Free Credit Reports - With Extra Fees

Most people know by now that you can order a free credit report each year from each consumer reporting agency.

However, the process can be confusing. As you access your reports, the companies generally offer additional services such as credit scores and credit monitoring. The free credit reports you get as part of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) do not include credit scores or monitoring services. All you get for free is a credit report.

If you don't want to pay anything, keep an eye out for attempts to sell these extra services as you order your free credit reports. You have to read the fine print before clicking "OK", and they make it easy for you to accidentally sign up for additional services.

Thanks to reader Greg for the tip.

Further reading:

• How to View Your Free Credit Reports
• What Factors Affect Credit?