Obtain a Free Credit Report
A Credit Article Contributed by Kris Griebe
Why Should I Care about a Free Credit Report?
Everyone should care about their credit report, especially when they can obtain one for free! Have you ever applied for a credit card, or perhaps a loan, and received the standard denial letter? Perhaps one of the reasons they listed was "Poor Credit", or "Lack of Credit History". Vague terms that really have no true meaning. "What do they mean, 'Poor Credit'? " This is just one reason you should care about obtaining a copy of your credit report, which can be done for free.
Getting a free copy of your credit report will enable you to find out exactly what is going on with your credit. It will tell you what these lenders are basing their decisions from, and will give you a better idea how to ideally manage your credit!
Where Can I Get a Free Copy of My Credit Report?
If you have recently received a letter like the one mentioned above, then you are already started! Since your request for credit from this company was denied, you can ask them to send you a copy of your credit report, for free! The lender will then make a copy of the document they used to determine your credit (it will be a page given to them by on of the major credit reporting agencies) and they will send it to you for free. It is your right to request to see this information, so you can better understand the reasons behind their denial of your request.
You can also log on to the internet and search for places to get a free credit report. There are many sites that will allow you to access your credit report, as well as other tools designed to help you improve and understand your credit score. Some of these sites will require a membership, which can be gained by paying a small one-time fee. The fee is not for the credit report, but instead, it is for access to the many tools and resources they have available to assist you in understanding your credit report.
Of course, there are other places online where you can obtain a free credit report, but most of those places will lack the tools and resources that you can gain by starting a membership with one of the larger websites dedicated to issues involving credit.
How long Will It Take to Get My Free Credit Report?
If you are requesting a copy from a lender who has recently denied you credit, it may take a few weeks. There will be time spent on your letter reaching them, then their letter reaching you. This process can be shortened by simply giving them a phone call.
The fastest method is, of course, the internet. There are sites on which you can access your credit report immediately, as well as sites which will send you a paper copy of your credit report. Either way, you will get to see what is on your credit report for free! This is an invaluable tool in determining where you stand in the world of credit. Get a copy of your credit report today, for there is no time like the present.
