How to check your credit score for free

Your credit score is the key to your financial future: It can determine whether you get approved for a credit card, car loan or mortgage, and what interest rate you'll pay, In some cases, your score can influence whether you get an apartment or even a job.

So, it's important to check your score regularly. Not only will you see any progress you've made in improving your credit, but you'll know about dings on your record and be able to catch mistakes or fraud.

While getting regular updates about your credit score is part of most credit monitoring and credit repair services, there are also several ways to check you score for free.

A credit score is a three-digit number that informs lenders about the kind of risk you pose. Typically ranging from 300 to 850, credit scores are determined by weighing several aspects of your financial history, including payment patterns over the last several years, how long you've had credit and the mix of credit products you've used.

Factors that don't affect your credit score include race, religion, age, location, political affiliation, sexual orientation, occupation, employment history or your total assets.

The scores vary based on which credit scoring models a lender uses, FICO or VantageScore, which credit bureau is pulling the info, Experian, Equifax or TransUnion.

Your credit score differs from your credit report, which is a much broader view of your credit history, with detailed information about your accounts — including the dates opened, credit limits or loan amounts, balances and payment patterns. Any bankruptcies or negative judgments will also be noted, as will any statements of dispute you may have filed.

Your name, current and previous addresses, phone number, Social Security number, date of birth, and current and previous employers are also listed on your credit history.

There are two main credit scoring models used to determine your credit score, FICO and VantageScore, although FICO is used in over 90% of lending decisions.

Both FICO and VantageScore credit scores range from 300 to 850 and payment history is the most influential factor in determining either. But they differ in how they weigh other factors.

FICO Score

Payment history: This looks at whether you've paid past credit accounts on time and is worth 35% of your overall score
Credit utilization rate: The total amount of credit and loans you're using compared to your credit limit,. This is worth 30% of your credit score.
Length of credit history: The length of time you've had credit is worth 15% of your overall score.
New credit: How often have you applied for and opened new accounts is worth 10% of your score.
Credit mix: The variety of credit products you have — including credit cards, installment loans, finance company accounts and mortgages — accounts for 10% of your FICO score.

VantageScore

Payment history: Whether you've paid your debts on time and paid more than the required minimum is highly influential in determining your VantageScore.
Credit utilization: How much credit you're using versus your total credit limit is a very influential factor.
Credit history and mix: Another highly influential factor is how long you've been using credit and the diversity of products you've utilized, including both revolving and installment credit. 
Total balances and debt: A high balance can negatively affect your score, although this is considered only a moderately influential part of your overall VantageScore,
Recent credit activity: While less influential than other factors, recent credit inquiries and applications can impact your score. 
Available credit: Although considered less influential, having a high amount of available credit demonstrates financial responsibility and can have a positive impact on your score

Most credit card issuers provide free credit score access to their cardholders, although they rarely offer information on both FICO and VantageScores from all three bureaus.

CreditWise from Capital One and Chase Credit Journey, for example, offer free VantageScores from TransUnion.

Both also offer dark web surveillance and alerts about your Social Security number. Anyone can register for CreditWise or Chase Credit Journey, whether they're a cardholder or not.

Experian free credit monitoring shares your Experian credit report and the FICO score it generates, but it doesn't include three-bureau credit monitoring.

Here are other credit card issuers that provide free FICO Score access to cardholders, typically every 30 days.:

• American Express: Offers a free FICO score from Experian.
• Bank of America: Offers a free monthly FICO score from TransUnion
• Barclays: A free FICO score from TransUnion.
• Citi: FICO score from Equifax
• Wells Fargo: Banking customers can access their FICO score from Experian

You can also get a free copy of your credit report from all three bureaus once a year by visiting Annualcreditreport.com or calling 877-322-8228.

For a holistic approach, one that presents both FICO and VantageScore scores from all three agencies, you'll need to enroll in a credit monitoring service or identity theft protection service. These are not free services, but they typically come with a wide array of benefits beyond credit score access, including dark web monitoring, password managers and VPN generators.

You can also subscribe to a credit repair service, which will work to correct any mistakes or fraudulent items on your credit report, thereby raising your score.

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