3 Ways to Check Your Credit Report on a Low Budget

A Credit Article Contributed by Kris Griebe

How Can I Check My Credit Report for Free?

The first way to check your credit report for free applies to anyone who has received a denial of a credit application. If you have one negative strike on your credit report, it can be quite easy. If you have been denied on a credit application you have the right to request a copy of your credit report from them. Typically this is free of charge.

Once you put in the request to see your credit report, they will mail you a copy within a few weeks and you will be able to check your credit report free of charge.

Is There Another Way to Check My Credit Report for Free?

Yes, there are many ways. You can also try surfing the internet for a free credit report site. There are many out there, but most of them come with some kind of condition. For some all you have to do is sign up for their website, perhaps put up with a little spam in your email, and you will be able to check your credit report for free.

Some sites will offer to show you your credit report online, others will mail you a copy of your credit report, but either way, you can successfully check your credit report for free. A word of caution: be careful on these "free" sites - often they will actually charge you for some other service in order for you to see your "free" report.

If I Cannot Check My Credit Report for Free, are There Any Other Low Cost Solutions?

Aside from credit report sites that allow you to access your credit report for free, there are many that will allow you to do so for a low one time membership fee. These sites are beneficial not only because they allow you to check your credit report, but they also give you the tools and information you will need to repair your credit as well.

This saves you time because you will not have to do lots of research on how to repair your credit, all the tools and tips you need will be right there with your credit report. Many of these sites charge very low fees, and some will even give you a free trial, waiving your fee for the first month or two, allowing you to decide whether or not their site is ideal to help you in your situation.

Another option is to request a copy of your credit report directly from one of the three major credit reporting agencies. Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion will all furnish you with a copy of your credit report, though usually for a small fee. Using this method you will typically not get instant access to your credit report online, instead they will mail a copy to you, but it still allows you to see your credit report for a low fee.

Pick which method best suits your needs and go for it. Keeping accurate tabs on your credit report will help ensure you maintain a good credit score for the rest of your life.