares with everyone else -- is it average, exceptional, etc.
There are several sites where you can get your credit score. Our recommendation is to go to the equifax website.
Below is a generalized average rating of FICO scores. Most lenders look for acceptable or better scores; each lender makes a decision about what level of risk they are willing to accept.
- 720-850: Excellent credit ("AA")
- 700-719: Very Good credit ("A")
- 660-699: Good credit ("B")
- 620-659: Acceptable credit ("C")
- 560-619: Poor credit ("D")
- 500-560: Very poor credit ("E")
- Below 500: No credit, credit-based applications denied outright ("F")
- Invalid: You have no credit history
Good luck,
Your Financial Ally
