Commercials for free credit reports often come with hidden charges, and unfortunately, many people pay them simply because they lack the knowledge of where else to get this information. In most states, credit card reporting agencies are required to give you your credit report once a year. Although it’s not as simple as one easy number, it will give you all the information you need to know about any unusual activity and how companies rate you as a borrower.

Although you are allowed to access your credit report only once a year, there are actually three separate credit reporting agencies, each of which are required to give you their report once for free each year. Those three are Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. The best place to go to access all three for free is AnnualCreditReport.com. Although lots of ads will likely pop up for credit reports that cost you, if you follow the links correctly, you will have free access to all three reports.

The key to checking your score throughout the year is to only check one at a time. Perhaps the beginning of the year is when you like to know what your finances look like. Or maybe you’d rather check after tax time. Whatever time you choose, be sure to write it down somewhere, along with the name of the agency you check. This means you have an accurate record of when you can check with them again. It also ensures you know who NOT to check next time. Plan ahead to check twice a year, and keep one open just in case something comes out that requires you to check before your year is up. All three typically have very similar reports, so it’s like three free credit reports each year!