 TITLE: How to Get Started With Credit in College CONTENT: Keep Track of Your Credit\n-------------------------\nOnce you open a credit card or loan account, you'll need to start the lifelong process of tracking your credit. This is easier than it sounds. You're entitled to a free credit report every year from each of the three credit bureaus, which you can order at AnnualCreditReport.com (you can get a report every week through April 2021). Review the reports to make sure you recognize all of the accounts that appear under your name, and double-check that there are no inaccuracies in your payment history. If you notice any false information, you should contact whichever bureau issued the report right away.\nYou'll want to keep an eye on your credit score throughout the year as well. A sudden drop in your score could indicate identity theft, missed payments or other issues. Experian offers a free credit monitoring service that will monitor your score and send you an alert when it changes, help you dispute fraudulent activity and recommend ways to increase your score.\nTracking your credit helps you boost your financial profile and prevent identity theft. Most important, it gives you control as you prove yourself to be a trustworthy borrower. END