WalletHub editors compared the leading free credit score providers so you can get your free score without having to worry about any hidden terms.
Updated Apr 5, 2024Fact checked
By:John Kiernan, Credit Card Editor
|Apr 5, 2024
Reviewed by:Alina Comoreanu, Senior Researcher
Fact checked
Credit scores change regularly, and keeping track of your score is important as it helps you make more informed financial decisions. Fortunately, numerous sites can help you keep track of your credit score, whether from one bureau or multiple. To determine the best credit score site, WalletHub compared 17 sites, including those with both free and paid services.
Many factors are used to calculate your credit score, including your payment history, the length of credit history, and how much debt you have. Lenders report your information to the credit bureaus, and thousands of credit scores get calculated based on that information. Some credit scores are not disclosed to consumers (like the ones big lenders use to evaluate you for a loan), while others are disclosed to both the public and lenders (like the VantageScore and the FICO score).
WalletHub
Score Updates Daily
Free, No Credit Card Required
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Fee Details
- Free membership includes all features related to credit scores, credit reports, overall credit monitoring, etc.
Score Type
- TransUnion VantageScore
Related Features
- 24/7 Credit Monitoring
- Full Credit Reports
- Premium membership includes identity protection services
- Specialized tools and resources: "why my score changed" feature, SMS alerts, a personalized debt payoff plan, personalized money-saving offers, credit-improvement advice and enhanced credit monitoring
- Educational resources
Editor’s Notes
Our bias here is unavoidable, but with that noted, we honestly believe WalletHub’s daily updates and customized credit-improvement advice make it the best credit score site out there. And though you might initially come for the free daily credit scores, WalletHub’s array of other awesome features – including your full credit report updated daily, ‘round-the-clock credit monitoring, and our "why my score changed" feature – will ensure that you keep coming back.
Credit Report
Score Updates Monthly
Free, No Credit Card Required
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Fee Details
- Free membership includes all features
Score Type
- Experian FICO 8
Related Features
- Ongoing Experian credit monitoring
- Full Experian credit report
- Membership includes identity protection services
- Experian boost, custom credit card and loan offer recommendations
Editor’s Notes
CreditReport.com offers users access to credit scores and reports from Experian only and also does not have much in the way of additional tools or resources. Given the basic features, this is not a great option for ongoing monitoring.
Credit Sesame
Score Updates Daily
7-Day Free Trial, $19.99/mo after
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Fee Details
- Basic free membership includes credit score and ongoing monitoring
- Upgraded membership includes full credit reports by all 3 major credit bureaus, Equifax, Experian and TransUnion, enhanced monitoring, and ID protection services
Score Type
- TransUnion VantageScore 3.0
Related Features
- Ongoing credit monitoring
- Full credit reports
- Membership includes identity protection services
- Membership includes specialized tools and resources: market assessment, personalized credit improvement tips, and custom credit card and loan offers
Editor’s Notes
Credit Sesame offers one of the stronger dashboards, including credit score tracking and grades on the factors that go into determining credits scores. The free membership lacks full reports, but users with paid subscriptions can get all 3 reports as well as identity protection.
Credit Karma
Score Updates Daily
Free, No Credit Card Required
Go to Site
More Details More Details
Fee Details
- Free membership includes all features
Score Type
- TransUnion VantageScore 3.0
- Equifax VantageScore 3.0
Related Features
- Ongoing credit monitoring
- Full credit reports
- ID monitoring provided
- Membership includes specialized tools and offers: custom credit card and loan offers, credit score simulator, debt repayment calculator, and mortgage refinance calculator
- Educational resources
Editor’s Notes
Credit Karma is one of the most popular sites in the free credit score market. Users get two free scores and reports, and the site offers additional calculators and educational tools. Credit Karma also offers daily score updates.
