Checking your credit report every few months is free, and can help you keep track of your financial situation, and can warn you about identity theft.

Tips

  • If you’re deploying, put an active duty alert on your credit report.
  • Get your free credit report every 12 months from AnnualCreditReport.com. You get one free report from each company every year. Stagger your orders to get one every four months. It’s like free credit monitoring that lets you regularly see a snapshot of your credit history and get early warning if there’s a problem.
  • Read your bank and credit card statements. Make it a habit – and also read your health plan’s explanation of medical benefits. If a statement has mistakes or doesn’t come on time, contact the business.
  • In 2015, hackers stole personnel files of millions of current and former federal employees. This data breach may affect active duty servicemembers and veterans, especially if you went through background investigations for a security clearance.
    • If you got a notification letter and PIN code in the mail, sign up for the services available to you at no cost until December 31, 2018. 
    • If you didn’t get a letter, go to OPM.gov/cybersecurity to verify whether your information was part of the breach.
    • If you used the e-QIP system and you use that password for other accounts, change your passwords for those accounts immediately; do not reuse passwords that you used in the e-QIP system. 

Toolkit

Tools for Personal Financial Managers