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How to check your credit score for free



How to Check Your Credit Score for Free (Step-by-Step Guide)

Updated for 2026 • Credit Score & Personal Finance

Your credit score plays a major role in your financial life. It affects your ability to get loans, credit cards, and even rent an apartment. The good news? You can check your credit score for free without hurting it. In this guide, we’ll explain the safest and easiest ways to do it.

What Is a Credit Score?

A credit score is a number that shows how trustworthy you are as a borrower. It is calculated based on your payment history, credit usage, length of credit history, and other financial factors.

Can You Check Your Credit Score for Free?

Yes. Checking your own credit score is considered a soft inquiry, which means it does not affect your score at all. Many trusted platforms offer free credit score access.

Best Ways to Check Your Credit Score for Free

1. Credit Karma

Credit Karma is one of the most popular free credit monitoring platforms. It provides your credit score from TransUnion and Equifax and updates it regularly.

  • 100% free
  • Score updates and alerts
  • Easy-to-understand credit factors

2. Experian Free Account

Experian allows you to check your FICO Score for free by creating a basic account. This score is commonly used by lenders.

  • Free FICO score
  • Credit report access
  • Optional premium features

3. Capital One CreditWise

CreditWise is free and available even if you’re not a Capital One customer. It shows your VantageScore and sends alerts when your credit changes.

4. Your Bank or Credit Card Provider

Many banks and credit card companies offer free credit score monitoring inside their apps or online dashboards.

How Often Should You Check Your Credit Score?

Checking your credit score once a month is usually enough. Regular monitoring helps you catch errors, detect fraud early, and track your financial progress.

Does Checking Your Credit Score Hurt It?

No. Checking your own credit score is a soft check and has zero impact on your credit rating. Only hard inquiries (like loan applications) can temporarily lower your score.

Tips to Protect Your Credit Information

  • Use trusted websites and apps only
  • Enable alerts for suspicious activity
  • Never share sensitive details via email
  • Use strong, unique passwords
Pro Tip:
Monitoring your credit score regularly is one of the easiest ways to improve your financial health over time.

Final Thoughts

Knowing how to check your credit score for free gives you control over your financial future. With the tools available today, staying informed has never been easier or safer.

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.