In case the last 5 free ways to get your credit score weren’t enough, there’s also the free Credit.com Report Card. It is actually a pretty comprehensive analysis, providing:
- Credit Score Range: This provides a hint of your credit score based on the standard FICO range of 300-850. (You have to pay for the specific number… see below)
- Credit Score Grades: School-style grades (A-, C+) of each of the main factors in FICO scores: Payment History, Debt Usage, Credit Age, Account Mix, and Recent Inquiries.
- Actual Credit Report Details: Your address on file, employer data, total accounts, total credit limits, number of inquiries, etc.
Here’s an example screenshot:
I’ve bought my credit report and score before, and this is the kind of information I would find useful anyhow. I don’t care if my score is 728 vs. 732 vs. 721 since slight changes occur all the time. Note that this analysis is based on your data from the TransUnion credit bureau only. You can upgrade to reports from all three credit bureaus plus actual credit scores for $14.95 per month.
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not bad
Just tried it a bit ago too and it’s not bad. Much better than Creditkarma, and fairly comprehensive in credit education. Definitely recommended for those needing to see where they stand (plus a more established website/comp than Creditkarma).
Free scores are rampant lately, besides those six you’ve mentioned, there’s also Quizzle.com, from Quicken Loans. Giving you a Quizzle score based on your credit score, home value, savings, debt, and household income/expenses. No SSN required.
Very good site. accurate,
Much better than Creditkarma (as Cap Noted).
I’ve had credit for only two years, but have only three credit cards. According to this report, though, I have four cards and a large balance on them (even though I’m actually using <5% of my balances). I have requested my free credit report in the past year. How do I request a new credit report for free to see what this fourth card is and how to get rid of it?
Jonathan- thanks for the blog. I would not know how to even check my score without you.
how much does having an employer listed on your credit report affect it? i’ve been working at the same job for 3 years, and it has yet to ever show up on my credit report…not really a big deal to me but just wondering if this is looked at at all.
How do we know that this site is honest? I’m hesitant to give my name, address and SSN to a random site.
Hey Jon.
If you want to get a copy of your credit report, go to http://www.annualcreditreport.com. This site allows you to download/print your credit report for free. You are allowed 3 free reports a year (1 transunion, 1 equifax, 1 experian). Annualcreditreport.com gives you an option to see your credit score (actual number), but that is not free. I have always printed the free report without a score.
I use Wamucards.com to view my transunion score. Its a free look at how my credit score every month.
Seems like this kind of thing could be good for some folks, but in general:
1) I don’t like giving out my SS# if I don’t have to. Just feels like you increase your chances to invite trouble.
2) I don’t understand why people need a “score”. I am guessing most people would be able to make a good guess where they’re at (great, ok, poor)?
3) This is not your real FICO score, but someone else’s approximation
In my view, the most important thing is to be aware of what makes your credit score move up and down.
If you have no idea whatsoever whether your credit is any good, a good place to start would be annualcreditreport.com (can pull up to 3 bureaus for free each year).
Credit.com is a pretty big site, I’m sure the domain itself is worth $1 million. I’ve even driven by their offices on the freeway in San Francisco. I’ve done one of their free credit score trials before and canceled without issues. This doesn’t even ask for a credit card number so no trial for this part. A fake site wouldn’t have correct credit report information, like mine did. So as to their legitimacy, they pass the common sense test.
If someone is offering a free peak at my credit score and report, that’s cool with me. I like having several options so I can check multiple times a year at my convenience without spending $15.
I like to shred those balance transfer checks I get with my statements, as well as any mail with account numbers on it to prevent identity theft. I usually throw in unwanted credit card offers as well, for good measure since I already have the shredder. Google “torn-up credit card application” for a few discussions on why this might be worth the effort.
does it hurt you credit score to do this?
No, it never hurts when you check your own score.
2) I don’t understand why people need a “score”. I am guessing most people would be able to make a good guess where they’re at (great, ok, poor)?
Because companies make mistakes and report your dad’s stuff on your file or claim you missed a payment when you haven’t. I agree most of us have an idea of our credit but a big swing can alert you to an error. Or even identity theft.
To why we “need” a score I don’t know if you mean looking at it often or just Dave Ramsey need. As much as Dave Ramsey may hate it, we do need our score. It bases what we pay for cars, houses and even credit card APR. That’s life. The difference between a 640 and a 681 is big for a house loan. Nothing wrong with keeping an eye out on it.
saladdin
Why the page is not refreshed after I click continue in the credit.com?
I checked my credit. Very convenient. Thank you Jonathan.
I agree with the first few posts, this site was very useful in really breaking down how you can specifically improve your own credit. While I knew I had excellent payment history, I wasn’t aware that being over 10% utilization could affect your score somewhat. This is good to know for when I plan on getting a mortgage or auto loan, it might be a good idea to reduce the “debt” I keep on 0% interest credit cards just for the purposes of getting the absolute best rate on my loan. I wasn’t aware that below 10% produced a better score. Very useful, thanks Jonathan!
Tried this with report. It is good and is very much different one from the other reports which shows the exact credit scores. It is for money but it is worthy in many means.
Whats going on with this great tool? Everything still seems to be free, however when you fill out the info and click continue, it asks you for a password and will not finish. I tried this a few months ago and it all worked fine, now whats going on?
I’m having the same problem as Via. I went to the site to check my credit but when I filled out the info and clicked continue it asked me for a username and password and never let me through. Is this credit report card tool still working or is it no longer functional?
I used myFico for my credit report and score. AnnualCreditReport only allow you to check your report once a year and besides, your score is not free.
I mean seriously! If it is OUR OWN credit score, why do we have to pay for it?!
People need a score to help determine how their credit rates. Many people cannot just look at their report and say “ok, that means my credit is good and I can obtain a loan with so and so % interest rate”. Most people can’t do such a thing, which is why credit scores are so helpful.
I am a member of both credit.com report card, and credit karma, both of which have their advantages. But nothing matches checking your actual FICO score.