A monitoring subscription is one way to stay informed. It is optional, and you can start reviewing your credit reports for free.
What monitoring can help you do.
Depending on the plan, a service may alert you to changes in a credit report and provide reports or scores to review. Check which credit bureaus are covered and how often each feature updates.
An alert gives you something to investigate. Monitoring does not guarantee that identity theft will be prevented, reporting errors will be removed, or your score will increase.
Check these details before enrolling.
- Coverage: Does the plan include one bureau or all three? Are reports, scores, and alerts included?
- Score type: Which scoring model and version are shown? Your lender may use a different score.
- Full cost: What does the trial cost, when does it end, and what recurring charge follows? Check for separate report fees or paid upgrades.
- Cancellation: How do you cancel, and when must you cancel to avoid the next charge? Keep the instructions and your confirmation.
Optional paid monitoring · IdentityIQ by IDIQ
Explore IdentityIQ through Fresh Footing.
Review IdentityIQ’s current monitoring offer, included reports and scores, and update frequency before deciding whether it fits your needs.
Check the subscription terms: Review any trial price and length, the recurring charge and billing interval, and how and when to cancel on IdentityIQ’s enrollment page before purchasing.
Enrollment and payment take place with IdentityIQ. A monitoring subscription is optional and is not required to use our free resources.
Fresh Footing may earn a commission if you enroll through this link.
Optional credit monitoring with SmartCredit.
Explore SmartCredit’s credit reports, scores, and monitoring tools. Before enrolling, review the plan’s bureau coverage, trial and recurring charges, report fees, and cancellation terms.
Fresh Footing may earn a commission if you enroll through this link.
You can begin with free reports.
AnnualCreditReport.com provides free credit reports from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Review the official site's current options and keep a dated copy for your records. A credit report and a credit score are different products.
For a step-by-step review, use our credit report checklist. You do not need a paid monitoring subscription to use it.
Common questions.
Is monitoring the same as credit repair?
No. Monitoring helps you follow information and receive alerts. An error still needs to be investigated and, when appropriate, disputed. No monitoring service can promise a particular deletion, score increase, or credit approval.
Will every service show the same score?
No. Scores can differ by scoring model, credit bureau, and date. Check what the service provides before comparing it with a lender's score.
Can I keep using a service I already have?
Compare its coverage and features with what you need before paying for another subscription. Bring questions about your reports to your Fresh Footing review.
Want help understanding your reports?
Fresh Footing provides credit education, report review, and strategy guidance. Explore our process, compare support options, or contact us with questions about your next step.