Getting a credit report is a really good idea if you’re really not sure about what your credit score is. If you are planning on applying for a loan, buying a car, putting a down payment on a home, or simply applying for a credit card, you are definitely going to want to know what kind of credit you may have beforehand, and a credit bureau report is the only sure way of knowing. If you’ve been turned down 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 hard work anymore. You don’t need to make any appointments, fill out any paper work, or even leave your home so long as you have an internet connection. There are a number of different web sites today that offer you a credit report upon signing up. Prior to applying for a new credit card a number of years ago, I tried one of these sites out just for the heck of it. Right off the bat I noticed many of the 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 bureau report 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 bureau report is to use one well known and respected credit services such as Experian, TransUnion or Equifax. They 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.
And keep in mind also that some of these major credit bureaus offer a trial period where you can sign up for FREE and get a free credit report during the trial period. But be careful because they require that you give your credit card information when applying, so make sure that you cancel service before the trial period ends otherwise your credit card will be charged. They charge a monthly membership fee of about $19.95 per month.
Overall, my advice before getting a credit bureau report is to spend a few minutes researching different credit report sites. Don’t be fooled by offers of free credit reports, because there are likely strings attached. Additionally, there is always the danger that the site you are signing up on is a complete fraud designed just for collecting peoples personal information for illegal use. Looking into it a little before signing up for a credit bureau report may save you a lot of headaches later on.
Return from Getting A Credit Report