Your credit score plays a critical role in your financial health. Whether you’re applying for a credit card, renting an apartment, or seeking a mortgage, your credit score can influence your chances of approval and even the terms you’re offered. Fortunately, learning how to check your credit score is easy and completely safe when done the right way.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how to check your credit score, where to check it for free, how often to do it, and what to do if your score isn’t where you want it to be.
What Is a Credit Score and Why Is It Important?
Before diving into how to check your credit score, it’s important to understand what it is and why it matters. A credit score is a three-digit number, typically ranging from 300 to 850, that reflects your creditworthiness based on your borrowing history.
Lenders use your credit score to evaluate your risk as a borrower. A high score means you’re more likely to be approved for loans and get better interest rates. On the other hand, a low score could lead to denied applications or higher borrowing costs.
Here’s a general breakdown of credit score ranges:
- Excellent: 800 – 850
- Very Good: 740 – 799
- Good: 670 – 739
- Fair: 580 – 669
- Poor: 300 – 579
By regularly checking your credit score, you can stay informed and take control of your financial future.
Will Checking My Credit Score Affect It?
One of the biggest myths about credit scores is that checking your own score will hurt it. This is false.
There are two types of credit checks:
- Soft Inquiry: This happens when you check your own score or a company checks it for non-lending purposes (like pre-approved offers). Soft inquiries do not affect your credit score.
- Hard Inquiry: This occurs when a lender checks your score for a loan or credit application. Hard inquiries can slightly lower your score temporarily.
When learning how to check your credit score, remember that doing it yourself is considered a soft inquiry and is 100% safe.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Check Your Credit Score
Now let’s dive into the step-by-step process of how to check your credit score safely and easily.
Step 1: Choose a Reputable Source
The first step is to decide where you want to check your credit score. Here are your main options:
- Credit Bureaus: In Canada, the two major bureaus are Equifax and TransUnion. In the U.S., they include Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian.
- Online Platforms: Websites like Credit Karma (U.S. and Canada), Borrowell (Canada), and NerdWallet offer free access to your score.
- Banks and Credit Card Issuers: Many financial institutions offer free credit score updates to their customers.
- Government Resources: In the U.S., AnnualCreditReport.com lets you request a free report from each bureau once per year.
Make sure the website you choose is secure and well-reviewed before sharing any personal information.
Step 2: Create an Account or Log In
Most platforms will require you to create an account. You’ll typically need to provide:
- Full name
- Address
- Date of birth
- Social Security Number (U.S.) or Social Insurance Number (Canada)
This information is necessary to locate your credit file and verify your identity.
Step 3: Verify Your Identity
You may be asked a few personal verification questions. These questions are often about previous loans, credit cards, or addresses that only you would know. Once verified, you’ll be able to view your score.
Step 4: View Your Credit Score
Once you’re logged in, you’ll be able to see your current credit score. Some platforms also include charts that show how your score has changed over time, which is useful for tracking progress.
Make note of the score type being shown FICO and VantageScore are the most common models, and each has slightly different scoring ranges.
Step 5: Review Your Full Credit Report
While learning how to check your credit score is important, it’s equally crucial to review your full credit report. Your report provides detailed information about your:
- Payment history
- Outstanding debts
- Credit utilization
- Inquiries
- Account statuses
Look out for any inaccuracies or suspicious activity. If you notice anything wrong, dispute the item with the credit bureau immediately.
Best Free Tools to Check Your Credit Score
Here are some of the best platforms where you can check your credit score for free:
For Canadians:
- Borrowell – Free Equifax credit score and weekly updates
- Credit Karma Canada – Offers free TransUnion credit score and report
- Mogo – Free Equifax monitoring with alerts
For Americans:
- Credit Karma – Free TransUnion and Equifax scores
- Experian – Offers free FICO score
- NerdWallet – Free access to your VantageScore
- AnnualCreditReport.com – Free credit reports from all three bureaus annually
These platforms also provide helpful financial tools, credit simulators, and personalized advice.
How Often Should You Check Your Credit Score?
There’s no harm in checking your credit score often, as long as you’re using reputable tools. In fact, some experts recommend reviewing it once a month to stay on top of any sudden changes.
Here’s a quick guide:
- Monthly: Ideal if you’re rebuilding credit or planning to apply for credit soon.
- Quarterly: Good for routine monitoring.
- Annually: At minimum, check your full credit report once a year.
The key takeaway: the more informed you are, the better decisions you’ll make.
What to Do After You Check Your Credit Score
Now that you know how to check your credit score, let’s look at what comes next.
If Your Score Is High:
- Keep up with timely payments
- Keep credit utilization low
- Avoid unnecessary hard inquiries
- Use credit responsibly to maintain your rating
If Your Score Is Low:
- Pay bills on time your payment history is the most significant factor
- Reduce outstanding debts
- Avoid applying for too much credit at once
- Dispute any incorrect information on your report
Improving your credit score takes time and consistent effort, but the benefits are worth it.
Common Questions About Checking Your Credit Score
Is It Really Free?
Yes, many platforms offer completely free credit score access. Just be cautious of “free trial” offers that may charge you after a certain period.
What’s the Difference Between a Credit Score and Credit Report?
A credit score is a number that summarizes your credit risk, while a credit report contains detailed account history and data used to calculate your score.
Which Score Do Lenders Use?
Most lenders use your FICO score, but some may use VantageScore. It’s useful to track both when possible.
Can I See My Spouse’s Credit Score?
No, not unless they give permission. Each person has a unique credit profile.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to check your credit score is one of the smartest financial moves you can make. It’s simple, free, and can be done in just a few minutes. By staying on top of your credit score, you’ll be better prepared for major life events like buying a home, financing a car, or even applying for a job. Take action today. Choose one of the trusted platforms listed above, check your credit score, and start making informed decisions that improve your financial health.
Ready to take control of your credit? Check your score now and make the first move toward a stronger financial future.
