Credit Monitoring
A service that alerts you to changes in your credit report, such as new accounts, hard inquiries, or changes in account status. Helps detect identity theft and errors early. Available for free (through card issuers and monitoring services) and paid (through bureaus and third-party services).
Related guides
- Full credit & FICO® glossary
Browse all defined terms by category.
- Credit Report
A detailed record of your credit history maintained by each of the three major credit bureaus (Experian, TransUnion, Equifax). Contains personal information, account history, payment records, public records, and credit inquiries.
- Identity Theft
When someone uses your personal information (Social Security number, credit card number, name and address) to commit fraud, typically opening accounts or taking out loans in your name. Identity theft can severely damage your credit and requires filing disputes with the credit bureaus and reporting to the FTC.
Frequently Asked Questions About Credit Monitoring
What does Credit Monitoring mean?
A service that alerts you to changes in your credit report, such as new accounts, hard inquiries, or changes in account status. Helps detect identity theft and errors early. Available for free (through card issuers and monitoring services) and paid (through bureaus and third-party services).
Is Credit Monitoring important for my FICO® score?
Understanding Credit Monitoring helps you manage your credit profile more effectively, which in turn supports a stronger FICO® score.