How to View Your Credit Score

View your credit score, apply online for instant access

It's advisable to view your credit score regularly. Your credit score determines your ability to obtain a line of credit. Higher scores make getting credit easier. You will benefit from preferential interest rates. Monitoring your credit score gives you greater confidence when you need to apply for credit. Regularly checking your score enables you to track any changes. Credit scores alter, depending on the way you manage credit. Viewing your credit score lets you know if something adverse happens, and then you get to rectify it quickly.

Instructions

1. Apply online to view you credit score. Instantly view your credit score from all three credit reporting bureaus, Equifax, TransUnion and Experian. TransUnion offers a 30-day free trial. You can continue to monitor your scores after the 30-day trial by paying $14.95 a month. You can pay to get your score from Experian and Equifax. Check their websites for offers.

2. Click the link to TransUnion (see References). To apply to view your credit score, click "See Your Credit Scores Now," then complete the online form ensuring your details are correct. Read the terms and conditions, and click "I Accept." Enter your card payment details. This is for identity verification purposes. You will not be charged until after the 30-day free trial. Click "Continue." Review your application details, click "Submit."

3. Open your email box. You will have a login name and a link. Click the link. Enter your login name. Create a password and password reminder. Click "Enter" to view your credit scores.

Tips & Warnings

• To pay for your FICO (Fair Isaac Corp) score, go to the MyFICO website. The FICO score is used by most lenders to assess credit suitability. MyFICO uses information from all three credit reporting bureaus to provide your credit score.

• Get your credit report (not credit score) for free from AnnualCreditReport.com. The website is sponsored by the three reporting bureaus. You are entitled to a free report from each bureau once every year.

• You must cancel your subscription to TransUnion within 30-days unless you want to continue to veiw your credit score. The monthly subscription of $14.95 will be debited from your card automatically.

• Only get your scores from Experian, Equifax, TransUnion or MyFICO. Entering your personal data into other websites may result in identity theft. Check the Federal Trade Commission website (see Resources) on ways to avoid identity theft.

References

• TransUnion: Check Your Credit Report and Credit Score
• MyFICO: Get Credit Reports and Credit Scores Online
• Federal Trade Commission: Maintaining Credit

Resources

• Federal Trade Commission: ID Theft
• Annual Credit Report: AnnualCreditReport.com