Always keep tabs on your credit report.

With all the data breaches that have popped up over the last several years, you probably know someone (if not yourself) who was affected by one of the breaches. And if it was the Capital One data breach or the Equifax data breach that you were involved in, you've probably learned how important it is to check your credit report. 

After all, your credit score is an important part of your financial picture -- especially when applying for credit cards or loans and making major purchases, like down payments on a new home or vehicle. Being involved in your credit is another way to verify that your identity hasn't been stolen. Note that looking into your credit score will not affect your credit.

Read more: How to choose a credit card

If you haven't checked your credit score lately, start with a well-known company like Experian and Credit Karma (full list below). There are several that offer a range of services at different prices, including a free online check and free 30-day trial. Keep in mind that some companies require your credit card information, but they typically provide additional services, like insurance against identity theft and flagging suspicious use of your Social Security number.

So how does a credit score work? Everyone starts out with a FICO score, which is your creditworthiness number that can range from 300 to 850. The higher the number, the better. Some factors that affect your FICO score include "hard inquiries" like applying for credit (your credit is under review); "derogatory marks" like paying a bill late (these can keep your score down); and how much of your total credit you're using (the less you use, the better). You get a FICO score from the three major US credit bureaus: Experian, TransUnion and Equifax. Here's how these services break down.

Read more: The best identity theft monitoring services for 2020

Will checking my credit score affect my credit?

Many people believe checking their credit score will add a ding to their credit report -- but that's not true. Checking your own credit score is considered a soft loan inquiry and won't affect your credit. However, if you're applying for a loan or credit card and a company runs a credit check on you, that's considered a hard inquiry, which can bring your score down several points.

Read: 2019 Data Breach Hall of Shame: These were the biggest data breaches of the year

Mixing and matching services may help cover more ground

When it comes to checking your credit, there are a lot of ways to go. You can select one service, or pair free services together to access your FICO score from all three major bureaus.

However, if you go that route, keep in mind that you won't have the promised credit protection and monitoring that Experian, TransUnion and Equifax offer.

For more details on data breaches that may have affected you or someone you know, check out Equifax, MGM Resorts and beyond: Every major security breach and data hack.

Disclaimer: The information included in this article, including program features, program fees, and credits available through credit cards to apply to such programs, may change from time-to-time and are presented without warranty. When evaluating offers, please check the credit card provider's website and review its terms and conditions for the most current offers and information.