How to Buy Credit Scores From Credit Bureaus

Although you are entitled to one free credit report per year from each of the major credit bureaus, that credit report will not include a credit score. Your credit score, also known as a FICO score, is calculated from the information in your credit report using an algorithm developed by the Fair Isaac Corporation and is used by lenders to determine how likely you are to repay loans given to you.

Instructions

1

Request a free copy of your credit report from all three credit bureaus from the free annual credit report website link in Resources. You will need to enter your identifying information and select which reports you want to view.

2

Compare your credit reports from the three credit bureaus. According to Consumer Union, if all three appear to contain the same information, you are probably fine purchasing a credit score from just one of the credit bureaus. However, if there are differences, such as delinquent accounts being reported to one bureau or accounts present only with another bureau, you should order more than one.

3

Go to the FICO scores website (see Resources) and create an account.

4

View your score online as soon as you have completed the purchase of the scores. By ordering your score online you can see your score immediately rather than waiting for it to come in the mail.