In today’s economy it’s tough enough getting a car loan or even a new store credit card with excellent credit. If you have a few problems with your past payment history, and you don’t know exactly what might be in your file, you might be wondering “How can I get my free credit report” to see what the credit bureaus are reporting about you and your credit history.
You can’t wait too long, though. Standing in the showroom taking pictures of your new car is not the time to find out you can’t get the loan approved. Find out ahead of time whether or not your new car is a dream or reality.
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.
If you really have no need for these other services, and all you wanted to see the credit report, you can cancel before your trial period expires. Since they bank on having people not cancel early enough, they want to make it as difficult as possible. You may get nowhere on the phone, and your emails might get ignored.
So what happens? You may get charged for the first month. If you do, and if the company or credit bureau won’t refund your money, go directly to your credit card company and explain the problem. Provide them with copies of emails you sent along with a copy of the free trial period information on their website. Most credit card companies will see to it that you receive a credit if you can prove to them you attempted to cancel within the allotted timeframe.