Getting a credit report is a good idea if you are not sure about what your credit score may be.  If you are planning on applying for a loan, buying a car, putting a down payment on a house, or simply applying for a credit card, you are going to want to know what kind of credit you have beforehand, and a credit check is the only sure way of knowing.  If you’ve been rejected from a loan or credit card, a credit report will help you figure out why. 

The good news is getting a credit report doesn’t have to be such a chore anymore.  You don’t need to make any appointments, fill out any paper work, or even leave your house so long as you have an internet connection.  There are a number of different sites today that offer you a credit report upon signing up.  Prior to applying for a new credit card several years ago, I tried one of these site out just for the heck of it.  Right off the bat I noticed a number of sites that claimed that they will give a credit report for free, so I tried one of these to start. 

The first site I tried was indeed free, however I still have yet to receive a credit check from them.  They required a credit card number, which I gave them, and bunch of other personal information, and then said that I would receive my credit report in the mail.  Well, its several years later and I haven’t gotten one.  Fortunately, they did not charge my account for anything, but nevertheless I regret ever signing up with them. 

Your best bet, I soon learned, in getting a credit report is to use one well known and respected credit services such as Experian, or Equifax.  There will charge you a small fee, usually around $30 USD, or more if you want a more detailed report.  Getting an accurate credit report is well worth this small fee, however.