How to Obtain a Credit Check

Regularly reviewing your credit report enables you to keep your credit rating up-to-date. Obtaining a credit check is easy, but should only be done occasionally. Getting a credit check means applying for a line of credit to see whether creditors deem you credit worthy. Your credit score will drop if you your credit file is checked too often.

Instructions

1

Use an existing credit card issuer to obtain a credit check. As you have a line of credit with them, the credit check will not be registered on your credit file. Too many credit checks can negatively affect your credit score. Log onto your card issuer's website. Enter your user name and password. Check to see if you can apply to increase your credit limit online. Try another card if you can't.

2

Click "Apply to increase credit limit." Obtain your credit check by completing the details requested. Make sure you have a valid reason. Do not request more than a 30 percent increase. Credit card companies usually limit each increase to 30 percent of your existing credit limit. Above this percentage, your request may be declined. This could be recorded on your credit file.

3

Click "Submit." Your details will be verified. Confirm your request. Your card issuer will either confirm that your credit limit has been increased, or refuse the request. If the increase is approved, your credit file is good. If declined, the company will tell you why it decided, based on your credit, to decline you. Alternately, you may also get your free credit history file from AnnualCreditReport.com (see Resources).