Once a year, whether you need it or not

Did you order your free annual credit reports online last year? Remember? When all the credit bureaus had to start offering them for free? If you did, it may be time for you to order your credit reports again.  Under FACT Act law, you are entitled to a free credit report from each bureau every 12 months. This report doesn't include your credit score, but you can add it on for about $5.

To see if you qualify for another set of free annual reports, go online to www.annualcreditreport.com. This is the official website for free reports from all three credit bureaus. Watch out for imitators that offer costly "free" credit reports. You can also request your reports by phone at 1–877–322–8228 or by submitting your request by mail.

Don't put off your annual credit check up! Log on to www.annualcreditreport.com today to see where your Equifax, Experian and TransUnion credit reports stand. Just like an annual doctor's visit, an annual credit check can help you spot problems before they cause you harm.