Isn't there a "backdoor" into the CRA's to get a free report online without a credit card. I misplaced my free annual report when we moved.
http://www.experian.com/reportaccess You must state that an adverse credit decision has been taken against you within the last 60 days. If so, you can get a report for free. Make sure you save the report number and from there on out, you can pull at will.
You can also pull reports from all 3 CRAs if you file a fraud alert. You might do this if you even suspected that your identity information might have been compromised, such as if accounts that were not yours showed up on your reports, you had a collection attempt on an account that was not yours, or unauthorized charges started showing up on your credit cards. Be aware, however, that with a fraud alert, you might have to provide additional identification to be able to get your reports. Other reasons for free credit reports are if you are unemployed or on public assistance: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/credit/freereports.htm "Q: Are there any other situations where I might be eligible for a free report? A: Under federal law, you’re entitled to a free report if a company takes adverse action against you such as denying your application for credit, insurance, or employment and you ask for your report within 60 days of receiving notice of the action. The notice will give you the name, address, and phone number of the consumer reporting company. You’re also entitled to one free report a year if you’re unemployed and plan to look for a job within 60 days; if you’re on welfare; or if your report is inaccurate because of fraud, including identity theft. Otherwise, a consumer reporting company may charge you up to $9.50 for another copy of your report within a 12-month period."
