The Fair Credit Reporting Act authorizes you to see exactly what's in your credit reports housed by the three consumer reporting agencies--Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. You're entitled to a free annual credit report, but to get your credit scores from these agencies, you must pay a fee that's established by the Federal Trade Commission. There are different ways that you can get your credit scores, some of which are more efficient and cost-effective than others.
Obtaining Your Credit Scores
Step 1
Pay for your credit scores at the same time you access your free annual credit report. The FTC notes that the only authorized online portal to get your free reports is: AnnualCreditReport.com, which launched December 1, 2004, in compliance with federal law. This site also permits you to order all your scores at the same time or order them from each individual consumer reporting agency. You may also contact AnnualCreditReport.com by phone at (888) 322-8228.
Step 2
Acquire your credit scores from the three consumer reporting agencies individually. In December 2009, Experian and Equifax each charged $7.95 plus tax and TransUnion $5.95 plus tax.
Equifax
(800) 685-1111
Experian
(866) 200-6020
TransUnion
1 800 (888) 4213
You will be asked to give the agencies identifying information, such as your Social Security number, at the time you request your scores, as well as a valid credit card or debit card number.
Step 3
Order your credit scores through MyFico.com, the site maintained by the Fair Isaac Corp.--the organization responsible for developing credit scores. The cost through MyFico.com for individual credit scores is $15.95 each and includes a complimentary credit report. In February 2009, Experian terminated its agreement with MyFico.com, so only credit scores for Equifax and TransUnion are offered. You can also contact MyFico.com by phone at (800) 319-4433 to order your Equifax and TransUnion scores.
Member Comments