Creditors are checking your credit file. How often do you? If you don’t, you might find yourself turned down for credit or you could even make your credit history worse! But when should you check your credit file?

Here are five times when it would be a good idea for you to check your credit file:

1. Before Applying for a New Credit Card

If you know a credit card issuer will be pulling your credit file to make an approval decision, check your credit file first. You might find problems or inaccuracies that could lead to a rejection of your application, and if you do you should take the time to repair your credit history before applying for the credit card.

2. Before Applying for a Mortgage, Car Loan, or Other Loan

Do this for the same reason you would check your credit file before applying for a credit card. If someone is considering loaning you money, you want to know what they’ll find in that credit file before they have a chance to look.

3. Before Getting Married or Making Other Major Life Decisions

You can’t make major financial decisions or discuss financial circumstances openly with your partner or family unless you know what your financial situation actually is. Checking your credit file can give you a snapshot.

4. After Being Turned Down for Credit

Maybe you forgot to check your credit file before applying for a line of credit. Or perhaps you checked it, thought your credit history was okay, and you were still turned down for credit. Either way, look at your credit file. You might notice something you missed before that could have led to the denial of credit. You’ll want to address future lenders’ possible concerns before you try again.

5. On a Periodic, Regular Basis

Even if you’re not applying for new lines of credit right now and you aren’t making any major financial decisions for yourself or your family, choose a regular schedule for checking your credit file. Some people check it yearly. Others might choose to check it more often — maybe quarterly would work better for you. Stay on top of the changes in your credit file, and you won’t have to worry about credit application issues taking you by surprise.

Your credit file is a tool at your disposal. It can help you identify financial concerns in the eyes of potential lenders. It can serve as your roadmap for improving your financial future. But it can’t do those things if you don’t take the time to check it. If you haven’t looked at your credit file in a while, there’s no time like the present.