How do I check my credit score?

There are a few ways to check your credit score:

• Look at your credit card statement or online account if you have a credit card
• Use free resources like http://www.AnnualCreditReport.com, or the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)
• Go right to the three major credit bureaus

1. Look at your credit card statement or online account

If you have a credit card now, odds are you can find your credit score on your monthly statement. Your credit card may also have additional credit monitoring or tracking, so take a close look at your online account. Discover, for example, gives you the option to “View your Updated FICO® Credit Scorecard” from your online account home screen.

2. Use free resources

You are entitled to a free detailed credit report each year from the federal government at http://www.annualcreditreport.com/index.action. Your credit report has your credit score, but a lot more info too, like credit history, loan applications, and payment history.

You can also find a wide variety of credit resources from the CFPB at http://www.consumerfinance.gov/consumer-tools/credit-reports-and-scores/

3. Go right to the three major credit bureaus

You can also access your credit score through one of the three major credit bureaus.

• Experian (free for basic credit score)
• TransUnion ($29.95 per month to track credit)
• Equifax ($4.95 for the first 30 days, then $19.95 per month) 

Each credit bureau has different credit monitoring products, so you may be able to get your credit score for free, but it is not guaranteed.

Last thing: You have more than one credit score! So if you get a different number from different services, that’s okay, since they might be using different scoring models or emphasizing certain factors more than others.