How to Determine Your FICO Score

Your FICO score, or credit score, is based on your credit reports, which are a compilation of your debts, payment history and credit accounts. These scores can range between 300 and 850, with a higher number being more favorable. Experian, Equifax and TransUnion are the three major credit-reporting companies that develop these scores. While you are legally entitled to a free credit report each year from each of these companies, you will likely have to pay a fee to access your three scores.

Instructions

1

Go to the TransUnion, Equifax and Experian websites. Review their current offers for obtaining your FICO score. They may offer a free trial period, for example. As of 2011, Equifax offered a program for $16.95 per month through which you may obtain all three of your scores. If you choose to purchase this program, you do not have to contact Experian or TransUnion.

2

Select the program or trial offer you wish to use, and follow the onscreen instructions to sign up for it. Provide your full name, address, date of birth and Social Security number. Click "Continue."

3

Choose a user name and password, if required, for the service you selected. Write down this information, and keep it in a safe place for future reference.

4

Provide your credit card information to purchase the service. Follow the rest of the onscreen instructions to obtain your FICO score.

5

Compare all three of your FICO scores. If one of them is lower than the others, check the credit report from that company. There may be an error on it that caused a drop in your FICO score. Contact the company to correct any errors.