As a consumer, you are able to receive a free credit report every year. But you shouldn't have to enroll in a trial membership for credit monitoring to do so.

A current series of commercials and a catchy little jingle drives viewers to a website to obtain a credit report for no charge. However, the website notes that ordering the report automatically enrolls the consumer in a no-cost trial membership in a credit monitoring program. If the trial membership is not cancelled within seven days, the consumer receives a monthly bill for $14.95 to continue the membership. Although the website does carry a disclaimer, it could be considered misleading.

It's important to check your credit report periodically to ensure that your credit history is accurate. If it has been 12 months since you last checked your credit reports, you are eligible to check them again without the complication of a trial membership in a monitoring program you may not need.   

As a result of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), all three nationwide consumer reporting companies – Equifax, Experian and TransUnion – are required to provide consumers with a free credit report once a year. The Federal Trade Commission recommends that consumers request a credit report from each of the companies, since not every company collects the same information. Consumers can order all three credit reports at once, or they can space their requests throughout the year to monitor any changes that may occur in their credit history.
  
The three nationwide consumer reporting companies have set up one central website, toll-free telephone number, and mailing address through which you can order your free annual report. To order, go to www.annualcreditreport.com, call 877-322-8228, or complete the Annual Credit Report Request Form and mail it to Annual Credit Report Request Service, P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281.

Visit the Federal Trade Commission's website for more information.

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