How To Check Credit

Maintaining good credit is important and consumers should periodically check the status of their credit. Knowing your status can make a difference in the type of financing you may apply for. There are three major agencies that maintain credit reports: Transunion, Equifax and Experian. Many companies solicit these services for a fee but everyone has access to their credit report through the credit reporting agency and many times it is free if the applicant qualifies. If you have been denied credit within the last 60 days, you may be entitled to a free report from the reporting agency.

1. Obtain a free report. All consumers are entitled to one free report per year. The reports can be requested from Annual Credit Report. This agency maintains reports from all three major agencies.  Log onto their website and create an account. You will be required to create a username and password. Once your account is created, you may request your free report. You will also have immediate access to your free reports from all three agencies. You will also receive a reminder email notifying you when you are eligible to request your next free report.
2. Log onto Transunion's website. Click on the "Personal" link at the top. This will bring you to the “credit reports and monitoring” page. Choose "3-Bureau Credit Report" on the right. Enter the requested data, such as name and address. Create a username and password that will be used to log into your account. Choose "I accept" at the bottom and enter your payment information on the next page.
3. Consider choosing Transunion's credit monitoring service. This service allows you to access your credit score without limitation. Expect to pay a monthly fee for this service.
4. Request your credit report from Equifax by visiting their website. Choose the "view all products" link on the left. Choose the product that you wish to purchase. You have the option of including your credit score with your report. Create an account that includes a username and password.
5. Check your credit report through Experian. Log onto Experian's website and choose "gets your today" at the bottom, listed below Experian Credit Sore and Report. This will bring you to the account setup page. Create an account and enter your payment information. You will have immediate access to your credit report.