Whats in it for the credit reporting bureaus?: Besides the hope that your undying gratitude for the free glimpse into your credit file will inspire future business transactions that help drive revenue?
While the credit reporting agencies (CRAs) are prohibited from marketing to you in any way, shape, or form from the annualcreditreport.com website, once you exit the site to get your free report from one of the three bureaus’ sites, the sales pitches will no longer be stifled. If you show any signs of interest, you, my friend, become a “captured lead.” (See also: Glengarry Glen Ross.) Remember: You are not required to purchase anything to receive your free report. However, at least one credit reporting bureau will unveil a bona fide FACT Act-only offer to consumers who choose a free report from its website. Experian has created a new month-to-month triple-alert credit monitoring system that lets consumers know when there are any changes to their credit file from any of the three reporting agencies. (Previously, consumers had to pay for credit monitoring services from each agency to get total coverage.) In the future it will probably join Experian’s regular product lineup. Expect other
