Where to go to check credit?

[jrdavid68]

My wife's oldest has had some problems that have affected his credit and ability to get even a checking account.

I want to start with getting a copy of his credit report and am wondering if any of you have used any of the "free" sites, or other sites out there for this. I'm skeptical of the "free" ones.

Does anybody have any experience with the following:

http://www.myfico.com - not free
http://www.freecreditreportservice.com - "free"

Any other advice is welcome!

TIA,

[RickM]

David,

I wouldn't trust an unknown "Credit" organization for information this sensitive. I'd deal directly with the Credit info aggregators. They are Experian, TRW, Equifax & Trans Union. Do a Google for direct contact info.

Here's one: http://www.transunion.com/

[Icemaster]

All the credit reporting agencies have websites that will allows you to access your personal history as reported by them.

I believe (someone correct me if I'm wrong please...) that you are still entitled to 1 free credit report per year, however I think you have to submit a written request (snail mail...) to get it. You typically have to pay to get instant gratification. Still and all, it's not that expensive.

I've gone the direct route myself and had no problems. I don't trust third parties. It's bad enough my SS# is as readily available as it is to those that look hard enough, I don't like the idea of giving it yet again, to another organization that IMHO has no real reason to have it.

[Dantilla]

I put a precautionary fraud alert on my credit report, and was sent a current copy, free.

[Moneyguy1]

Most of these "free" offers sign you up for their service for which they charge after three months or so. As for the "big three" of credit mentioned above, they are the only ones I would deal with but I will add this caveat. Make certain you send each of them a signed letter stating that they are NOT to divulge your credit history without your personal -p-permission. These agencies are a necessary evil and should be better regulated than they are since nearly anyone can obtain your information with very little difficulty.

[DonDavis]

If he has a "denial of credit" in writing from a granting institution (bank, dept store, credit card) in the last 30 days, he can call all 3 of the credit reporting agencies and get a free copy.

Equifax-TransUnion, TRW, Experion.

Stay away from the "Reporting" services like FreeCreditReport.com etc...

Also, DO NOT get involved with companies like AmeriDebt or other credit repair or debt reduction scams. They are SCAMS. Later, they appear as a form of bankruptcy on a credit report.