A credit score can very well determine whether or not you may qualify for a home loan or mortgage, obtain financing for a new car or home improvements, or even obtain a new credit card. Credit scores are checked when an individual enters any kind of payment plan, whether you're purchasing a new television or requesting a loan from a creditor or lender to help pay business expenses. Consumers should be aware that they are entitled by law to one free credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus annually, but this does not apply to actual credit scores requested separately.
Step 1
Log onto the Internet and visit the websites of Experian, Equifax and TransUnion, the three major credit bureaus. Links to the websites of each is provided in the Resources box, or you may contact them through their mailing addresses. Click the "request for free credit report and score" link provided on the home page of all three and order a copy of your credit report.
Step 2
Go to creditkarma.com. You can get a free credit report and score by registering and agreeing to occasionally receive offers from advertisers on the website.
Step 3
Check out myFICO.com, a leading and very popular online FICO score tracker. Enjoy a free 30-day trial offer to view credit scores for a month to track not only your scores, but your credit card debt with email updates any time your credit score changes. You'll have to remember to cancel the option before the free trial period ends.
Tips and Warnings
- The FTC warns individuals not to insert personal information regarding accounts in response to any email contact from sites claiming to offer free credit reports and scores. Legitimate companies do not request IDs, passwords or account information via email or pop-up boxes. They do not call.
Member Comments