Answer :
Final answer:
You can get a free credit report from AnnualCreditReport.com (Option A) and monitor your credit with Credit Karma, which is also free. Credit Karma allows you to dispute inaccuracies, though it might share your information with credit card companies. Regular monitoring and reporting errors are key to maintaining a good credit score.
Explanation:
To obtain a free credit report, you have a few reliable options. One of these is AnnualCreditReport.com, where you can order a credit report every four months from each of the three major credit-reporting companies, namely TransUnion, Experian, and Equifax. By spacing these reports out every four months, you can monitor your credit throughout the year at no cost. In addition to this, Credit Karma is an invaluable tool for frequent credit monitoring. Credit Karma is free and provides alerts for significant changes in your credit score or for hard inquiries. However, be mindful as they may share your information with credit card companies, potentially leading to credit solicitations.
It's important to note that financial institutions are reporting to credit bureaus with increasing frequency, which could be weekly or even daily. Therefore, checking websites like Credit Karma every two weeks can give you a better sense of the dynamics of your credit score. Reporting any discrepancies you find is crucial and can be done directly on Credit Karma's website at no cost.
Be aware of the credit-related myths as they can mislead you. For example, using the "credit" option with a debit card does not affect your credit score, and credit reports can contain inaccuracies due to various reasons, such as mistaken identity or identity theft. Vigilance and regular checking of your credit report can help you maintain an accurate and healthy credit profile.
