How do I get my free credit report and score from each bureau?
You can get one free credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus (TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian) once every 12 months from annualcreditreport.com. However, this site doesn't provide credit scores, or more specifically FICO® Scores.
Also, be cautious of other web sites that offer free credit reports. Many of them are only free for a short period of time and then you get charged. Always read the fine print before buying a credit product that you may not need.
Many credit reports change several times a year
The contents of your free credit report will change as your lenders report updated information to the credit reporting agencies. If you're planning a major purchase, or are working actively to improve your FICO Score, you should check your credit report more than once a year.
Free credit scores
Many web sites offer generic credit scores that are not ones that lenders use. If you're planning on making a major purchase, you probably want to check your FICO Score and not just any credit score.
If you really want to be sure that you are seeing the same information that your lender is judging you by, then ask the lender which score they are using and then purchase that exact score, or set of scores.
For example, it's typical for a mortgage lender to check all three FICO scores when evaluating you for a loan. However, some auto lenders may only use one FICO Score to qualify you for an auto loan. Make sure you're seeing the credit scores that your lender is using to evaluate you!
