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Traditional and online stores are offering layaway programs as the new credit card

Delray Beach, FL -November 3, 2009 - NationalCreditReport.com, a leading provider of free credit reports and credit monitoring services, urges consumers to check their credit scores before starting their holiday shopping. Each year, many consumers rack up additional debt, often driving down already troubled credit scores. To help address this problem, some online stores are offering electronic layaway payment plans to allow customers to slowly pay for an item before acquiring it, through automated checking account deductions.

The option of layaway as the new credit card may help consumers keep a handle on their holiday spending. Unlike credit cards, which allow consumers to buy an item and then pay it off, often with high interest rates, layaway enables consumers to pay for the item first, sometimes without interest. Layaway has historically been restricted to brick-and-mortar establishments, but now some online stores are offering layaway to lure customers. Online layaway is typically achieved through scheduled deductions from a checking account.

Sam Ambrose, NationalCreditReport.com's Vice President of Marketing & Operations, said, "Before you begin your holiday shopping this year, it is important to make - and stick to - a budget and also check your credit score. If you are concerned about adding to an existing credit card balance, you may want to consider paying for an item first and using layaway as your new credit card. And, don't forget to look beyond traditional retailers. Some online stores are also offering layaway to ease the burden of rising debt."

NationalCreditReport.com provides credit monitoring and reporting, and lets consumers check their credit scores for free. For more information, visit www.NationalCreditReport.com and begin protecting your identity.

About NationalCreditReport.com
Since 2004, NationalCreditReport.com has specialized in providing a variety of credit information to consumers to help protect them from identity theft. The Company provides credit monitoring, credit reports, credit scores and other identity theft protection services.

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