Credit Score Question
 

Is there any way to get my credit scores without signing up for a "free" privacy service? I got my free credit report, but it doesn't include scores. Anybody know?

"Apply" for an auto loan at your bank if you're really wanting to know without too many hassles.

I haven't tried it, but AnnualCreditReport was the one I heard was run by the credit card companies at the behest of the government. The FTC backs it up The Federal Trade Commission's Information on Free Annual Credit Reports

You can get a free, no-strings-attached credit report there, but they won't give you your credit score.

You have to pay for the FICO credit score (and make sure it's FICO, a lot of those freecreditreport.com type places just give you some random number they make up themselves.)

Fair-Issac is the only legit FICO. There is something called an auto adjusted FICO too, if you want a car.

That would actually ding your report, not much, but still.

I didn't know there was a difference - shows what paying/being paid in cash and meticulously avoiding credit cards and even checks has gotten me. I'm gonna be so screwed if I ever try to secure an auto loan or home mortgage :)

The only place you can get your actual FICO score is at myfico.com. The rest are what's called FAKO scores. They do their best to essentially guess what your FICO score is. I've seen it be real close but also seen 30-40 point differences in the two.

Eh. As long as you pay your student loans on time and avoid collections on stuff like old phone bills you'll be just fine

I'd suggest you check out Credit Karma, it's pretty cool and free.

FREE Credit Score & FREE Credit Tools. No Credit Card Needed

Thanks. I think the whole credit score is a ripoff, but it's what I need to get a place to live. At least my wife found a coupon code for MyFICO that took a few bucks off.

Just walk into a car dealership and ask to test drive the most expensive POS on the lot....run the report and ask for a copy. They have to provide you a copy.

It will ding you 1-3 points the brackets are 50+ points wide

Here are recommended places you can get your scores:

Source Cost Description Score range
ANNUAL CREDIT REPORT SERVICE
Congress recently established this outlet to make it easier for consumers to get their credit reports and credit scores from the three national credit reporting agencies.

Web:AnnualCreditReport
Phone: 1 877 322 8228
U.S. Mail:
Annual Credit Report Request Service
P. O. Box 105281
Atlanta, GA 30348-5281 The price for credit scores is being determined by the Federal Trade Commission Credit Reports and Scoring.

One free credit report per year from each credit reporting agency.
Each credit reporting agency offers a different type of credit score to consumers. FICO score via:
Equifax 300-850
Experian score 330-830
TransUnion score 150-934


MYFICO.COM
The consumer Internet site of Fair Isaac Corporation which developed the FICO score.

Web: myFICO - FICO Credit Scores | Get a Free Credit Report Online
$14.95 for one FICO score and credit report. $44.85 for all three FICO scores and credit reports from the three credit reporting agencies (2005 pricing). This score is most often used by lenders. It lets you see how prospective lenders would evaluate your credit history. FICO score from Equifax, Experian and/or Trans Union 300-850


INDIVIDUAL CREDIT REPORTING AGENCIES:

Equifax
Web: Equifax: Credit Reports, Credit Scores, Protection Against Identity Theft
Phone: 1 800 685 1111

Experian
Web: Credit Report and free credit score at Experian.com
Phone: 1 866 200 6020

TransUnion
Web: TransUnion - Check Your Credit Report and Credit Score Online, Instantly and Securely
Phone: 1 800-888-4213
Prices for credit scores with credit reports vary from $14.95 to $34.95 (2005 pricing). Each credit reporting agency offers a different type of credit score to consumers. FICO score via:
Equifax 300-850
Experian score 330-830
TransUnion score 150-934


MORTGAGE LENDERS
Credit Score is free when applying for mortgage or home equity loan. This score will likely be the actual score used to evaluate your application. Ask your lender to be sure. FICO score from Equifax, Experian or Trans Union 300-850

Get an American Express card (the classic type, not the "Blue" or any other crap like that) and make a habit of paying for things like gas, groceries, etc. with it.

I had the same problem for years as I would (gulp)...actually save my money and then buy it when I had the money for it. But I got sick of things like cell phone & utility co's requiring deposits, getting less than optimal auto loan rates, etc.

Using Amex frequently (and paying it promptly every month) helps to show sustained credit-usage & increase your credit score without actually being an interest-bearing burden. Just be sure to treat it like you would the money in your bank account.