How to Find My Credit Score From My Credit Report

To the untrained eye, reading a credit report can be complex, but locating a credit score on your credit report is actually very easy. Unfortunately, not all credit reports include credit scores. Printed copies of credit reports can be confusing to read, but if you recently applied for a loan, requesting a printed report may allow you to see your credit score at no cost. While free credit reports available over the Internet can be easier to read, credit scores are only included with these reports if you choose to pay an extra fee.

Instructions

Finding a Score Online

1

Visit the website annualcreditreport.com to obtain a copy of your credit report. Although the site offers free credit reports once annually from each of the three major credit bureaus, these credit reports will only include your credit score if you are willing to pay an additional fee.

2

Before you can see your credit report, you will need to answer several security questions about your credit history to confirm your identity, by providing some basic information on previous accounts, open accounts or current balances on accounts.

3

When offered, select the option to obtain your credit score for an additional fee, and enter your credit card information for payment. Confirm that all of the personal information you provided is correct before clicking the button to purchase your credit score and credit report.

4

View your credit score at the top of the screen. It will include a breakdown that describes how the score was calculated, and how it compares to the average American consumer. The score will be displayed in bold type across the top of the screen--it's impossible to miss.

Finding a Score on Printed Reports

5

Apply for a loan with a local lender. It does not matter whether or not you will accept the loan--you can make this decision after a final credit decision is made by the lender.

6

File a formal request with your lender for a copy of the credit report used to render a credit decision on your loan application. You must wait until a final decision is made on your loan. It's faster to apply for a small personal loan--you may even get an instant decision.

7

Have the lender send your request to the credit bureau the lender used to obtain your credit report. This is a right given to all consumers following the passage of the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

8

Wait. It may take up to six weeks for the copy of your credit report to arrive at your home.

9

Review your credit report. The credit score will be printed at the top of the report, either on the right- or left-hand corner. It is a three-digit number, and may be preceded by the word "FICO."