There are a number of methods you can use to see what credit you have. Here are five popular ones:
1. Use a Credit Monitoring Service
Credit monitoring services are third-party companies that track your credit score and credit report for you. In exchange for a subscription fee, they offer features such as continuous monitoring of your credit score and sending alerts when there’s any major change.
Credit monitoring services such as Identity Guard, Experian, and Credit Karma offer free credit monitoring services with value-added features available for purchase. It is important to note though that they may not always offer a full report that is required by lenders.
2. Use Free Credit Reporting Services
The three major credit bureaus – TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian – offer one free report per year. You can either get a whole report at once or choose to access the reports from each bureau separately throughout the year.
It is important to note that during the pandemic, free weekly credit reports are available through 2021. You can request your free report online through the Annual Credit Report Request Service at any time of the year.
3. Check with Your Credit Card Issuer
Some credit offer perks such as free monthly credit score updates. Check with your credit card issuer to see if they offer this service, as it is a great way to keep tabs on your credit without having to pay any additional fees.
4. Use Free Credit Score Services
Several websites are available to give you an idea of what your credit score might be. These services are not always as accurate as those from credit bureaus but give an idea of what is likely to appear on lenders’ reports. The free services available might have restrictions on use.
Services such as Credit Karma, Credit Sesame, and myFICO (which offers free scores up to once per year respectively) offer these services.
5. Check with Your Bank or Credit Union
Some of them offer free credit score updates to their customers. It’s always worth asking if your go-to bank or credit union offers such services.
In conclusion, recognizing your credit score is an important aspect of maintaining healthy finances. Frequently monitoring your credit score is a good financial habit that can help ensure stability in your financial life. By the methods we have highlighted, you will be able to have a clearer understanding of your credit score and how lenders perceive you.