How to Get Free Credit Reports -- With Score

The Web site allows you to get a credit report from Equifax, Experian and TransUnion, the big three credit reporting agencies, at no cost, once a year. While this will give you access to the information that is contained within each of the reports, this credit report won't give you your actual credit score.

This has spawned an industry offering "free" credit reports, but they usually came with a catch. You are able to obtain your credit score, but in order to do so you are required to enroll for a free 30-day trial of some credit service and required to give your credit card number. If you fail to opt out of the service, you get charged enough to more than cover what a credit-score report would cost.

According to the Federal Trade Commission, people may be entitled to a free credit report and score by contacting Equifax(EFX Quote) (800-685-1111), Experian (888-397-3742) or TransUnion (800-916-8800) in the following situations:

Denial due to score. If your credit was responsible for you being denied credit, insurance, or a job, you are entitled to a free credit score report. When you are denied, the notice should show which of the three credit reporting agencies supplied the report. You can request a free copy of your credit report and score from the agency that supplied the report, as long as this is done within 60 days.

Unemployment. If you don't have a job, you're entitled to a free report with credit score from each of the credit reporting agencies. The only stipulation is that you plan to look for a job within 60 days.