If requesting reports online, you should have immediate access to the reports. If requesting them through either the phone or mail methods, it will take 15 days for them to process your request and then 2-3 weeks for delivery.

With the long delivery time and the possibility of your report being lost in the mail, it is much better to order your credit reports online instead of using the phone or mail options.

If ordering your reports online, there is a very simple process to follow. 
First, gather together all of your information that you will need to complete the application.

 This includes:

• Social security number
• Date of birth
• Current address
• Previous address
• Full name

You will also be asked some security questions when you are filling out the application to ensure that only you can request your free credit report.  All of the information you enter is secured through VeriSign and will be encrypted so that it cannot be stolen from the website

Here is an example of what your credit report may look like.  This one is from TransUnion.