Visa and Mastercards

I would like to know why, If the free credit report is free, why do they want a credit card number?

When I go to the site for the so called free credit report, they want a credit card number. If the report is free what do they need this for?

Public Comments

1. Probably to insure that you are who you say you are. Either a credit card number or a Social Security number would be needed to insure that you are the John Doe who lives in Centerville, not the one who lives in Beantown -- or an impostor who is trying to steal your identity.
2. Because the "FREE" credit report is merely a carrot being dangled to you and will only be given if you buy their credit monitoring service. Nothing wrong if you really want to buy their other services, but if they want a credit card, then it simply means one thing -- it is NOT free. Go to AnnualCreditReport http://www.annualcreditreport.com This is TOTALLY FREE and will not even ask for your credit card. Once a year, you can get a free credit report from the 3 credit bureaus from this government-mandated website.
3. Yes, that particular site does ask for a credit card to verify you are who you say you are...identity, thats the word. But there is another website you can go to that is absolutely free. that is: https://www.annualcreditreport.com/cra/index.jsp
4. Well, it's not for proof of identity. FreeCreditReport.com advertises you'll get your free report once you sign up for their credit monitoring services. While you do get a free 30-day trial, they're hoping you don't cancel and thus be billed a monthly fee. Gotcha! AnnualCreditReport.com is the only government approved website to receive your free credit reports. It is absolutely free; no credit card required. However, your credit score is not included with your free reports.
5. HONEY, freecredit report.com is not FREE they charge you money and they will charge your credit card later on, because they did that ME, then when i called the company they said free credit report is just for the first customer only and I never order credit report before.. ever but that bull#@$t company charge my credit card.. don't do it, if you want to see your credit report better click this secure web.. NATIONALCREDITREPORT.COM YES, you must pay some money but secure but i like this company because they give you the advice how to improve your score.
6. go to www.annualcreditreport.com....you will not have to enter a credit card number
7. You need to chose the option that you have been denied credit and they will know and if not then you will not get a free copy. Good Luck!