Where can I get my credit scores? | Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (2024)

You have more than one credit score. Scores can be calculated using different data on you from different credit reporting companies or can be calculated at different times. Lenders also use different credit scores for different types of loans. This means it’s normal to see credit scores that are slightly different.

There are a few main ways to get your credit scores.

1. Check your credit card or other loan statement

Many major credit card companies and other lenders provide credit scores for their customers. The score could be listed on your monthly statement or can be found by logging in to your account online.

2. Talk to a nonprofit counselor

Nonprofit credit counselors and housing counselors trained by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development can often provide you with a free credit report and score and help you review them.

3. Use a credit score service

Many companies now advertise “free credit scores.” These businesses could be part of credit reporting companies, scoring companies, lenders, or others. Some services make money from advertising and don’t charge you a fee.

Other services offer scores for purchase. For example, you can buy your FICO credit score at myfico.com . Many services provide scores as part of a subscription package that includes credit monitoring, identity protection, or other services, for a monthly fee. Before you enroll in these services, be sure you know what you are signing up for and how much they really cost. A “free trial” might last for a specified period only, and after that you must cancel or pay a monthly fee. If you decide to purchase a credit score, you are not required to purchase other services that might be offered at the same time.

Some credit score sources provide an "educational" credit score, instead of a score that a lender would use. For most people, an educational score is close to the scores lenders use and can be helpful. But the scores can be quite different for some. When choosing where to get your credit score, find out what kind of score it is.

Where can I get my credit scores? | Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (2024)

FAQs

Where can I get my credit scores? | Consumer Financial Protection Bureau? ›

You can start by going to the three major credit bureaus, Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion first by logging on to AnnualCreditReport.com to check your report for free. Each agency gives you access to your report once every 12 months. 4 You'll have to pay them if you want your credit score.

Where can I get an accurate credit score? ›

You can start by going to the three major credit bureaus, Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion first by logging on to AnnualCreditReport.com to check your report for free. Each agency gives you access to your report once every 12 months. 4 You'll have to pay them if you want your credit score.

What is the safest website to check credit score? ›

Don't be fooled by look-alikes.

Lots of sites promise credit reports for free. AnnualCreditReport.com is the only official site explicitly directed by Federal law to provide them.

What is the best company to check your credit score? ›

Best Credit Monitoring Services Ratings
CompanyForbes Advisor RatingMonthly fee
Experian IdentityWorksSM5.0$24.99 to $39.99
Identity Guard4.5$5.39 to $29.99
IdentityForce4.5$17.99 to $23.99
ID Watchdog4.0$14.95 to $21.95
1 more row
May 1, 2024

How do I find out my credit score Consumer Reports? ›

The major credit bureaus allow you to check your credit report every week for free through annualcreditreport.com. Sign up for the Credit Check-up project organized by Consumer Reports and Work Money and then tell us about any problems you found so we can hold the credit bureaus accountable!

How do I get my true FICO score? ›

3 steps to take to find your true FICO Score
  1. Step 1 – Check with your bank or credit union. The first step you can take towards finding your FICO Score is by checking with your bank or credit union. ...
  2. Step 2 – Contact your credit card issuer. ...
  3. Step 3 – Take out loans.

How can I check my real credit score for free? ›

You have the right to request one free copy of your credit report each year from each of the three major consumer reporting companies (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion) by visiting AnnualCreditReport.com. You may also be able to view free reports more frequently online.

Is AnnualCreditReport.com a legitimate website? ›

AnnualCreditReport.com is the official site to get your free annual credit reports. This right is guaranteed by Federal law. You can verify this is the official site by visiting the CFPB's website. Don't be fooled by look-alike sites.

What is the best site to check your FICO score? ›

One of the best ways to access your FICO® credit score for free is through Discover Credit Scorecard. This program is free whether you are a Discover customer or not. To get started, you'll be asked for some personal information, including your Social Security number.

Is FICO score the same as Experian? ›

FICO, Experian, and Equifax all provide information on individuals' credit habits for the use of lenders. FICO provides just a numerical credit score, based on an individual's payment habits and the amount of debt that they carry. Credit bureaus like Experian and Equifax offer detailed credit histories on individuals.

Which company gives best credit score? ›

TransUnion CIBIL

Its range of 5000 members include all major banks, financial institutions, Housing Finance Companies (HFCs) and NBFCs. TransUnion CIBIL maintains one of the largest consumer credit information and generates CIBIL score that helps in measuring the creditworthiness of its consumers.

What is the most trusted credit score? ›

FICO scores are used by over 90% of top lenders and offer a variety of different types of scores.

What is the most used credit score company? ›

Lenders generally use two credit scoring companies when making a borrowing decision.
  • 75% of lenders use Experian.
  • 55% of lenders use Equifax.
  • 30% of lenders use Transunion.

What is the most common consumer credit score? ›

Revolving credit is the most common type of consumer credit.

What are the three websites to check your credit score? ›

The three nationwide credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — have a centralized website, toll-free telephone number, and mailing address so you can order your free annual reports in one place.

What is the best way to check your credit score? ›

There are a few main ways to get your credit scores.
  1. Check your credit card or other loan statement. Many major credit card companies and other lenders provide credit scores for their customers. ...
  2. Talk to a nonprofit counselor. ...
  3. Use a credit score service.
Oct 19, 2023

Which credit score system is most accurate? ›

The primary credit scoring models are FICO® and VantageScore®, and both are equally accurate. Although both are accurate, most lenders are looking at your FICO score when you apply for a loan.

What is the best way to check credit score accurately? ›

Use a credit score service or free credit scoring site.

You're entitled to a free copy of your credit reports every 12 months from each of the three nationwide credit bureaus by visiting www.annualcreditreport.com.

How far off is Credit Karma? ›

They may differ by 20 to 25 points, and in some cases even more. When Credit Karma users see their credit score details, they are viewing a VantageScore, not the FICO score that the majority of lenders use. A VantageScore has the same credit score range as FICO, and uses some of the same information as a FICO score.

Is Equifax or TransUnion more accurate? ›

Neither your TransUnion or Equifax score is more or less accurate than the other. They're just calculated from slightly differing sources. Your Equifax credit score is likely lower due to reporting differences. Nonetheless, a “fair” score from TransUnion is typically “fair” across the board.

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