Monitoring your credit record – a must when trying to maintain a good credit history – just got more affordable. Thanks to a change in federal law, all consumers are now entitled to a free copy of their credit report annually from each of the three major credit reporting agencies: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.

To get your credit score you must ask for it. Checking your report gives you the chance to correct inaccurate information that can negatively impact your credit score. It can alert you to signs of identity theft, such as fraudulent accounts in your name.

It’s recommended you request one credit report every four months from a different bureau to help monitor your profile.

Request copies of your report at www.annualcreditreport.com(link is external) or call 1-877-322-8228.