There are several reasons why you should check your credit regularly. Firstly, your credit check lets you keep track of your credit score. Knowing your credit score will help you to negotiate the best rates when you're applying for credit. You can also plan the timing of your applications for credit.

Credit checks also let you know who's been looking at your credit report. Usually, these would include apartment complexes where you've applied to stay, prospective employers who wish to learn more about your financial patterns and financial institutions where you've applied for credit.

Another reason to check your credit is to guard against fraud - specifically, credit fraud and identity theft.

Occasionally, errors also do crop up in credit reports. Credit checks help you to detect these early and take steps to have them corrected.