How to Check Your Credit Score for Free (Without Getting Scammed)
Jul 9, 2025 • STAFF
Introduction
Knowing your credit score is one of the smartest financial moves you can make — but you should never have to pay to see it.
Unfortunately, some websites advertise “free credit score” offers that sneak in monthly charges or hidden fees. Here's how to safely check your score and full credit report for free — and avoid getting scammed.
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Your Credit Score vs. Credit Report
- Your credit score is a number between 300–850 that reflects how risky you are to lenders.
- Your credit report is a detailed history of your loans, payments, and accounts.
You’ll usually want to check both — the score gives you a snapshot, and the report shows what’s affecting it.
How to Check Your Credit Report for Free
You can get your full credit report from all three bureaus (Equifax, TransUnion, Experian) for free at:
This is the only official site backed by the federal government. You can request all three reports at once or space them out.
💡 Tip: As of 2023, reports are free weekly, not just once a year.
How to Check Your Credit Score for Free
Your score isn’t always included with your report, but you can get it free from:
- Credit card companies (Chase, Capital One, Discover, etc.)
- Bank apps (Wells Fargo, Bank of America, etc.)
- Free credit tools like Credit Karma or Credit Sesame
These sources usually show a VantageScore or FICO Score, depending on the provider.
Watch Out for Scams and Tricks
Avoid these common traps:
- Sites that ask for a credit card to “unlock” your score
- Free trials that turn into paid subscriptions
- Fake clones of AnnualCreditReport.com
Always check the URL and never share sensitive info unless you're on a trusted site.
Why This Matters
- Many people discover identity theft or errors only after checking their report
- You’ll need your score to qualify for housing, loans, or credit cards
- Regular checks help you track progress if you're rebuilding credit
For more on building credit safely, check out How Paying Rent Can Boost Your Credit Score or What Credit Score Do You Need to Rent a Home?
References
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