How to Get Free Credit Reports Weekly
Check your credit report weekly for free as the three major credit bureaus make a pandemic-era initiative permanent.
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.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Become a smarter, better informed investor. Subscribe from just $107.88 $24.99, plus get up to 4 Special Issues
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free 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
-
Changes Are Coming for This Invesco Bond FundThe Invesco BulletShares 2026 Corporate Bond ETF's bonds will mature in 2026. Here's what investors should do.
-
What Science Reveals About Money and a Happy RetirementWhether you’re still planning or already retired, these research-based insights point the way to your best post-work life.
-
7 Retirement Planning Trends: What They Mean for You in 2026From government shutdowns to market swings, the past 12 months have been nothing if not eventful. The key trends can help you improve your own financial plan.
-
How to Leave Different Amounts to Adult Children Without Causing a RiftHere’s how to leave different amounts to adult children without causing a family rift.
-
Introducing Your CD's Edgier Cousin: The Market-Linked CDTraditional CDs are a safe option for savers, but they don't always beat inflation. Should you try their counterparts, market-linked CDs, for better returns?
-
How to Protect Yourself and Others From a Troubled Adult Child: A Lesson from Real LifeThis case of a violent adult son whose parents are in denial is an example of the extreme risks some parents face if they neglect essential safety precautions.
-
Here's How Much You Can Earn with a $100,000 Jumbo CDYou might be surprised at how fast a jumbo CD helps you reach your goals.
-
A Financial Planner Takes a Deep Dive Into How Charitable Trusts Benefit You and Your Favorite CharitiesThese dual-purpose tools let affluent families combine philanthropic goals with advanced tax planning to generate income, reduce estate taxes and preserve wealth.
-
How Financial Advisers Can Best Help Widowed and Divorced WomenApproaching conversations with empathy and compassion is key to helping them find clarity and confidence and take control of their financial futures.
-
Your Guide to Buying Art OnlineFrom virtual galleries to social media platforms, the internet offers plenty of places to shop for paintings, sculptures and other artwork without breaking the bank.
-
I'm 59 With $1.7 Million Saved and Just Lost My Job. Should I Retire at 59½, or Find New Work?We asked professional wealth planners for advice.
