I got a free credit report by applying for a credit card (American Express). They turned me down. I then asked them for a copy of my credit report. If you get turned down for a loan or a credit card, they are required to give you a copy of your credit report if you ask for one.
As for me, I found out Sears had me down for a $32 charge off. My wife and I had gone in and purchased two pair of slacks for her. We tried to use our Sears credit card. Sears woudn't ok the charge and asked us to give our current address and financial information. I charged the slacks on my Mastercard. 7 months later Sears sent me a past due notice for the slacks. I called and told them what had happened and they had refused to let me charge the purchase. They said they didn't believe me, but if I could show where I had charged it on my mastercard, they would remove the charge off. I called mastercard and they told me they only kept record of charges like mine for 6 months. I went round and round with Sears. No luck. My wife finally paid it to get the blot off our credit report. That was back in the mid to late 70's. I told Sears if they didn't refund the $32 I would never step foot in one of their stores again unless they had something I couldn't buy anywhere else.
All of my suits, white shirts and ties, tools, etc were Sears. All of my kids clothes and a majority of my wife's clothes came from Sears. I haven't been into a Sears store but twice in 35 years. They lost my business for 35 years for $32. Smart move Sears. I was so happy to see them in bankruptsy court.
Good luck to you and yours.