I want to know why it cost to get your credit report? This invisable number follows you around your whole life and it can make the decision for you on your APR % and how much you have to put down and even if you get what ever it is or not! Is there a free way to check it? And doesn't it affect your credit if you check it too much!

Federal Law allows you to check your credit report once a year. That is the only free way I am aware of.

You can do this at:

https://www.annualcreditreport.com/cra/index.jsp

You are entitled to a free credit report once a year from the three major reproting agencies. You are also entitiled to a free report if you are ever turned down for credit due to information in your report.

However, the law that made this happen did not include your credit score as part of the report. Therefore, the agencies are free to charge you for it.

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Originally Posted by JohnSnownw

Federal Law allows you to check your credit report once a year. That is the only free way I am aware of.

You can do this at:

https://www.annualcreditreport.com/cra/index.jsp

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Are those sites safe they won't rip off your SSN?

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Originally Posted by MrsJoseph06

Are those sites safe they wont rip off your SSN?

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Yes, they are all safe. I've used equifax on several occasions.

Ok thanks!

I believe your credit is only affected if companies that you are applying for credit to go in and check your account. Once in a while is OK, just not too often. For example: applying for credit cards, applying for a mortgage, applying for a car loan, etc. By applying, you are giving them permission to go in and check your credit. So applying for 4 credit cards in one month is a BAD thing. Even if you don't accept the credit card, just applying for it will affect you.

I found all of this out a few months ago when I was applying for a mortgage.

There is a site that you can get your credit score for free. It's at myFICO - FICO Credit Scores; Get a Free Credit Report Online with our Score Watch Trial. You get 30 days free to check your score. You do have to use a credit card, but if you cancel within 30 days it is free (and they do send you notice via e-mail that your 30 days is almost up) I used it and it did NOT rip me off.