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Pros: Best value, all 3 credit scores, quarterly credit score updates, top notch ID theft protection. Cons: Scores provided are not FICO, however, they are a very good approximation.
| Free Trial | Scores | Monitoring | ID Theft Coverage | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30 days | All 3 ScoresIncludes a total of 3 credit scores, based on data from each of the 3 major credit bureaus - Equifax, Experian & TransUnion. These are not actual FICO scores, but a very close approximation. | Equifax, Experian & TransUnion | $1 mill | $17.99/month |
Pros: Monitors all 3 credit bureaus, excellent identity theft protection features Cons: No free credit score, but discounted scores are available for purchase
| Free Trial | Scores | Monitoring | ID Theft Coverage | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| None | None, scores available for extra fee | Equifax, Experian & TransUnion | $1 mill | $9.95/month |
Pros: Low cost 3-bureau credit monitoring, frequent credit score updates (twice a month) is a big plus. Cons: Doesn't provide all 3 credit scores.
| Free Trial | Scores | Monitoring | ID Theft Coverage | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 days | Experian PLUS ScoreWhile not your actual FICO score, Experian's PLUS credit score was created with consumer education in mind. It should be a good approximation of your FICO. | Equifax, Experian & TransUnion | $50k | $14.95/month |
Pros: Best and cheapest way to keep close track of your FICO Credit score, low monthly price. Cons: Only monitors one credit bureau (Equifax), doesn't have a free trial.
| Free Trial | Scores | Monitoring | ID Theft Coverage | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| None | Equifax FICO ScoreFICO credit score based on your Equifax credit report. Your FICO score is what most lenders will look at to determine your risk. | Equifax | $25k | $9.95/month |
MYTH: Many people are under the misconception that any credit check will ding their credit, so they try to avoid checking their own credit to avoid lowering their credit score. FACT: Checking and monitoring your own credit does NOT negatively affect your credit score. In fact, it's a vital step when trying to improve or maintain your credit. What will ding your credit score (slightly) are credit checks from lending institutions at your request (like when shopping for a loan).
MYTH: All 3 of your credit scores and credit reports will always be the same. FACT: Your scores from each bureau usually vary, sometimes significantly. It all depends on your creditors and which bureaus they report your payment history to. Not all lenders will report to all 3 credit bureaus. It's a good practice to find out if your lenders/creditors report to all 3 bureaus, or just 1 or 2 of them.
