Free credit reports are available annually and you can get a free trial of credit monitoring services online from various companies so there’s really no reason you shouldn’t be able to check your credit report and keep tabs on your credit score.
Credit history and credit scores play the leading role for individuals and couples trying to qualify for a mortgage or finance the purchase of an automobile. So how do you know what your credit history looks like or if you have a high or low credit score? Below are a few resources you can use to check your credit report and find out your credit score.
There are three credit agencies: Experian, TransUnion and Equifax. Since each agency keeps its own records, it’s wise to order a copy of your credit report from each of the three agencies. The credit agencies and other services listed here also allow you to order all three reports at once. If you’re married you’ll have to order a credit report for you and your spouse to obtain each credit history and score.
Annual Credit Report
AnnualCreditReport.com is a central source where you can order your free credit report and scores from Equifax, TransUnion and Experian. In a few simple steps online, you can place your order and be on your way to reviewing your credit history and scores. This service allows you to order one free credit report from each of the credit agencies per year.
Your FICO score is one of the many credit scores computed from your credit history. It is the score used by 90 percent of the banks and lenders in the United States, when they are determining whether or not you qualify for the mortgage or loan you are applying for. Since it is one of the most important scores, you should monitor it closely.
MyFICO is an Equifax service that allows you to order a free trial of two Equifax credit reports and obtain your FICO score. It also provides a service to alert you when there are changes to your credit report or FICO score. This is a paid service, but they do offer a free trial period to test it out. – MyFICO Credit Report
Experian allows you to order your credit report and score from their website when you sign up for a free trial of their service. There is also an option to pay a small fee to receive your credit report and score from all three credit agencies at once.
Again, what shows up on your Experian report may differ from what is reported on your other two credit reports, so you can order a copy from each agency individually or use one service to order all three. – Experian Credit Report
You can order your individual report from the second of the three credit agencies, TransUnion. The TrueCredit program offered by TransUnion also provides a service where you can order all three of your credit reports and credit scores at once. Here is a TrueCredit review. – Transunion Credit Report
The third of the credit agencies, Equifax, provides a similar service. You can order your Equifax credit report and credit score or purchase all three credit reports and scores at once. Unlike the other services, Equifax doesn’t offer a free trial. You can get started with ordering your individual or set of credit reports and scores with Equifax online. – Equifax Credit Report
Your credit history and credit scores play a major role in qualifying for a mortgage or financing any major purchases. It’s simple and easy to do and you have several options so it’s a good idea to check your credit report and scores at least once a year.