To check your credit score, you can use several common methods:
- Check with major credit bureaus such as Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. For example, Experian offers free access to your credit report and FICO Score anytime through an account you create on their site. Equifax provides a free monthly VantageScore 3.0 credit score through their Core Credit service. TransUnion offers credit monitoring services for a fee but free reports are accessible elsewhere.
- Use free credit score websites. Some online platforms provide free credit scores when you create an account. These may offer different types of scores like FICO or VantageScore and sometimes additional insights.
- Check with your credit card issuer or lender. Many card issuers and lenders provide free credit scores to their customers, accessible through online accounts or monthly statements. This score is often the same one they use for lending decisions.
- Visit a nonprofit credit counselor. Nonprofit credit counselors can help you check your credit score and provide advice on improving your credit.
Additionally, in the US, you are entitled to one free credit report every 12 months from each of the three major credit bureaus at AnnualCreditReport.com, though this service does not provide a score, only the report.
Make sure when accessing your credit information to use secure and reputable sources to protect your personal information. In summary, checking your credit score is straightforward via credit bureaus, financial institutions, free online services, or nonprofit counselors, and doing so regularly helps monitor and manage credit health effectively.
