If you are thinking about getting a signature loan, then you should first check your credit to make sure that you can qualify. Under the Free File Disclosure Rule of the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act, each of the nationwide consumer reporting companies - Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion - is required to provide you with a free copy of your credit report once every year, if you ask for it.

Here's how you can get a copy of your report. How do I order my free report? The three nationwide consumer reporting companies are using one website, one toll-free telephone number, and one mailing address for consumers to order their free annual report. To order, click on www.annualcreditreport.com, call 1-877-322-8228, or complete the Annual Credit Report Request Form and mail it to: Annual Credit Report Request Service, P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281. Do not contact the three nationwide consumer reporting companies individually. You may order your free annual reports from each of the consumer reporting companies at the same time, or you can order from only one or two.

Before selecting a company to get your signature loan, it is best to compare different loan plans. Services and fees vary greatly, as do interest rates, so compare as many programs as you can.