Exchanging credit reports before the marriage can alleviate a lot of stress. Credit is an important part of any marriage. Many institutions require credit to be at a certain level to qualify for joint loans on cars, homes, or any other large purchase. Finding out the credit situation beforehand gives you time to collectively eliminate any issues. Cure the problem before it becomes an issue by working effectively together. There is no worse time to find out about past issues then sitting at the bank applying for a mortgage. By then it is too late and it could mean the difference between an approval and denial. It could even mean being charged higher interest and pay more for the money you borrow.
In times past, it was a requirement to get a blood test before issuing a marriage license. The reasoning behind this requirement was often to make sure that if there were any detectable diseases that the infected individual could get treated before the wedding took place so as not to infect their betrothed. In recent years, many states have dropped this requirement altogether.
Taking a few moments to compare your reports will indicate anything that needs addressed before it becomes an issue. Putting that conversation on the pre-marriage checklist can make all the difference down the road.