IRVINE, Calif. — Kelley Blue Book announced today that site visitors can now access their personal credit reports on kbb.com via an agreement with FreeCreditReport.com.

FreeCreditReport.com, a Web site owned by ConsumerInfo.com Inc., which is an Experian company, provides consumers with quick access to their individual credit information, giving them the opportunity to assess their financial situation in an easy-to-read format prior to purchasing a vehicle, officials pointed out.

"The strategic relationship between FreeCreditReport.com and Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com further exemplifies our dedication to providing valuable car-buying information to the consumer with the help of our partners," said Damon Bennett, director of business development for Kelley Blue Book.

"Car shoppers can benefit from the expertise of both companies on the top-rated automotive Web site because it allows them to make confident finance decisions related to their new and used vehicle purchase," he added.

Overall, Kelley Blue Book said it averages 13 million visits to its Web site www.kbb.com each month.

"By establishing a relationship with Kelley Blue Book, we can reach in-market car shoppers in the middle of their research and buying process," indicated Charles Lee, senior vice president of partnership marketing for FreeCreditReport.com.

"Allowing consumers instant access to their credit information ahead of their purchase empowers them to make more educated decisions, which will help them reach their personal financial goals," he continued.

Having the ability to access and evaluate one's credit history while shopping for a vehicle is imperative to the car-buying process, especially in a slowing economy, executives explained.

A car-shopper's credit score helps lending institutions determine their credit worthiness and gives insight into the terms and monthly rate of a loan.

Being knowledgeable about a credit score also can help give consumers the upper-hand in negotiating a better interest rate and qualifying for special incentives at a dealership.

If a consumer is granted a pre-approved loan through a bank or credit union, they also may use their credit score as a negotiating tool on the dealership lot to see if their captive finance company can beat the pre-approved loan terms, executives concluded.