How to Get a Free Credit Report and FICO Score

Free Credit Report FICO Score

Every United States citizen is entitled to one free credit report each year. The problem is that a free credit report will only tell you part of the story, the part you already know! For this reason it is important to also get a free FICO score. The FICO score is the number used by lenders to determine the interest rate they will charge you. Luckily, getting your free FICO score is fairly easy if you know how to do it.

Things You'll Need

• To Be Prepared to Apply for a Loan

Instructions

1. Visit your bank or credit union.

2. 

   Ask for a free credit report and FICO score. Some banks keep this information on hand and will provide it to you if you ask. Plus, it never hurts to ask!

3. Ask what it will take to get a free credit report and FICO score. Sometimes it is as easy as adding an additional savings account to your other accounts. Make sure to specify that you want your FICO score as well as your free credit report.

4. 

   Apply for a loan or credit card you have been considering. When applying for a bank loan the bank or credit union will typically give you your free credit report and FICO score if you simply ask. If you are denied credit then you are entitled a free credit report from all three credit reporting agencies.

5. Dispute any misinformation. If you were denied a loan or credit because something is amiss on your free credit report it is important to dispute these discrepancies. Once the errors are cleared your FICO score will rise instantly and you can reapply.

Tips & Warnings

• Recent updates to the FICO scoring system has reduced the penalty for credit report inquiries making you freer to check your FICO score for free.

• Only apply for a loan or credit card you are interested in.