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How to Get a Credit Score & Report for Free

2 min read

Last Updated: September 26, 2024

Table of contents

Key Takeaways

Each credit reporting agency will provide you with one free credit report per week.
You can request a free credit report online and access your report within minutes.
Your bank or credit card company may provide your credit score for free.

A credit report offers a snapshot of your financial health in terms of debt management. And your credit score is like a grade for your credit report. Prospective lenders review your credit report and credit score before deciding whether to issue you credit, which can impact your ability to get assets such as a home, a credit card, and a car.

Some websites may try to charge you for a credit report. Knowing how to check your credit report and score for free can help you stay on top of your report and hang on to your hard-earned cash.

Free credit reports vs free credit scores

A credit report and credit score are different but related.

Your credit report lists your borrowing and payment history.
Your credit score translates that information into a three-digit score (often between 300 and 850). You can check your credit report without impacting your credit score.

Keep in mind that there isn’t just one credit report or score. Each credit bureau will assess your credit history differently and calculate your score based on the information in your credit report. Some creditors report to one agency and not the others.

Your score will fluctuate monthly based on several factors:

Increasing your credit utilization ratio (the percentage of available credit you’re using)
Paying off debt, like your monthly credit account balance
Adding a new credit account, like a new credit card

Note: A credit bureau won’t typically include your credit score in your credit report.

Where to get your free credit report

Federal law allows consumers to receive one free credit report every 12 months from each of the three major credit reporting agencies. And, beyond this law, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reports that the three credit bureaus have permanently extended the program to include one free report per week.

You can request your free credit report at AnnualCreditReport.com (the only website authorized by the federal government). Additionally, according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, you can ask for a free credit report within 60 days of being denied credit.

Getting your report if you are blind or visually impaired

If you’re visually impaired, you can get your free credit report in braille, large print, or audio formats. You just need to call 1-877-322-8228. It’s simple: you’ll need to prove your identity with some personal info and orally certify that you’re visually impaired.

Where to check your credit score for free

Many banks, credit card issuers, and loan companies offer free access to credit scores to their customers. Discover was the first major credit card to give you your FICO^® Credit Score for free on your monthly statement and online.¹

Did you know?

As a Discover^{^®} Cardmember, you can get your FICO^{^®} Credit Score, plus see important details that help make up your score for free.¹ You will be able to check your online account, mobile app, or monthly statement to find your credit score.

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