How Can I Get My Free Credit Report

Nowadays, with the economy the way it is, many people can't even get a new credit card or a car loan even with good credit. For anyone who has a few problems with past due accounts and a questionable payment track record, you need to know what all the credit bureaus are saying about you. You should be thinking, "Where can I get my free credit report"?

However, you need to plan ahead. You don't want to wait till the last minute to find out you won't be driving home in that sleek little black convertible you've been drooling over for the past week.

Until a few years ago credit reports cost about $25 a piece. Within the past few years, however, depending on where you live, almost all consumers are entitled to get one free credit report each year. The problem with this is that it could take forever to get it in the mail!

If you're in a hurry your best bet is to sign up with one of the credit reporting agencies online. Remember - your goal right now is to just see your report and check it for errors. Most companies and the three credit reporting bureaus have various membership programs that allow you a short trial period in which to review your report - and that's all you want.

If all you want is your credit report, why would you buy a monthly membership? They are hoping the additional services they offer will entice you to stay and continue paying.

Unless you are truly interested in these extra services, all you need to do is cancel your membership before the trial period ends. At the end of the trial period, your credit card will be charged. Of course as you attempt to call and email to let them know you'd like to cancel, you may not get a response. They certainly aren't going to let you off easy.

So what choices do you have? If you do end up seeing a charge from them on your next credit card statement, your credit card company will help you getting your money back. Chances are you won't be able to solve the problem with the merchant since they haven't answered your emails thus far anyway. Make sure you have copies of emails, a copy of their web page where it explains their trial period, anything that talks about a guarantee, and a printout of whatever type of confirmation they sent you when you signed up. You'll need dates on everything.