To check your credit score, you have several reliable and mostly free options:
- Use credit reporting agencies' websites:
You can get your credit score for free from major credit bureaus like Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. For example, Experian offers a free credit score and report by signing up on their site, giving you insight into how lenders view you and your borrowing history
- Check with your bank or credit card company:
Many banks and credit card issuers provide free credit scores to their customers either on monthly statements or through online account portals. This is often a convenient way to monitor your score regularly without affecting it
- Use free credit score services:
Websites like ClearScore provide free access to your credit score and report, updated regularly, without impacting your score. These services also offer tools to help you understand and improve your credit
- Request your credit report annually:
While credit reports from the three major bureaus do not usually include scores, you are entitled to a free credit report once every 12 months at AnnualCreditReport.com. Reviewing your report helps ensure accuracy, which affects your score
- Credit monitoring or paid services:
You can also purchase credit scores or subscribe to credit monitoring services that include scores, but free options are generally sufficient for most people
Summary of steps to check your credit score:
- Visit a credit bureau website like Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion and sign up for a free score.
- Log in to your bank or credit card online account to see if they provide a free credit score.
- Use a free service like ClearScore for easy, regular access.
- Order your free annual credit report from AnnualCreditReport.com to check for errors.
Checking your credit score this way will not affect your credit rating and helps you stay informed about your financial health
