Your credit report is a comprehensive look at your credit history and includes details about your credit history, creditworthiness, and financial behavior. Maintaining an accurate credit report can be important in getting future financial opportunities such as loans, employment, or even residence.
Checking your credit report will not negatively impact your credit. In fact, it is recommended that you check your credit report once a year at a minimum. You are legally entitled to a free copy of your credit report once a year through AnnualCreditReport.com. If you would like help reviewing your credit report or interpreting it, our partner in financial wellness, BALANCE, offer this service at no cost to First Northern members.
If you are looking for a more consistent way to monitor your credit report or credit score, all three of the nationwide credit bureaus offer ways for you to view your credit report or score with periodic updates sent to you (additional costs may apply).
Freezing or Locking Your Credit Report
You have the ability to lock or freeze any of your reports for to prevent others from opening new accounts in your name. Freezing your credit is a free service that is protected by federal law and can be done through each credit reporting agency directly.