Your credit score is one of the most important numbers in your financial life. It can affect whether you qualify for borrowing options. Plus, it can also play a big role in the interest rates and terms lenders offer. The good news is that checking your score is simple, safe and often free.
Here’s how to check your credit score, understand what influences it and put that insight to work for your financial future.
How to check your credit score.
There are several reliable ways to find your credit score — some give you access to your free credit report, while others provide your score directly.
Get a full credit report for free.
Every 12 months, you can request a free copy of your credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus. These include Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. The easiest way to access them is through AnnualCreditReport.com. You can also use FreeCreditReport.com, operated by Experian. These reports list your credit accounts, payment history and any credit inquiries.
While your report doesn’t always include your score, it contains the information used in most credit scoring models. Reviewing it regularly is one of the best ways to spot errors, detect identity theft and understand how lenders see you.
Use a free credit score website or app.
Websites and apps like Credit Karma provide free credit scores using the VantageScore model. These tools often pull data from specific credit bureaus. For example, Credit Karma shows scores from TransUnion and Equifax, which can differ slightly from each other. While VantageScore isn’t always the same as your FICO® Score, the model most lenders rely on, it still gives you a useful picture of your credit health.
If you’d like to see your actual FICO® Score, you can also check it for free at myFICO.com or through some banks and credit card providers.
Check with your bank or credit card provider.
Many banks and credit card companies offer credit monitoring as a customer perk. You may be able to view your score on your statement or through your online account dashboard. This is one of the easiest ways to stay updated without signing up for a separate service.
Does checking your credit score affect it?
No, checking your own score is considered a soft inquiry, which doesn’t lower your credit score.
A hard inquiry happens when a lender or company reviews your credit report as part of the credit application process. This could include applying for a credit card, a personal loan, a mortgage, or even setting up certain services like an apartment lease or utility account. Hard inquiries may cause a small, temporary dip in your score, but the impact usually fades within a few months.
What is a good credit score?
Most credit scoring models range from 300 to 850, but the breakdown of what’s considered “good” can vary. For example, according to FICO®, the most widely used scoring model by lenders, the ranges look like this:
- Poor: 300-579
- Fair credit: 580-669
- Good credit score: 670-739
- Very good: 740-799
- Excellent: 800+
The higher your score, the more favorable loan terms you’re likely to get. For example, someone with a good score may qualify for a loan but pay a higher interest rate than someone with excellent credit.
Credit scoring models explained.
Two main models are used to calculate credit scores:
- FICO® Score. This is the most widely used by lenders. FICO® scores range from 300 to 850 and weigh payment history, credit utilization and other factors.
- VantageScore. Often used by free credit score apps, VantageScore also ranges from 300 to 850 but may weigh factors slightly differently.
Both models give lenders an idea of your creditworthiness. Checking either one helps you understand where you stand.
What factors affect your credit score?
Your score is influenced by several key elements, and knowing them helps you see where to focus if you want to improve. The breakdown below comes from FICO®, the most widely used scoring model, though VantageScore is similar:
Payment history (35%). This is the biggest factor in your score. Making on-time payments builds trust with lenders, while late or missed payments can hurt you. Keep in mind that only lenders who report to the credit bureaus will impact your score while some may not.
Credit utilization (30%). Credit utilization is how much of your available credit you’re using. Most experts suggest trying to keep your utilization under 30% to show you’re managing credit responsibly.
Length of credit history (15%). The longer your accounts have been open, the more stable your history appears.
Types of credit (10%). A mix of accounts, such as personal loans, credit cards, student loans or an auto loan, can help demonstrate your ability to handle different forms of credit.
New credit (10%). Opening several new accounts in a short time can be seen as risky, since it suggests you may be taking on more debt than you can handle.
Why do you need a good credit score?
A strong score can open doors and save money:
- Better loan options. Qualify for mortgages, personal loans or car financing.
- Lower interest rates. A higher score often means you’ll pay less over the life of a loan.
- Easier approvals. Landlords, utility providers and even insurance companies may check your score.
- Higher credit limits. Good credit can unlock larger lines of credit and better rewards.
How do you build credit history?
If your score isn’t where you’d like it to be, you can take steps to strengthen your credit history:
- Pay bills on time. Your payment history is the most important factor in your score.
- Keep balances low. Aim to use less than 30% of your total credit limit.
- Get credit from lenders who report to the credit bureaus. Not all lenders do, so choosing one that does ensures your positive payments help build your score.
- Become an authorized user. Piggybacking on someone else’s good credit can boost your own.
- Monitor your reports. Regular credit monitoring helps you spot mistakes or fraud alerts quickly.
How often should you check your credit score?
Experts recommend reviewing your credit at least once a year, but more frequent checks can be helpful. Many people look at their score monthly through free apps or bank tools. Monitoring your score helps you stay on track and address issues early.
What if your credit score looks wrong?
If your score seems off, review your credit report for errors. Common mistakes include accounts that don’t belong to you, late payments incorrectly reported or duplicate entries. If you find an error, you can dispute it with the credit bureau that issued the report. Correcting mistakes can quickly improve your credit score.
How to protect your credit information
Your credit report contains sensitive details, including your Social Security number and financial accounts. To protect your information:
- Use secure websites when accessing your reports.
- Consider signing up for fraud alters to help protect you from identity theft.
- Review your reports regularly to catch unusual activity.
Final Thoughts
Checking your credit score is one of the simplest steps you can take to take control of your financial health. You have plenty of options to stay informed. These include free credit reports from Equifax, Experian and TransUnion, as well as free credit score apps and tools from your bank or credit card company.
By understanding your score, practicing good habits and protecting your credit information, you can build a stronger financial foundation and put yourself in a better position with lenders.
DISCLAIMER: This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, tax or legal advice.
