Do you know your credit score? If not, you could be missing a critical piece of your financial puzzle. Your credit score is more than just a number; it's a key indicator of your financial health and plays a significant role in your access to loans, credit cards, and even favorable interest rates. Staying informed about your credit score, and checking it often, empowers you to make smart financial decisions and safeguard your financial well-being.
Staying on top of your credit report is also an essential part of protecting yourself from fraud and identity theft. If you spot accounts, names, or addresses on your report that you don’t recognize, it’s likely a sign that your identity has been compromised. The sooner you can spot fraudulent activity and report it, the better your chance of getting it resolved before it escalates out of control.
Here are some practical ways to check your credit score and credit report at any time:
#1. Access Your Free Weekly Report
It used to be that you could only get a copy of your credit report once per year from each of the three major credit bureaus. However, back in 2023 the three national credit reporting agencies permanently extended a 2020 program stemming from COVID-19, that allowed consumers to check their credit report each week. Thanks to this change, you are now able to pull a free credit report from Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion weekly from AnnualCreditReport.com.
#2. See If Your Bank Offers Free Credit Services
Many banks, including Bank5 Connect, are making it easier than ever to stay on top of your credit. A growing number of financial institutions and credit card companies now allow you to review your full credit report and credit score through your online account at no additional cost. At Bank5 Connect, we even offer the ability to set up free credit monitoring alerts, so you’ll know when your credit score changes, or when new accounts are opened in your name. This can help you stay on top of identity theft and fraudulent credit activity. Our credit monitoring tool also offers the ability to set credit goals, and provides valuable personalized recommendations to help you improve and build your credit score. One thing to be aware of is that the credit report provided to you in your financial institution’s online platform will likely come from just one of the three credit bureaus. You should determine which one you have regular access to via your bank and be sure to check the other two through AnnualCreditReport.com.
#3. Consider Paid Credit Monitoring Services
Dedicated credit monitoring services offer another way to stay informed about your credit. These paid services typically provide real-time alerts and robust features. However, the cost can add up, especially since most require you to sign up for a subscription-based program. You can expect instant alerts for any changes to your credit report, and often these services include comprehensive features, such as identity theft insurance and fraud resolution support. If you do choose to opt for a paid credit monitoring service, it is crucial to choose wisely. Thoroughly research providers to ensure you select a reputable and trustworthy company with a proven track record of protecting sensitive information.
Take Charge of Your Credit Health
Taking charge of your credit health is one of the smartest financial moves you can make. By integrating regular credit checks into your routine, you can identify what current behaviors might be hurting your credit score, and work to improve it. Staying on top of your credit can also help you to identify any misinformation or errors in your credit report so you can dispute them as soon as possible.
If you’re interested in taking charge of your credit, consider opening a high-interest checking, savings, or money market account from Bank5 Connect. Not only will you reap the benefits of great rates and 100% deposit insurance, but you’ll gain access to free credit monitoring through online banking and the Bank5 Connect mobile app.
Staying on top of your credit report is also an essential part of protecting yourself from fraud and identity theft. If you spot accounts, names, or addresses on your report that you don’t recognize, it’s likely a sign that your identity has been compromised. The sooner you can spot fraudulent activity and report it, the better your chance of getting it resolved before it escalates out of control.
Here are some practical ways to check your credit score and credit report at any time:
#1. Access Your Free Weekly Report
It used to be that you could only get a copy of your credit report once per year from each of the three major credit bureaus. However, back in 2023 the three national credit reporting agencies permanently extended a 2020 program stemming from COVID-19, that allowed consumers to check their credit report each week. Thanks to this change, you are now able to pull a free credit report from Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion weekly from AnnualCreditReport.com.
#2. See If Your Bank Offers Free Credit Services
Many banks, including Bank5 Connect, are making it easier than ever to stay on top of your credit. A growing number of financial institutions and credit card companies now allow you to review your full credit report and credit score through your online account at no additional cost. At Bank5 Connect, we even offer the ability to set up free credit monitoring alerts, so you’ll know when your credit score changes, or when new accounts are opened in your name. This can help you stay on top of identity theft and fraudulent credit activity. Our credit monitoring tool also offers the ability to set credit goals, and provides valuable personalized recommendations to help you improve and build your credit score. One thing to be aware of is that the credit report provided to you in your financial institution’s online platform will likely come from just one of the three credit bureaus. You should determine which one you have regular access to via your bank and be sure to check the other two through AnnualCreditReport.com.
#3. Consider Paid Credit Monitoring Services
Dedicated credit monitoring services offer another way to stay informed about your credit. These paid services typically provide real-time alerts and robust features. However, the cost can add up, especially since most require you to sign up for a subscription-based program. You can expect instant alerts for any changes to your credit report, and often these services include comprehensive features, such as identity theft insurance and fraud resolution support. If you do choose to opt for a paid credit monitoring service, it is crucial to choose wisely. Thoroughly research providers to ensure you select a reputable and trustworthy company with a proven track record of protecting sensitive information.
Take Charge of Your Credit Health
Taking charge of your credit health is one of the smartest financial moves you can make. By integrating regular credit checks into your routine, you can identify what current behaviors might be hurting your credit score, and work to improve it. Staying on top of your credit can also help you to identify any misinformation or errors in your credit report so you can dispute them as soon as possible.
If you’re interested in taking charge of your credit, consider opening a high-interest checking, savings, or money market account from Bank5 Connect. Not only will you reap the benefits of great rates and 100% deposit insurance, but you’ll gain access to free credit monitoring through online banking and the Bank5 Connect mobile app.