Which credit bureaus will your credit union, auto dealer, mortgage broker, or credit card compamy check? Usually all three will be reviewed with the average (or sometimes lowest) score providing the basis of your interest rate. Know whats on your credit report at all three credit bureaus. Its easy with the free annual credit report that is provided to legal U.S. residents once a year at www.annualcredit report.com. Review your report for any inaccuracies that could cost you money through higher interest rates.

You may request your free credit report online, by phone, or through the mail. Free credit reports requested online are accessible immediately. Free credit reports requested by phone or mail will be processed within 15 days of receiving your request.

After receiving your report, look for any inaccuracies, including late pauments, unknown accounts, unknown addresses, incorrect spellings, or anything else you dont recognise. The phone number for each creditor is usually located next to the entry on your credit report. Taking the time to fix simple inaccuracies can save you hundreds of dollars in interest fees if the inaccuracies were loweing your credit score.

The next step is to check your credit report every year for free. Get on your computer and add a reminder to your calendar to check your credit report for free again in one year.`