You can get your credit score free from several sources, though the score you see may differ depending on which company provides it
Your credit score is a number that lenders use to decide whether to lend you money and at what interest rate. Three major companies — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — keep records of your borrowing and payment history, and each calculates a score based on that record. You have a right to see what information they hold about you, and you can obtain your score without paying.
The score you get depends on which company you ask and which scoring model they use. A score from Equifax may differ from one from Experian, sometimes by 50 points or more. This is normal and does not mean one is wrong. Lenders typically look at scores from all three companies or use their own version of a score, so it is worth checking what each one shows about you.
Key Takeaways
- You can obtain your credit score free from AnnualCreditReport.com, which is the official site for the three major credit reporting companies.
- Credit Karma, Discover, and many banks offer free credit scores year-round, though the score model they use may differ from what a lender sees.
- Your score from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion may be different, and that is expected because each company uses its own data and calculation method.
- You can also request your credit report (the detailed record behind your score) free once per year from each company at AnnualCreditReport.com.
Getting your score from the three major credit reporting companies
AnnualCreditReport.com is the official government-backed site where you can see your credit report from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion at no cost. When you visit the site, you can order your report from one, two, or all three companies. The report itself is free; the score may or may not be included depending on which company you choose and what they offer that day.
If the score is not included with your free report, you can purchase it directly from the company. Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion each sell their own scores on their individual websites. The cost varies but is typically between $1 and $15 per score. You are may have access to to one free report per year from each company; if you want reports more often, additional reports cost money.
You have the right to dispute information in your credit report if you believe it is wrong. If you find an error — a late payment that was not late, an account you did not open, or a debt that is not yours — you can file a dispute directly with the credit reporting company through AnnualCreditReport.com or through the company's website. The company must investigate within 30 days.
Free credit scores from banks and credit monitoring services
Many banks and credit card companies now offer free credit scores to their customers. If you have a checking or savings account, a credit card, or a loan with a bank, log into your online account and look for a section labeled "Credit Score," "Credit Monitoring," or "Financial Health." Some banks display your score on the main dashboard; others require you to navigate to a specific tool.
Credit Karma and Discover offer free credit scores to anyone, whether or not you have an account with them. Credit Karma shows you a score updated monthly and lets you see factors that affect your score, such as payment history and credit utilization. Discover's free credit score tool works similarly. These services make money by showing you credit offers, not by charging you for the score.
The scores these services show are usually accurate reflections of your creditworthiness, but they may use a different scoring model than the one a lender uses. For example, Credit Karma often shows VantageScore 3.0, while many lenders use FICO Score 8 or a newer FICO model. The difference is usually small, but it is worth knowing that the number you see on Credit Karma may not be the exact number a lender sees when you apply for a loan or credit card.
Understanding the difference between your score and your report
Your credit score is a single number, usually between 300 and 850. Your credit report is the detailed record that the score is based on: every account you have opened, every payment you have made or missed, every time you have been late, and every time someone has checked your credit.
When you obtain your score, you should also review your report to make sure the information is correct. Errors on your report — such as a payment marked late when you paid on time, or an account that is not yours — can lower your score unfairly. Checking your report costs nothing and takes about 15 minutes. You can do this once per year free at AnnualCreditReport.com, or more often if you pay.
If you see an error, do not ignore it. Contact the credit reporting company and file a dispute. Provide documentation if you have it — a bank statement showing you paid on time, a letter from the creditor, or a police report if the account is fraudulent. The company must investigate and correct the error if it is wrong.
What to do if you cannot find your score
If you have never borrowed money or opened a credit account, you may not have a credit score yet. Credit scores are built over time as you borrow and repay. If you have no credit history, the three major companies may not have a file on you, and no score will be available.
If you believe you should have a score but cannot find one, contact each of the three companies directly. Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion each have customer service phone numbers on their websites. Explain that you are trying to obtain your score and ask whether they have a file on you. If they do not, you can start building credit by opening a credit card or becoming an authorized user on someone else's account.
If you have a score but it is very low, do not be discouraged. Credit scores change as your payment history changes. Paying bills on time, paying down debt, and correcting errors on your report will raise your score over time. There is no quick fix, but consistent on-time payments will show results within months.
Checking your score regularly without harming it
Checking your own credit score does not lower it. When you look at your score yourself, it is called a "soft inquiry" and does not affect your creditworthiness. Only when a lender or creditor checks your score — called a "hard inquiry" — does it have a small, temporary impact on your score.
You can check your score as often as you want without penalty. Many people check it monthly or quarterly to track changes and catch errors early. If you are planning to apply for a loan or mortgage, it is a good idea to check your score and report a few weeks beforehand so you have time to dispute any errors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my credit score the same at all three companies?
No. Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion each maintain their own records and use their own calculation methods, so your score from each company may be different. Lenders typically look at scores from all three or use their own scoring model. It is normal to see a 20- to 50-point difference between companies.
Do I have to pay to see my credit score?
No. You can obtain your score free from AnnualCreditReport.com, from your bank or credit card company, or from services like Credit Karma. Some credit reporting companies charge a small fee if you want additional features like monitoring, but the basic score is free.
How often should I check my credit score?
There is no set rule. Many people check once or twice a year, while others check monthly. Checking your own score does not harm it. If you are planning to apply for a loan, check a few weeks beforehand so you have time to correct any errors on your report.
What if I find an error on my credit report?
Contact the credit reporting company and file a dispute. You can do this online at AnnualCreditReport.com or on the company's website. Provide any documentation you have, such as bank statements or letters from creditors. The company must investigate within 30 days and correct the error if it is wrong.
Will checking my credit score hurt my chances of getting a loan?
No. When you check your own score, it is a soft inquiry and does not affect your creditworthiness. Only when a lender checks your score does it have a small, temporary impact. You can check your score as many times as you want without penalty.