Tuesday, January 3, 2006

How to Compare Credit Monitoring

How to Compare Credit Monitoring

Credit monitoring services provide consumers with information from credit reporting bureaus. Consumers have many options when deciding on a credit monitoring service. It is important to select a monitoring service that provides the appropriate coverage for an individual's needs.

Reports Monitored

    Review each monitoring service to determine if the service monitors reports from all three credit bureaus. Some monitoring services provide reports from only one agency.

Free Credit Scores

    Most monitoring services provide free credit scores to enrolled customers. Some services provide reports from only one bureau, others from all three. It is not uncommon for a consumer to have a different credit score from each of the three bureaus.

Trial Period

    Some monitoring agencies offer a 30-day free trial, other agencies offer a shorter period or no trial at all. Selecting a monitoring service with a free trial period enables consumers a cost-free period to determine if it offers the necessary information.

Cost

    Costs for credit monitoring services vary, depending in part on the number of bureaus monitored as well as the length of any free trial period offered.

ID Theft Insurance

    Most credit monitoring agencies offer guaranteed ID theft insurance. However, the amount of the guarantee varies by agency. Take this into consideration when selecting a monitoring service.

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