where can u get a free, secure credit ratings report?

Credit Ratings? why do South Africans have to pay to view or know their credit ratings whilst is FREE in the States?The S A credit bereaus use the same name like Experian and others which are the same ones used in the States.

I have a rating of R1 from a major credit card.....is this good? and if so, how can I check other ratings? I just want to know what R1 and other credit ratings mean for free. Please keep in mind that I'm canadian! Thanks!!!

Rate the free credit report sites IE. freecreditrepot.com annualcreditreport.com? And where can i find more information and ratings on credit report sites. nevermind I found this. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free_credit_report If you add any more good info ill give you 10 points.

Credit Ratings...PLEASE READ!!? OK, i got a capital one credit card and my limit was $200.00...i have not paid it in like 4 months...before i got the credit card i had no fico score...how do you think this will effect my score? I want to go shopping for a car but i dont know what my fico is like..is there any where i can check it for FREE? Please help!!! i just paid $50.00 on my cap one credit card. My min. payment is $297.00...thats why its so hard to pay the min..... what if i pay the remaing balance on the card so that i am in "good standing"....will my score go up? How long will it take?