We conclude that depends on the purpose of the consumer in requesting their credit report that dictates which source is the better choice:
Resellers
We confirmed that resellers' credit reports are compiled from credit reporting bureau records and contain the exact same information as a credit report obtained directly from one of three major credit bureaus (though formatted differently). One advantage to a report from a credit report reseller seems to be that is that consumers can pay to have all three credit bureau reports "merged" which can make it easier to decipher than shifting between three separate credit reports. The merged reports may also include the credit score, which our research indicates is really all a lender considers (be advised that although this is an option, 90% of the online reports we looked at DO NOT include a credit score). Credit reports purchased from third parties are also delivered much faster (online).
The disadvantage is that you usually have to pay for a credit report in-line and the cost is greater than purchasing directly from each of the three credit bureaus.
For people generally curious about the state of their credit or just checking to insure no derogatory history has been reported, online merged reports may be the best option.
