To check your credit score, you have several reliable options:
- Through your credit card or loan statements: Many credit card companies, banks, and lenders provide free credit scores to their customers, either on monthly statements or online accounts
- Using free credit score services: Websites like Experian, Equifax, TransUnion, Credit Karma, and Capital One’s CreditWise offer free credit scores and credit reports. For example, Experian provides a free credit score forever upon signing up, and Credit Karma offers free scores from Equifax and TransUnion without requiring a credit card
- Via official credit bureaus: You can get a free credit report (which usually does not include a score) once every 12 months from each of the three nationwide credit bureaus-Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion-by visiting AnnualCreditReport.com. Some bureaus also offer monthly credit scores with subscription services or free trials
- Through nonprofit credit counselors: HUD-approved nonprofit credit and housing counselors can provide free credit reports and scores and help you understand them
To check your credit score, you typically need to provide personal information such as your name, date of birth, Social Security number, and address for identity verification
. In summary, the easiest and free ways to check your credit score are to log into your existing credit card or loan account online, sign up for free services like Experian or Credit Karma, or use government-authorized sites to access your credit reports regularly
