The good news is getting a credit report doesn’t have to be such a chore anymore.  There are no 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 to check credit score.  Right off the bat I noticed a number of sites that claimed that they will give free annual credit report, so I tried one of these to start.

The first site I tried was indeed free, however I still have yet to receive the promised free annual credit 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 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 to check credit score.  Getting an accurate credit report to check credit score is well worth this small fee, however.

Overall, my advice before getting a credit 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 free annual credit report may save you a lot of headaches later on.