How to Get Your Credit Score Safely

Your credit score is one of the most important numbers you have in terms of your finances. Your credit score allows lenders to determine whether or not you can get credit to finance loans, mortgages or even pay back your credit card balance. Scores that are high, typically above 720, usually get approved for higher credit limits and are entitled to lower interest rates. Before applying for credit or loans, check your credit score and report to be aware of your information. When checking your score, it's important to be safe and use a reputable site that will have access to your vital information.

Instructions

1

Visit the central website that is used by all three of the major credit reporting bureaus, which is Annual Credit Report (see Resources). The three bureaus are TransUnion, Experian and Equifax. The Federal Trade Commission suggests that you do not contact each of the bureaus individually, since they only provide credit report services though Annual Credit Report.

2

Order a copy of your credit report with score from one or all three companies at the same time. Federal law allows you to get a free copy of your credit report once every 12 months. While a copy of your report is free, you will need to pay for access to your credit score with each of the credit reporting companies.

3

Avoid using outside companies that claim to offer free credit scores or reports. The Federal Trade Commission states that only Annual Credit Report is authorized to provide you with free copies of your credit report. Be sure that you are actually visiting the Annual Credit Report website, since imposter sites may intentionally misspell the Web address to get you to visit their site accidentally to submit personal information.

4

Submit your personal information---including your name, address, birth date and Social Security number---to get access to your credit score. To ensure security, expect the credit reporting company to ask you a question only you know the answer to, such as a monthly car payment amount or an old address.

5

Select which credit reporting company you want to receive your report and credit score from. You may select one, two or all three. According to MyFico.com, your credit score may vary between the three companies because they might all have different financial information about you. Getting a score from all three companies is suggested to get the most accurate idea of what your credit history and score is.

6

Input your billing information to get access to your credit score. Once your credit or debit card is charged with the nominal fee, you will have access to your full report and credit score. Print out the report for personal reference if desired.