Comments on: Time to check that credit report!

By: Nicole

Nicole — Wed, 20 May 2009 16:32:25 +0000

I’ll have to go check mine out. It might be interesting:)

By: Mike M

Mike M — Tue, 12 May 2009 18:32:51 +0000

TransUnion has given me the most fits accessing my credit report, too…

However, that said, I *LIKE* the fact that it is difficult to get to. I don’t want just anybody who knows a few basic facts about me being able to access the report fraudulently.

Further, I *REALLY* like TransUnion more than the other two for one particular reason – TransUnion allows you to freeze your credit report and lift the freeze whenever you want for FREE!!! The others charge at least $5 to freeze and $5 to thaw. Sure, they’ll do the “fraud alert” for free, but that only lasts so long and it is still way too easy to get credit opened in someone’s name even when they have that alert.

I froze all three reports and love not having to worry – it is MUCH harder for someone to steal my identity now. Sure, it has its bumps – if I want to open a new credit account or bank account online, etc, I have to lift the freeze. But I just ask the merchant/bank which one to lift. If they use Equifax or Experian, it might cost me $10 (my report and my wife’s report). If it’s TransUnion, its free.

There is a price, but it also keeps me from randomly opening credit accounts (not that that was a big issue), and its the cheapest ID theft protection I can get….

By: Beks

Beks — Fri, 08 May 2009 04:05:46 +0000

L – You are so right! I totally forgot to mention that! I’ll update it!

By: Anonymouse

Anonymouse — Fri, 08 May 2009 03:05:09 +0000

I usually try to do all three in one shot. But so far the last couple times TransUnion wouldn’t accept my online verification to view my info and recommended snail-mail forms instead. I think that is just their way to discourage users. The other two agencies work fine.

By: Yellow Piggy Bank

Yellow Piggy Bank — Fri, 08 May 2009 01:59:11 +0000

This is a great idea. I didn’t know you could spread it out. I thought you had to get all 3 at one time.

By: L

Thu, 07 May 2009 13:22:33 +0000

Beks!! You are so right! But please amend your post to remind people there is only one site where you can get your federally-mandated free reports. If you go somewhere else you end up with continuity plans or paying for things you don’t need. And if you go straight to Trans Union, it won’t be free. Here’s the link: http://www.ftc.gov/freereports
Thanks! Love your posts!