Credit Check Reports
What is the best/least expensive way to obtain credit report. I've seen a
number of adds to obtain "free" copies of credit reports by signing up for
credit protection services but I'm not sure which of these are legit.
Better to just pay for credit reports direct from the credit reporting
agencies?
Have credit denied to you: Federal law says that then you are
entitled to a free report from the agency(ies) that the credit
grantor relied on in reaching a decision.
Failing that, some states have laws giving their citizens free
credit reports under certain circumstances, for instance if you are
unemployed and looking for work. Check your state's consumer affairs
office.
You are right to be suspicious of the credit protection services and
other "free credit report" services. Remember TANSTAAFL[1]; you will
almost certainly end up paying more than if you had just got the
reports on your own. I believe each credit bureau charges $8 for a
credit report.