News from the Better Business Bureau

Now is a great time to check your credit score

[April 29, 2013]  PEORIA -- Whether you are receiving a refund or owe the IRS money this year, now is a great time to request a copy of your free credit report, according to the FINRA Foundation. Consumers can get a free copy of their credit report by calling 877-322-8228 or visiting www.AnnualCreditReport.com. Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, Equifax, Experian and TransUnion are required to provide you with a free copy of your credit report once every 12 months.

Check to be sure your credit history is accurate and correct any discrepancies immediately. You can also request your score from the website. There will likely be a fee to obtain your score, but it's an important number to know, since it's what lenders use to help them decide not only whether you get a mortgage, a credit card or some other line of credit, but also the interest rate you are charged for this credit.

The FINRA Foundation has an online resource to help you understand how your credit score affects your financial future.

[Text from file received from the Better Business Bureau of Central Illinois]