Things you should know:
1. There's only one Free Credit Report.
The only way to obtain a free credit report is through Annual Credit Report. You will not receive your credit score, but you can check to make sure all of the information on your credit report is reporting correctly.
2. There are three major credit bureaus.
Each bureau reports different information. Therefore, it's important to check all three reports each year to make sure your information is correct when a creditor needs to access your credit history.
3. Improving your credit score could save you tons of money!
Having a strong credit score gets you better rates on loans, which can save you thousands and thousands of dollars over a lifetime. Even if your credit score takes a hit due to an expected life situation, you can recover your score sometimes within a matter of months, because your score is a snapshot in time based on several factors.
4. Get your Free Financial Review and see if ECU could be saving you money!
We all want to save money. So, let ECU take a look at your credit report to see if there are ways we can save you money on your existing loans. Visit a branch, give us a call or email us to get started. While we're reviewing your report, we can offer suggestions on how to improve your credit score, too. The better your credit score, generally, the money you will save!
5. Learn more about credit scores and credit reports using Practical Money Skills Guides from Visa.
Credit Score Brochure
You may not realize it, but there is a three-digit number that plays an important role in your life. This number is your credit score and it summarizes the information in your credit report.
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Practical Money Guide: Credit Card Basics
Credit cards can be powerful financial tools for you and your family, and as with all financial tools, they need to be used carefully. This guide outlines the basics of credit cards and the responsible use of credit.
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Download Español PDF (964 KB)
Practical Money Guide: Credit History
To get a glimpse of your financial future, many businesses look at your financial past. This history is contained in your credit report. This guide explains what credit bureaus are, why your credit history matters, and how to correct credit report errors and keep your credit rating strong.
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Download Español PDF (904 KB)
Practical Money Guide: Debit Card Basics
If credit cards mean 'pay later,' debit cards mean 'pay now.' These cards are tied to your bank account and are like paying with cash. With debit cards, you've got to have the money in the bank to cover your purchases. These cards look similar to credit cards so make sure you know what type of card your financial institution issued you.
Download English PDF (836 KB)
Download Español PDF (836 KB)
Practical Money Guide: Prepaid Card Basics
A prepaid card is a card you load with money to make purchases anywhere a debit card is accepted. It's a safe alternative to carrying cash and paying check-cashing fees. In lieu of traveler's checks, prepaid cards can be good options for traveling. They're also a popular gift-giving idea because recipients can use them for whatever they want, and they're widely accepted.
Download English PDF (3.8 MB)
Download Español PDF (3.8 MB)
