Face it:  people will jump at almost anything that’s offered gratis.  Extra, specialized knowledge is no exception.  And while the best things in life are free, the really good stuff seems to be few and far between.  That is, unless you know where to look.

Introducing FreeCreditReport.com, designed to help liberate you from the burden of credit ignorance.  There is no knowledge that isn’t power, and FreeCreditReport.com is there for precisely that purpose:  empowerment.

In a nutshell, FreeCreditReport.com helps you keep a close eye on your report from the Big Three of credit bureaus:  TransUnion, Equifax and Experian – the last of which is actually behind the service.  Signing up for it will net you a host of privileges, including e-mail alerts of important changes and warning signs of possible identity thieves.  In fact, Experian will grant you both a credit report and a credit score – absolutely free—just for trying out FreeCreditReport.com.

Besides those perks, subscribers also get Experian’s US$ 50,000 guarantee, otherwise known as the Triple Advantage.  In simple terms, you can expect a reimbursement from a third party called ConsumerInfo.com of up to fifty grand under certain conditions.  The company will only pay you in the unfortunate event that someone poses as you and uses your confidential information without your knowledge or consent.

Should you opt to pay for membership, you’ll be able to avail of credit scores and a lifetime supply of printable credit reports courtesy of Experian.

Pros:  It sounds misleading, sure, but the free credit score report and the free credit report upon registration are just the hors d’ oeuvres before the main course.  You get such goodies as multiple copies of your credit reports and online access 24/7.  Unlike the extra service appended to the default annual credit program, this one doesn’t spam your e-mail inbox like there’s no tomorrow.  Oh, and did we mention you get a response from them within the same day that you send them e-mail?

If you want quick access to your credit reports and credit scores plus a guitar serenade on the side, then FreeCreditReport.com is the way to go.

Cons:  It’s true.  The service is free…for seven days, that is.  As with any service, you’ll have to shell out a fee (US$14.95 after a week of and every month thereafter) after the trial period ends, unless you cancel your membership.  Note that that is only the initial fee.  The other, more comprehensive option of three scores and credit scores each will cost you US$39.95.  Fortunately, FreeCreditReport.com is very transparent about the fees you’ll need to pay.

Potential subscribers, take note:  after you sign up for the trial period, you may actually have to wait a few days before credit monitoring actually begins.  Some “wait training” is definitely in order.  Also, if you’re a resident of New York, you are unfortunately not qualified for the Triple Advantage promo, simply because restrictions in New York state law forbid you from doing so.  Bummer.