If you want to get the result right away you have to pay for it. But if you fax them your request and wait for about two weeks, they will send you your credit report for free.
It is recommended to check your credit once a year.
When you apply for phone service, cell phone, mortgage or credit card, they inquire your credit history. Ask them if they give your record to you.
I recommend if you do not need it, do not inquire it and do not show it to anybody. It contains all your credit card information. If you check credit history frequently in a short period, your credit score will be lower(normal the score is in the range of 650-800).