How to Get a FICO Score for Free

By Isaiah David

Overview

In the United States, every citizen is entitled to one free annual credit report from all three major credit monitoring bureaus. Unfortunately, there is no similar option for FICO scores. Fortunately, there are many ways to get your FICO score for free. As a matter of fact, you may already be entitled to one through either your bank, the company that issued your credit card or a financial website you are a member of.

Step 1

Check with your bank and credit card company to see if they offer free FICO scores. Many credit unions do, such as the Pennsylvania State Employees Credit Union.
Step 2

Ask your bank if they give out FICO scores under special circumstances. Occasionally, banks will only give you your FICO score under certain conditions, such as when opening a new account.

Step 3

Join a website that offers free FICO scores, such as Credit Karma (see Resources below). You will have to enter your name and email address to apply for an account. Once you do, you will be sent an activation code that lets you set up an account and get your free score.
Step 4

Join a credit monitoring site with a free trial. Many credit sites offer free 30-day trials during which you can see your FICO score. You will have to apply with a credit card, but you can quit before the 30 days elapse and you are charged.
Step 5

Join a borrowing and lending website such as LendingClub.com. If you become a borrower there, you will receive a free FICO score. You will not have to borrow any actual money to do this (see Resources below).

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