Everyone has seen the commercials and advertisements stating that they can get their credit reports for free with just a few clicks of a mouse. However, beware that those offers are not everything that they claim to be. The Fair Credit Reporting Act requires the three consumer reporting companies -- Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion -- to provide consumers with a free annual copy of their credit score. The three companies have consolidated their efforts into one authorized website to allow consumers to effectively and efficiently manage their credit: www.annualcreditreport.com . Other companies have created websites that look like the official www.annualcreditreport.com, but their incentives are laden with hidden fees. Military members or dependents that are having credit reporting issues should contact their local legal assistance office.
For more credit guides and tips, visit the Military.com Money Center.
