How to Request a Credit Check

Monitoring your credit is essential to financial health. As part of the Fair Credit Reporting Act, passed in 2003, consumers now have the ability to obtain free copies of their credit reports from all three credit bureaus -- TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian. A credit report contains valuable information about borrowing history and fiscal responsibility. Requesting a credit check on yourself or someone else is quite simple.

Instructions

Requesting a "Soft" Pull

1

Pull your own credit. A "soft" credit pull is one that does not generate an inquiry on your credit profile. An inquiry can remain on your credit report for as long as two years. Too many inquiries (usually more than five in a six-month period) and your score may drop. See Resources for a link to a free copy of your report.

2

Request a credit line increase from one of your credit card companies. In order to qualify you for additional credit, these companies must review your borrowing habits. This credit inquiry is also a "soft" pull.

3

Request a "soft" pull from one of your current creditors. This is best handled at a local bank or credit union where you have a credit account. A representative can pull a "soft" copy and then show you the details of that report.

Requesting a "Hard" Pull

4

Apply for a loan at a local credit agency -- like a bank. It's best to do this in person as you can then review the details of your credit report with the loan officer. You must apply for an actual credit program to generate a "hard" pull.

5

Open a new bank account at a bank. Most large banks now conduct credit checks with "hard" pulls for new customers. These reports will also contain your FICO score -- a three-digit number between 350 and 850. Scores above 700 are excellent, while scores below 600 are poor.

6

Apply for a new credit card using either an offer in the mail or online. Each new application for a credit card requires a "hard" credit pull. After a credit decision has been rendered, you'll receive a notice in the mail -- either granting a credit card or denying your application -- that will allow you to request a copy of the credit report used to render the credit decision.

Requesting Someone Else's Credit Report

7

Get a written authorization to check a credit report. While only a verbal authorization is required, it's best to get consent in writing -- both for your records and the applicant's. You cannot check someone's credit without their authorization.

8

Make sure you have enough money to conduct a tri-bureau credit check. A tri-bureau report gives information on the applicant from all three credit bureaus. This type of report is the most thorough. Most independent agencies will charge between $10 and $15 per score.

9

Contact a credit check service. The easiest way to check a credit score on an applicant is to use a landlord service. Visit the National Landlord Association (Resource 2) to find an agency to conduct the check.

10

Order the reports for all applicants. You will need a credit card to purchase these reports. You may be able to gain online access to the reports, or you can choose to have the reports mailed to you. Make sure to keep these reports private and shred the documents when you are through -- privacy is essential.