The most direct way to check a credit score is to purchase it from FICO. You could also purchase a copy of your credit score from each of the three major credit bureaus. In some cases, you could also check a credit score by subscribing to a credit monitoring service.
You are entitled to receive a free credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus. Transunion, Equifax, and Experian all will give you a copy of your credit report. Even though you can get your credit report for free every year, it is important to realize that you are not going to get a copy of your credit score in this manner. The free offer only gives you a copy of your credit report with information about your credit accounts.
There are several different credit scores that are available. The most commonly used type of credit score is the FICO score which was developed by Fair Isaac Corporation. This score is commonly used in the mortgage industry and in other lending situations.
In order to gain access to your FICO score, you will have to purchase it directly from FICO. You can visit the website and purchase a copy of your credit report with your credit score attached. In order to do this, a fee is going to be required. Once you pay the fee, you can download a copy of your credit report and your credit score directly from the website.
Each of the three major credit bureaus also have their own credit scores. You can gain access to the scores by purchasing a copy of your credit report directly from each credit bureau. You will find that your credit score will vary from one credit bureau to the next because of variations in reporting from creditors.
Another way you can potentially check a credit score is through a credit monitoring service. There are several credit monitoring services available to consumers as a way to protect their credit. These credit monitoring services watch over an individual's credit and report any changes directly to him or her. As an added bonus, these credit monitoring services will often allow a consumer to check a credit score. With this type of service, you will be able to log into an account with your credit monitoring service and check a credit score from any of the three major credit bureaus.