How to Get All 3 Credit Scores

There are a variety of offers for free credit reports and scores found online. With so many choices, it can be difficult to choose the best option. Consumers are entitled to one free credit report each year but obtaining credit scores requires a fee.

Fair Isaac Corporation, or FICO, created a credit scoring system in 1958 to help lenders determine creditworthiness and the likelihood of timely debt repayment. The FICO score helps businesses to improve their ability to make better decisions about money and credit lending. The credit score is generated by information from independent credit reporting agencies and some lenders.

Instructions

How to Get All Three Credit Scores

1

Go to myfico.com. Click on the orange "Start Free Trial" button in the middle of the page. You will need to pay for the credit scores so you should have a valid credit or debit card available. Myfico.com, which charges consumers $14.95 for one FICO score and $44.85 for all three scores, is the best way to obtain all three credit scores.

Equifax, Experian and TransUnion are the three U.S. credit reporting agencies. The Federal Citizens Information Center says using myfico.com or annualcreditreport.com, which offers consumers one free credit report per year, are the preferred methods of obtaining credit scores.

2

On annualcreditreport.com, complete a personal information form. You will be directed to each credit reporting company's website to obtain information. Place a check mark on each credit reporting agency that you want to visit. Each website allows you to order a personal or business FICO score for a fee. Select the options you want.

3

You can obtain a credit report for free if you are denied credit for any reason. These reports do not include credit scores unless the consumer asks specifically for a credit score; there is still a fee for the score.

If you don't want to receive credit score information on the Web, you can request that each credit reporting agency send the report by U.S. mail. Free credit reports requested by phone or mail will be sent 15 days of receiving the request, according to annualcreditreport.com.

The FCIC advises against contacting each credit reporting unit outside of the two websites because of contractual agreements.

4

Be aware that credit scores differ according to the agency. Also, the credit scoring purchased by businesses about consumers may differ slightly from the score that consumers are issued individually. Credit scoring is important because it helps businesses to make good financial decisions. Your scores can also make the difference between obtaining approval for a low-interest rate loan, a high-interest rate loan or no loan at all.