It is possible to obtain a free credit report and score. A credit report is a compilation of your financial history from personal and public materials. Some material may come from personal loan applications; other is derived from credit card lenders, banking institutions and other sources of financial transactions. A credit report will contain your credit score. This is a number between 300 and 850 based on a mathematical and statistical equation. It is compared to other individuals of similar financial status. In order to receive your free credit report and score, you have to apply online or through the mail to any of the major credit report companies. In the United States there are 3 major national credit reporting agencies. These are Experian, TransUnion and Equifax. All can provide you with a free credit report and score. Each of these agencies may give you similar information but a different score. This is the result of each employing different credit scoring methods. You can ask for a free credit report and score once a year. If you ask each company at a different time of the year, you can receive an ongoing report of the changes in your credit score and rating.