Ways to get your credit report

Essentially, your credit score is simply a snapshot of your credit use — it’s the Cliffs Notes version of seven years of your borrowing history. In many lending situations, the lender bases its decision almost solely on your credit score. Consider your credit score the overall GPA of your borrowing history.

So where can you get your credit report?
This can be done in a few ways:

You can get it from one of the three major credit reporting companies:  Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.  The fee isn’t a huge one – usually around $15 or $20.  However, if you’re serious about growing your credit score, it’s well worth the money to be financially responsible in the end.

You can also go to www.myfico.com and get your FICO score directly from them.  They will offer you a free 30 day trial membership which will get your credit score right now and then, if you wish to continue the membership, it will update the score as it rises (or, heaven forbid lowers).

If you are applying for a mortgage, here’s a little good news for you.  You can find out your credit score for free!  The mortgage company will base their decision and interest rate on what your credit score number is, so just ask and they’ll tell you!

Filed under: How To Read Credit Reports