Is there such a thing as a free credit report? Yes! Do I have to give out my credit card for this “free” credit report? No!

Here’s how. With the Fair Credit Reporting Act you have the right to one free credit report each year from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. So every 12 months a credit report is yours free.

There’s one small issue though. You don’t get to see your score. Every aspect of your credit is given except the actual number. You won’t know if you have 820, 700, or 550 credit score.

How important is the actual number? Not very. In order of importance it’s about fourth on the list below credit accounts, past due payments, court rulings, and other issues in your report. If you are dying to know the actual score you can always pay the $20 to see it. If you want to go that route click here.

You don’t need to enter your credit card information but they will ask a series of questions to verify you are who you say you are. Once you verify the questions you will have full access to your credit score.

To get started visit annualcreditreport.com. For verification on the legitimacy of this offer visit the Federal Trade Commission’s site.

HINT: Space out the time you get your credit report by four months and you can monitor your credit for free. So in April get your free report from Equifax, in August Experian, and in December TransUnion. You’ll be able to catch most things but if you’re overly concerned about your credit score you might consider professional monitoring.