# Credit reports
**URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/t/credit-reports/178744
**Category:** Factual Questions
**Created:** [May 31, 2003, 7:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/credit-reports/178744 "2003-05-31T07:34:11Z")
**Posts on this page:** 4
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@dnooman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dnooman)
#### Post date: [May 31, 2003, 7:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/credit-reports/178744/1 "2003-05-31T07:34:11Z")
Is there any way to check one’s credit report without getting a negative effect as a result of the inquiry?
Also, I know that there are tons of “free credit report” sites/spams, are any actually legit and worthy of use? If so, I’d love to know where and how to get a no BS “recognized” credit report.
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### Author:  [@Big-Ole-Steve](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Big-Ole-Steve)
#### Post date: [May 31, 2003, 8:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/credit-reports/178744/2 "2003-05-31T08:06:16Z")
Checking your own credit report will NOT result in a lowering of your credit score. This is only the case when creditors check your credit as a result of you applying for credit. But you’re free to check your own credit without affect.
Depending on your locality, the Credit Agencies are required to provide you, free of charge, a copy of your credit report, every so often.
Many of the free sites are fine…eLoan gives some free reports, and they’re highly respected in the industry…but don’t use ANYTHING from a spam. This is not a philosophical rant against spam, as much as a warning that those aren’t always sent by people with scruples be cautious who you give your SSN to.
You can read some info on Credit Reports/Credit Scores here:
> **[Home](https://clark.com/)**
>
> Clark Howard and Clark.com shows you practical ways to save more, spend less and avoid getting ripped off.
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### Author:  [@Big-Ole-Steve](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Big-Ole-Steve)
#### Post date: [May 31, 2003, 8:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/credit-reports/178744/3 "2003-05-31T08:07:45Z")
D’oh:
…people with scruples\*\*. Be\*\* cautious who you give your SSN to.
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### Author:  [@lauramarlane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lauramarlane)
#### Post date: [May 31, 2003, 11:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/credit-reports/178744/4 "2003-05-31T11:41:13Z")
The big three of credit reporting agencies are
TransUnion 1-800-680-7289
Equifax 1-800-525-6285
Experian 1-888-397-3742
As far as I know, everyone is entitled to a free copy of their credit report once a year or whenever you may have been turned down for a loan. It’s a good idea to get that free copy even if you don’t think anything is wrong, just so you can make sure they have the correct info–you can make corrections to it if you find mistakes.