credit score

[472 R/T SE]

That's it Grant.  freecreditreport.com.  They will let you check it for free once a year.  No strings attached.

Even when you dump credit cards it will stay on your report for up to 6 months I think.  We have 2 with 0% interest.  No need for more, IMO.
Sometimes when you call to cancel a credit card it's like pulling teeth.  We had problems with a couple accounts, Yamaha and AmEx, who didn't want to close our account.  AmEx took like 5 tries.  That's why you need to check your report to see what some of these companies are trying to pull.

If you get on that site it will help you to better understand the whole game.  We're 33 points away from topping out so it's something I researched years ago. 

[derailed]

I would not use any of the free credit report options.
They are trying to sell you a services for a monthly fee and then give you your credit report for free.

I just asked my Credit Union about obtaining a credit report and here is what they sent me.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
To obtain a copy of your credit report you may contact one of the following Credit Bureau's.
Equifax                                           
          PO Box 740241
         Atlanta,GA 30374
         Phone: (800) 685-1111
         http://www.equifax.com/

Experian
          PO Box 2002
          Allen, TX 75013
          Phone :(888) 397-3742
          http://www.experian.com/

Trans Union
          PO Box 4000
         Chester, PA 19016
         Phone: (800) 888-4213
         http://www.transunion.com/index.jsp
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Talk to your bank or credit union to see what they recomend.

You will most likely have to pay for a copy of your credit report.

You can also obtain a credit report from these 3 companies by calling this number, 1-877-322-8228

[Charger_Fan]

You will most likely have to pay for a copy of your credit report.

That's what I've had to do in the past, I just dislike having to pay to see my own report.
Thanks for the ideas.

That's it Grant.  freecreditreport.com.  They will let you check it for free once a year.  No strings attached.

<snip>

If you get on that site it will help you to better understand the whole game.  We're 33 points away from topping out so it's something I researched years ago. 

So you've never had any adverse problems from using them? It's that whole "free" thing that makes me leery of using it. I usually have bad luck using that type of thing.
Oh & I'm assuming that getting that free report will also reflect as having been "pulled" on my overall report, right?

33 points away from topping out? WOW!



Derailed, do you have to pay with that phone number?

[derailed]

No you dont. Its free and you call and choose which companies you want to recieve it from. My mother used it and had no problems with it.

[472 R/T SE]

Oh & I'm assuming that getting that free report will also reflect as having been "pulled" on my overall report, right?

Yep, it takes a hit for even you checking it.  How much I don't know.  When, if, you check it at a later date you'll see where you've hit it and anyone else. 
Our bank was hitting it every so often so I called.  They need to check every so often I guess.  If they can have a reason to raise your interest rate, they'll be all over it. 

[Charger_Fan]

No you dont. Its free and you call and choose which companies you want to recieve it from. My mother used it and had no problems with it.

Great, thanks Man.

If they can have a reason to raise your interest rate, they'll be all over it. 

That's for damned sure.


Well cool, I'll give it a try & hold my breath.

[472 R/T SE]

Mind you I'm NO expert.  Just relaying my experience's and what I was told affect's the score per bank.

[Silver R/T]

Also check your credit at least once a year to keep on top of any negative item that may have been added.

Now & then I hear a radio ad telling people to check their credit reports online, some place like "free credit report.com", or something close.
To me, while it sounds like a good idea (I hate having to pay to obtain my own credit report), I'm very squeamish about just typing in all my info on some friggin' site like that. I feel like I'd be just begging for some scammer to bend me over & go to town.
Do any of you guys have experience with places like that?

Ive actually tried it and its completely free. Although it DOESNT give you credit score.

[Charger_Fan]

Mind you I'm NO expert.  Just relaying my experience's and what I was told affect's the score per bank.

That's fine, I appreciate your input. I just wanted to hear experiences from others before I tried it...I wanted someone else to be the Guinea pig.

[adauto]

A friend of mine had this happen after his divorce-

Finally got a credit card....
but low limit due to his divorce.......
easily maxed card ($350)........
tried to buy a car....
no available credit (maxed)
VERY LOW CREDIT SCORE!!!!!!

no car!

[89MOPAR]

 
Also, if you are denied credit due to an adverse credit score / credit report - you can take that denial letter, call the credit reporting company listed on the letter {Experian. Transunion, etc]  and , By Law , they are obligated to send you a Free copy of your credit report.

Something to tell your mom.

[Silver R/T]

went with different loan officer, mom's score is over 700....I dont know what the other so called loan officer was smoking

[nh_mopar_fan]

What I think is stupid is if you pay off loans or credit cards quicker than expected and they ping your credit score. I've already had three credit cards already and I have paid two of them off and working on getting the third one paid off. I have already closed the account. Anyways, crazy stuff I tell ya.

Closing credit lines that you've had for a long time will hurt your score as well. If you've had a card for a long time, you're better off leaving it open even if you don't use the card anymore.