It has been almost 5 years since I last looked up my credit report, so naturally I was curious to know how much it has improved (I’m a born optimist) during all this time. After typing “free credit report” into the Google search box, out came a gazillion hits as can be expected. Then came the less-than-pleasant memory of the very first time I had looked up my own credit report / score. Way back then, an inexperienced me had happily signed up with one of the major credit reporting agencies and obtained my report as quickly as I had registered. My credit was surprisingly decent, considering the fact that I was fresh out of college. But then again, I had always paid my rent/bills on time, and I had not taken out any student loans. In any case, after getting the information I wanted, I soon forgot about the whole thing, and ended up getting charged several weeks later. Ouch. So, wasn’t the credit check thingy supposed to have been free?? Sure it was! But like so many other green newbies out there, I neglected to read the fine print carefully. After signing up and getting your credit report, you actually have to cancel your membership before the trial period ends! Thus, if your credit card gets charged, you only have your good ‘ol self to blame for being careless! (Let’s save the debate about aggressive/cunning marketing for another day…) However, with a little care, getting your credit report is indeed free, and relatively fast and easy. Everyone is legally entitled to one free credit report per year from each agency. Typically, the big three are: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. Each credit bureau has its own trial period length (e.g. 7 days for Experian vs. 30 days for Equifax) and policies, so be damn sure to READ everything in detail! Very often you can also find free 3-in-1 credit reports, i.e. you get to view and compare your credit history as reported by the three aforementioned agencies – simply Google it to learn more. Lastly, if you really like the service they provide and don’t mind paying a bit each month, simply keep your membership. OK, time to check my credit again… and this time round I’m reading everything!
To check your credit score for free (summary):
1) Google “free credit report”
2) Pick the link that interests you most
3) Sign up to get your report from one of the big 3 bureaus
4) Obtain and inspect your credit report
5) Remember to unsubscribe before the trial period ends to avoid charges
Tags: credit report, free credit report
