Finding your credit score is fairly simple. There are three major credit bureaus that report your score. These companies are Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. While all three use a FICO score, they will most likely report different scores resulting in three different reports of your credit. A lot of lenders will use what's known as a middle score to determine your credit. For example, let's say the following is reported regarding your credit:
- Experian reports 710
- Equifax reports 750
- TransUnion reports 690
That's quite a difference and not all that uncommon. A lender will base your interest rate off of the middle credit score, in this case, 710.
That's all well and good, but how 'bout some links to find my credit score?
That's too much work. Is there a way to find my credit score for all three companies in one place?
Indeed there is. In fact, there are quite a few companies that will provide what's known as a three bureau credit report. One that stands out is annualcreditreport.com. The site was created by the big three companies to help consumers easily find their annual credit score. The credit companies are required by law to provide each consumer a free annual credit report. Keep in mind that only the report is free. There is a fee to obtain the credit score.
It is recommended that you at least obtain the free annual credit report every year so that you can make sure there are no mistakes. You don't want a falsely reported delinquent account to harm your score when you go to apply for a loan.
