How to Check Someone's Credit Report

A credit reports can tell you a lot about people. It tells you if they are responsible with their bills, if they pay them on time, and even where they have lived during their lifetime. That's why many companies are starting to use people's credit report in hiring decisions, loan decisions and even when granting them auto or home insurance. It today's world, knowing how to check someone's credit report can tell you much about their character in a matter of minutes.

Instructions

1

Get permission from the person. It's illegal to check someone's credit report without getting his or her permission. If you do, you could suffer legal ramifications. If the person doesn't want you to check his or her credit report, ask to get an official and recent copy that you can look at.

2

Subscribe to a service that gives you access to credit reports for a monthly or annual fee. This is especially useful for landlords because they are always checking credit report before they let people move in. With a subscription service, you can simply log on to your online account or make a phone call to get someone's credit score and history.

3

Use other services that check credit reports. If you just need to check your credit report or a family member's report, there are many services online that will give you access to all three major credit bureaus.

4

Have the social security number and other information handy. Before you can request someone's credit report, you need to have his or her personal information. Make sure the names are spelled correctly and everything else is accurate, or else you won't find the actual report. For instance, a recently married woman may forget to provide her maiden name instead of her married name.