There are TWO reliable ways to get your credit report that we recommend; one if you just want the reports and one if you want reports and credit scores.
NOTE: Checking your own credit does NOT count against your scores. 

CREDIT REPORTS ONLY 
The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act of 2003 (FACTA) with its Appendixes, contain provisions that allow consumers to obtain free copies of their credit report.  These provisions actually provide one report from each of the three major credit bureaus for a total of three free reports. 

There are two legitimate, secure websites for these free, annual reports: www.annualcreditreport.com and http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/menus/consumer/credit/rights.shtm
You can call toll free, 877-322-8228, to request them by mail.

REPORTS AND SCORES
You can also purchase your reports with actual FICO scores from the source at MyFICO.com; this is the Fair Isaacs Corporation, creators of the FICO scoring system.   The FICO Standard gives you the TransUnion or Equifax report with your FICO score.  You will be able to log in to view, and print, your credit report online for thirty days.   

We give both options to get your credit reports because some people want to start with purchased reports and scores and then use the free annual ones as a monitoring tool throughout the year to be vigilant for signs of identity theft and errors.  Having your scores is a good point of reference if you have some large, future lending goals such as a home, refinance or auto purchase. 

When you apply for credit, such as a home or auto loan, credit card, retail store account, even cell phones and gym memberships, you authorize the lender or creditor to review or check your credit.  This is sometimes referred to as “pulling your credit”.  When someone checks or pulls your credit, it is called an INQUIRY. 

NOTE: Creditors typically cannot obtain your credit report with out your permission, which includes your full name, birth date and social security number.