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 FAQ About Requesting An Online Credit Report
Many people choose to view their credit history online but they may have several questions about the process of obtaining a credit report and credit score online for free. Some of the most commonly asked questions and the appropriate answers are provided below. Click on the links below if you would like to immediately reach the section you're interested in.
 FAQ #1: Free Credit Report & Credit Score
FAQ #2: 3-in-1 Credit Report & Free Credit Score
FAQ #3: Your Free Credit Score
For More Tips & Aricles About Credit Reports, Click Here
FAQ #1: Free Credit Report & Credit Score Questions
Q: Why do I need a valid credit card for a free credit report?
A: The online credit report is free from us when you try the Credit Monitoring Service. Because we are signing you up for a membership in the Credit Monitoring Service, we need to verify your credit card information before we can process your order. We will perform an authorization on your credit card, to make sure it is valid and in good standing, but we do not bill your card until the 30-day free trial period has passed.
Q: How do I get my free credit report and Online Monthly Monitoring Alerts?
A: Your Username and Password will enable you to view your credit report and future monthly monitoring alerts over the Internet in the most secure environment possible. They give you instant access to an array of members-only benefits.
Q: How do I cancel my membership?
A: Isn't it nice to know you have the security of a money-back guarantee when you order the Credit Monitoring Service? If you try the service and decide it is not for you, please contact our Customer Care Center toll free at 1-888-888-8553 Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific Time. Your credit card will NOT be charged if you cancel during the free trial period.
Q: Which bureau's credit report does the Credit Monitoring Service monitor for me?
A: The Credit Monitoring Service monitors your Experian credit report and notifies you of several important changes to your Experian credit file with Online Monthly Monitoring Alerts. You'll know about new derogatory information, recent inquiries into your credit, and several indicators of possible credit fraud. (Customers who choose mail delivery will receive a printed Quarterly Monitoring Alert by mail.) The Credit Monitoring Service also includes free copies of your Experian report anytime during your membership.
Q: How can I switch my offline membership to an online membership in order to get my credit reports online?
A: It's easy to upgrade to online delivery and there's no extra charge! You'll be able to conveniently view your reports online, plus you'll receive monthly monitoring alerts instead of quarterly mailed alerts. Just give the Customer Care center a call at 1-888-888-8553 Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific Time.
Q: Why am I not eligible for another 30-day free trial membership?
A: The free credit report with a free 30-day Credit Monitoring Service trial membership is a promotional offer for first-time customers only. If you have already tried the program and would like to enjoy the exclusive benefits of the Credit Monitoring Service, including unlimited Free credit reports, then please click here to sign up for a full membership.
Q: Why was I billed for my score?
A: Although the credit report is free, the credit score is an addition that you selected when you signed up. The credit score is not part of the special free credit report and monitoring service trial offer.
Q: The reports that I ordered prior to joining the Credit Monitoring Service are missing. Can I still view them?
A: Any reports ordered prior to you joining the Credit Monitoring Service can be viewed by simply clicking the My Past Reports link in My Credit Center for the duration of each report's availability.
Q: How long will my online credit report be available?
A: Your report is available online for 30 days after it is delivered. It's a good idea to print a copy for your records when you first view it.
FAQ #2: 3 Bureau Credit Report & Free Credit Score Questions
Q: How is a 3-bureau credit report different from a single-bureau credit report?
A: The 3-bureau report includes your complete information from all 3 US credit bureaus - Equifax, Experian, & Trans Union. A single-bureau report contains your information on file at one of those 3 bureaus.
Q: Why is my credit report and score different among the 3 bureaus?
A: When creditors report information to the credit bureaus, they can choose which bureau(s) they want to report to. Some report to only 1, whereas many report to all 3. When a creditor chooses only to report to 1 or 2 of the bureaus, the remaining bureau(s) will not have access to, and therefore will not include, that account information in your report. Similarly, the credit bureaus do not share information and may report information that is inconsistent with the other bureaus.
Q: Why is it important to check my credit report & credit score at all 3 bureaus?
A: When creditors, landlords, and potential employers check your credit history, they can pull your credit report & credit score from any bureau(s). Some only check 1 bureau; some always check all 3. By checking all 3 yourself, you'll be prepared no matter which bureau(s) they go to.
Q: Where can I find out how to read my 3 Bureau Online Credit Report with Score?
A: Please read the Report Key for the 3 Bureau Online Credit Report.
Q: I wasn't able to receive my 3 Bureau Online Credit Report or the transaction failed. Was I charged?
A: No, we don't charge your card unless your 3 Bureau Online Credit Report is delivered. We will not charge your card if:
(a) we are unable to process your request;
(b) you do not pass our authentication process;
(c) any of the 3 credit bureau systems are down.
Please note that when you complete the order process, your credit card may be authorized for a charge, but that does not mean that it has been charged.
Q: How long does it take to get my 3 Bureau Online Credit Report and Free Score?
A: After you pass our online authentication process, you will generally receive your online credit report and score within 30 seconds. However, if we are unable to automatically authenticate your identity, you will receive instructions for further verification.
Q: Why didn't I get my credit report?
A: Although we usually deliver credit reports to our customers within seconds, there are some instances that prohibit us from doing so. These include:
*When there is not enough information to compile a 3 Bureau report for you.
*Sometimes a credit bureau does not return information about a consumer. When we are experiencing a technical networking issue.
*When we are not able to verify your identity.
Please note, that we don't charge your credit card until we deliver your credit report. If we are unable to process your request, we will not charge you.
Q: How long will my 3 Bureau Online credit report be available?
A: Your report is available online for 30 days after it is delivered. It's a good idea to print a copy for your records when you first view it.
FAQ #3: Credit Score Questions
Q: Where can I find out more about my Credit Score?
A: More information about your Credit Score can be found at our resource page here.
Q: I wasn't able to receive my Credit Score. Was I charged?
A: No, we don't charge your card unless we can authenticate you and deliver your report. If we are unable to process your request, we will not charge you. Please note that when you complete our order process, your credit card may be authorized for a charge, but that does not mean that it has been charged.
Q: How long does it take to get my Credit Score?
A: Your Credit Score is calculated within seconds, as long as we are able to locate your credit report. However, if we are unable to automatically authenticate your identity, or your report cannot be located, there may be a delay.
Q: How long will my online credit score and report be available?
A: Your report is available online for 30 days after it is delivered. It's a good idea to print a copy for your records when you first view it.
For more tips and articles about credit reports, click here.
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