How can I check my credit score for free?

The credit score of an individual is perhaps one of the most important aspects of their finances. Whether you’re applying for a mortgage, auto loan, personal loan, or even when you want to rent a house, your credit score is involved. 

Since your credit score is the first thing a lender is going to look at, you should build your credit score and keep it as high as possible. You never know when you need a boost on your credit card in emergency situations. 

While your credit score is very important, knowing your credit score isn’t always free. You often need a credit monitoring service subscription to access your credit score immediately but there are ways you can go around this and check it for free. 

Types of credit scores

While there are different ways to calculate a person’s credit score, what you need to look at is your FICO credit score, not anything else. This is because lenders and credit card companies use FICO credit scores to measure their risk. For all lenders, letting someone borrow money is a risk. So, they need to know what big of a risk they’re getting and the easiest way for them to understand that is through looking at your credit score and history. 

Checking credit score for free

In general, there isn’t a direct free option to check credit score. You can get a free credit report annually but it isn’t an option with credit scores. You must have a subscription to a credit monitoring service, or the bank or the credit card company you’re working with needs to offer a service where you can check your credit score. Learn how to increase your credit score.

Credit card companies that offer free credit score

Major credit card companies like Capital One offer free credit scores through their mobile application. This is mostly offered to those that are starting to build credit but it can be obtained. See if your credit card offers such a service where you get weekly updates on your credit score. Head over to the mobile application of your credit account and see if it’s something you can obtain there.

Free credit score on Vantage Score

Although your FICO score is what matters, you can check Vantage 3.0 score to get an understanding of your credit score. Sure, you won’t have your exact FICO credit score, but this will help you understand where you’re at with it. 

Why check credit score

If you’re considering applying for a mortgage, auto loan, personal loan, or any other type of loan/credit, we highly suggest making an assessment of your credit in general. Your credit score is important but your credit report is also going to be a major indication to lenders. Even if your credit score is good, your responsibility to make your payments is going to be a major consideration. 

Upon applying for a new loan or credit line, the first thing the lenders will look at is your credit score. Showing that you’re less of a risk than someone who has a lower credit score will increase your chances of getting the credit. Said that, make sure you’re keeping an eye on your credit score to get loans whenever you need them.