FreeCreditReport.com

• Owned by Experian
• Includes Free Services
• FICO scoring model
• Security
  
• Helpful Online Resource

Owned by Experian

As previously mentioned, FreeCreditReport.com is owned and operated by Experian, which is one of the three major credit reporting agencies and is a massive, publicly-traded company.

In general, Experian is a fairly reputable company. FreeCreditReport.com's website leads customers to Experian, also a known credit card issuer, where customers are able to apply for credit cards, auto loans, personal loans, and debt consolidation loans. 

Free Services

Unlike some other companies, FreeCreditReport.com really does provide customers with a free copy of their Experian credit report.

As mentioned above, the company does not even require users to input a credit card to make a free credit report request like other companies in the industry. 

FICO Scoring Model

FreeCreditReport.com uses the FICO credit scoring model, which is the same model used by the vast majority of lenders. Customers can be confident that the FICO score they receive is the same one being looked at by potential creditors.

Security

One of the benefits of being backed by a large company is that it provides comprehensive security and shielding of client information. The company clearly states what personal information it may use in its online terms and conditions section.

Because FreeCreditReport.com is certified by both McAfee and Entrust, users can rest assured that their credit accounts, social security number, and credit information are well-protected.

Helpful Online Resource

In addition to credit monitoring services, FreeCreditReport.com provides an online blog that helps customers learn about overall credit management including credit agencies, credit history, payment history, credit inquiries, tax liens, theft, how to make a credit report request, how to check a score, and more. 

• Single-bureau reporting
• Undisclosed identity theft protection
• No mobile app
• Monthly refresh rate

Single-Bureau Reporting

Unfortunately, FreeCreditReport.com only provides consumers with a credit report from Experian, therefore leaving out the two other major bureaus (Equifax and TransUnion).

This lack of Equifax and TransUnion credit reports leaves a gap in coverage and may not provide customers with a completely accurate view of their comprehensive credit score. Consumers should know that many companies in the industry offer access to all three credit reports. 

Undisclosed Identity Theft Protection

It is unclear whether or not FreeCreditReport.com offers any identity theft protection features to shield its customers from fraud.

Meanwhile, many credit monitoring services do offer some sort of identity protection or monitoring. FreeCreditReport.com consumers who wish to have identity theft monitoring or protection may have to pay for a separate service. 

No Mobile App

Unlike other companies in the credit monitoring industry, FreeCreditReport.com does not seem to provide a mobile app to allow its customers to view their credit information on the go using a smartphone or tablet.

Monthly Refresh Rate

FreeCreditReport.com only refreshes credit reports once per month. Changes can happen to an individual's credit in a month's time, so it can be an inconvenience if customers are not able to view an up-to-date version of their credit report at any time. Meanwhile, some other credit monitoring companies offer weekly or even daily report refreshes.