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Ultimately, the best rates and terms come down to your credit score, a figure that calculates your debt and credit habits into a three-digit number. Knowing what’s on your credit report gives you a chance to fix or improve any red flags in your finances.
If you’re concerned about your credit score and want to know the specific number that potential lenders see when you apply for a loan, you can turn to a credit reporting agency like Equifax.
Starting price | $15.95 |
---|---|
Credit scores | TransUnion, Equifax, Experian |
Credit monitoring | Yes |
Trial period | No |
Update frequency | Monthly |
Founded in Atlanta in 1899, Equifax is one of the largest credit reporting agencies in the world. It’s among the three major credit reporting bureaus in the US along with Experian and TransUnion.
Equifax keeps an eye on your overall credit report, monitoring applications for loans and credit cards, your repayment history, plus any bankruptcies or an account sold to a collection agency. It can also provides tailored verification services to businesses and the government.For $15.95, Equifax offers 30 days of access to your Equifax credit score, a number it calculates using a proprietary algorithm. You get to see your score and a review of what’s great and not so great in your current credit report.
You’ll also have access to customer service reps who can guide you toward next steps to fix the flags Equifax uncovers.
Benefits | Cost | |
---|---|---|
Equifax Small Business Credit Reporting |
| $15.95 for 30 days |
Yes. Many banks offer free credit scores to cardholders and members, including Discover, Capital One and Chase — Capital One provides scores based on TransUnion data, for example. You can also sign up to a website that offers free access to your credit score in exchange for your personal information.
Before signing up with Equifax, weigh its benefits against possible drawbacks.
To get started, go to Equifax’s website to select the Equifax Credit Report and Score underneath the tab titled Personal at the top of the website.
Yes. With a history dating back nearly 120 years, Equifax is one of the three major bureaus consumers and creditors rely on for free annual credit reports and more.
That said, in 2017, Equifax admitted to a cybersecurity breach that exposed the personal details — including Social Security numbers — of some 143 million Americans. The breach was possible due to a security flaw in Equifax’s web app that authorities say the company knew about for two months, which calls into question its leadership’s overall commitment to safety. Facing a PR disaster and more than 20 lawsuits, Equifax began offering free ID protection and monitoring services to affected customers.
You’ll get a full overview of your Equifax credit report for an affordable price. However, if it’s just a credit score you’re after, Equifax can give you a ballpark idea of what future creditors might see when you apply for a loan or credit card, but it doesn’t report your FICO Score — which is more widely used by the lending community.