Three main places offer your credit score for free

Your credit score is held by three credit reporting agencies — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — and each one calculates a slightly different number based on the information they have about you. You can get your score directly from each agency, from your bank or credit card company, or from free third-party websites that pull the data. The fastest route is usually your bank or credit card issuer, because they often show your score in your online account without you having to sign up anywhere new.

The score you see will vary depending on which agency provides it and which scoring model they use. A score from Equifax might be 15 to 20 points higher or lower than one from Experian, even on the same day. This is normal and does not mean one is wrong — lenders use different scores for different decisions, so knowing all three gives you the clearest picture of where you stand.

Key Takeaways

  • Your bank or credit card company usually shows your credit score free in your online account, and this is the fastest way to see it without creating new accounts.
  • The three credit reporting agencies (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) each maintain their own score, and they often differ by 10 to 20 points because they have different information about you.
  • AnnualCreditReport.com is the only official government site where you can get your free credit report once per year from each agency, though it does not always show your score.
  • Free credit monitoring websites like Credit Karma and Credit Sesame show your score from one or two agencies, but they make money by showing you ads and credit offers.
  • Your score changes monthly as new information is reported, so checking it once or twice a year is usually enough unless you are actively working to improve it.

Getting your score from your bank or credit card company

Most banks and credit card issuers now show your credit score free in your online account or mobile app. Log into your account and look for a section labeled "Credit Score," "Credit Health," "Credit Insights," or similar. The score shown is usually from one of the three agencies — often Equifax or TransUnion — and updates monthly. You do not have to pay anything or sign up for a separate service.

This method is fast and requires no new passwords or accounts. The downside is that you only see one score, not all three. If you want to compare your scores across all three agencies, you will need to check another source as well. But if you just want a quick look at where you stand, your existing bank account is the easiest place to start.

Checking your score directly from the credit agencies

Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion each offer free credit scores on their own websites. Go to Equifax.com, Experian.com, or TransUnion.com and look for their free score product — Equifax calls it "Equifax Core Credit," Experian offers "Experian Boost," and TransUnion has "TransUnion Credit Monitoring." You will need to create an account and verify your identity by answering security questions or providing a Social Security number.

The score you get from each agency is the one they calculate based on their own records. This is useful if you want to see all three scores side by side, or if you want to understand which agency has the most recent information about you. The trade-off is that you have to create three separate accounts and remember three passwords. Some of these services also include credit monitoring or alerts, which notify you when new accounts are opened in your name or when your score changes significantly.

Using free third-party websites

Websites like Credit Karma, Credit Sesame, and NerdWallet show your credit score free and update it regularly. You create one account and can see your score from one or two of the three agencies. These sites are free because they make money by showing you ads and credit card offers tailored to your score range. They are legitimate and do not charge you, but understand that their business model is to sell you financial products.

The advantage of these sites is convenience — one login gives you access to your score, your credit report, and sometimes personalized advice about how to improve your score. The disadvantage is that you are seeing only one or two of your three scores, and you are sharing your information with a third party rather than going directly to the source. If you do not mind the ads and want a simple way to monitor your score over time, these sites work well.

Getting your official credit report from AnnualCreditReport.com

AnnualCreditReport.com is the only official government website where you can get your free credit report from all three agencies once per year. This is different from your credit score — your report is a detailed list of all your accounts, payment history, and inquiries, while your score is a single number based on that report. You can request your report online, by phone at 1-877-322-8228, or by mail.

Your report does not always include your score, but it shows you exactly what information each agency has about you and whether there are errors. If you find mistakes — a late payment you do not recognize, an account you did not open, or incorrect personal information — you can dispute it directly with the agency. Getting your report once a year is a good way to catch fraud or errors that might be dragging your score down.

Understanding why your scores differ across agencies

The three agencies do not always have the same information about you. A credit card company might report your payment to Equifax but not to Experian for a few weeks, or a lender might report to only one or two agencies. This means your score from Equifax might reflect recent activity that Experian does not know about yet. Over time the information catches up, but at any given moment the three agencies have slightly different pictures of your credit history.

The scoring model also matters. Most lenders use FICO scores, which come in different versions (FICO 8, FICO 9, FICO 10, and others). Some lenders use VantageScore instead. A score from Credit Karma might be a VantageScore, while your bank shows a FICO score. This is why you might see a 50-point difference between two sources — they are literally calculating different things. When you are shopping for a loan or credit card, ask the lender which score and model they use so you know what to expect.

How often to check your score

Your score updates monthly as new information is reported to the agencies. Checking it once or twice a year is usually enough to catch major problems or track your progress if you are working to improve it. If you are actively paying down debt, disputing errors, or preparing to apply for a mortgage or car loan, checking monthly makes sense so you can see the impact of your actions.

Checking your own score does not hurt it — this is called a "soft inquiry" and does not show up to lenders. Only "hard inquiries," which happen when you apply for credit, affect your score. So check as often as you want without worrying that you are damaging yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay to see my credit score?

No. Your bank or credit card company shows it free, the three agencies offer free scores on their websites, and free third-party sites like Credit Karma show it as well. Paid credit monitoring services exist, but they are not necessary to see your score.

Why is my score different on every website I check?

Each agency has slightly different information about you, and different scoring models calculate scores differently. A FICO score from Equifax will not match a VantageScore from Credit Karma. This is normal. Lenders care about the score they use, so ask them which one matters for your situation.

Can I get my score if I have never had credit?

No. You need credit history — accounts like credit cards, loans, or payment records — for the agencies to calculate a score. If you are new to credit, you will not have a score yet. Once you open your first account and make a few payments, a score will appear within a few months.

What should I do if I find errors on my credit report?

Contact the agency directly and file a dispute. You can do this online, by phone, or by mail. The agency has 30 days to investigate and respond. If the error is confirmed, they will remove it and send you an updated report. You can also dispute with the company that reported the wrong information.

Does checking my credit score hurt my credit?

No. Checking your own score is a soft inquiry and does not affect it. Only hard inquiries — which happen when you apply for a loan or credit card — can lower your score slightly and temporarily.