The three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian and TransUnion — will offer a free credit report to consumers each week at AnnualCreditReport.com on a permanent basis, extending a pandemic-era program that was set to expire at the end of 2023.
The new policy follows the bureaus’ move in spring 2020 to provide free weekly reports as the coronavirus pandemic struck the U.S., causing financial hardship for Americans who lost their job or faced a pay cut. Before the recent announcement, the availability of free weekly reports was scheduled to expire at the end of 2023. Typically, a free report is available from each bureau only once every 12 months through AnnualCreditReport.com.
Check each report for errors or signs of fraudulent activity, such as the presence of a credit card or loan that you never opened or a collection account for a debt that you don’t owe. The most effective way to block identity thieves from opening accounts in your name is to put a free security freeze on your report from each bureau. (You can add a freeze at www.transunion.com/freeze, www.experian.com/freeze and www.equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services.) When a freeze is in place, a creditor cannot access your report in response to an application for new credit, thwarting crooks. If you want to open a credit account, you can temporarily lift the freeze.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Related Content
-
Affordability Crisis: Florida Votes to Increase Property Tax BreakState Tax Property taxes have skyrocketed nearly 60% within the last five years in Florida, and its constituents are finally doing something about it.
-
Average Net Worth by Age: How Do You Measure Up?Financial advisors discuss the secrets to growing your net worth over time.
-
The Worst Credit Cards: Is One in Your Wallet?If you have one of the worst credit cards, it's time to replace it with a winner. We can help.
-
Best Fall Travel Deals 2024Looking for fall travel deals? Enjoy the best specials and deals on flights, hotels, and car rentals available right now.
-
Earn up to $665 With Marriott Bonvoy Cards From AmexGet up to 95,000 bonus points with the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® and the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card. Plus, get a free night. But should you get this card?
-
How to Get Access to Airport LoungesThere are several different ways to get into airport lounges — at varying price points.
-
Chase Ink Business Card $900 to $1,125 Bonus OfferLast Call: This Chase Ink business card offers a 90,000 bonus point intro offer and choice perks. The Ink Preferred card also provides choice perks, like travel insurance.
-
Best Banks for Travelers 2024Banking The best banks for travelers cut the cost of trips at home and abroad, and come with handy perks for those on the go. Read on for our top two choices.
-
Why I'm Keeping My Amex Gold Card Even With a Higher Annual FeeAmerican Express increased its Gold Card fee, starting October 1, but new perks are here, too. Here's the value one editor sees in the card.
-
Best Summer Travel Deals 2024This summer, enjoy the best specials and deals on flights, hotels and car rentals from Google Flights, Delta, Costco Travel, Hyatt, Marriott, Avis, Royal Caribbean Cruise Line and more.