FreeCreditScore
Score Updates Monthly
Free, No Credit Card Required
Go to Site
More Details More Details
Fee Details
- Free membership includes credit score, credit report, and ongoing monitoring from Experian
Score Type
- Experian FICO Score 8
Related Features
- Ongoing credit monitoring
- Full Experian credit report
- Experian boost, custom credit card and loan offer recommendations
- Educational resources
Editor’s Notes
Free Credit Score gives users access to one of their scores, direct from Experian, for free. However, it lacks additional resources. Users can find better free options.
LendingTree
Score Updates Monthly
Free, No Credit Card Required
Go to Site
More Details More Details
Fee Details
- Free membership includes all features
Score Type
- TransUnion VantageScore 3.0
Related Features
- Ongoing credit monitoring
- Custom recommendations for financial products
Editor’s Notes
LendingTree features one of the strongest and most user-friendly dashboards, as well as the ability to make very personalized recommendations based on a user's specific scenario. While a report is not included, and there are minimal resources as far as education, the simple interface conveys all the basic information about a user's credit score. The site also has the ability to give a user offers based on inputs specific to the user, creating more personalized recommendations and savings.
MyFICO
Score Updates Monthly
Free, No Credit Card Required for Basic Membership
Plans starting at $19.95/mo for Upgraded Membership
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More Details More Details
Fee Details
- Membership includes credit scores and reports
- Upgraded membership plans include a variety of scores, enhanced monitoring, and identity protection services.
Score Type
- TransUnion FICO Score 8
- Equifax FICO Score 8
- Experian FICO Score 8
Related Features
- Ongoing Experian credit monitoring included with free membership
- Full credit reports
- Upgraded membership includes identity protection services
- Educational resources
Editor’s Notes
myFICO provides users with their FICO credit scores, including scores for mortgages and auto loans, directly. The site has variety of plans which all include your FICO 8 score. However, unless you feel like you need your score directly from FICO, consider other options given the fee for upgraded ongoing membership
WisePiggy
Score Updates Monthly
7-Day Free Trial,
$29.95/mo after
Go to Site
More Details More Details
Fee Details
- Free trial includes all features
Score Type
- TransUnion VantageScore 3.0
- Experian VantageScore 3.0
- Equifax VantageScore 3.0
Related Features
- Ongoing credit monitoring
- Simulation tools
- Educational tools
Editor’s Notes
Powered by ScoreSense, Wise Piggy offers credit scores and reports from the three credit bureaus, as well as some nice extras for a fee. The service also includes $1 million in identity theft insurance, daily alerts, simulation tools, and educational resources. This makes Wise Piggy a very strong option for ongoing monitoring
Free Scores and More
Score Updates Monthly
Free Trial (14 days),
$19.99/mo after
Go to Site
More Details More Details
Fee Details
- Free trial includes all features
Score Type
- TransUnion VantageScore 3.0
- Equifax VantageScore 3.0
- Experian VantageScore 3.0
Related Features
- Ongoing credit monitoring
- Membership includes identity protection services
- Educational tools
Editor’s Notes
Free Scores and More provides strong educational tools alongside access to credit scores from all three bureaus. This site looks like a strong option for a one-time check of scores, since users can see three scores and utilize the site's educational resources. Given the monthly fee, this is not a strong option for ongoing monitoring.
Credit.com
Score Updates Monthly
7-Day Free Trial,
$39.99 mo/after
Go to Site
More Details More Details
Fee Details
- Free trial includes all features
- Membership includes full credit reports from all three bureaus updated every 30 days, $1 million identity theft protection, advanced credit monitoring, and alerts
Score Type
- 28 FICO scores
Related Features
- Ongoing credit monitoring
- Full credit reports
- Membership includes identity protection services
- On-time rent payments are reported to all the three bureaus and on-time utility payments are specifically reported to TransUnion as tradelines to build credit history
- Educational resources
Editor’s Notes
Credit.com offers a unique set of features and is one of the most user-friendly sites. The paid membership includes a robust variety of FICO scores used by home and auto loan lenders, as well as credit reports from all three major bureaus. Given that this is one of the most comprehensive packages, it is a strong option for monitoring.
Identity Guard
Score Updates
Equifax - Monthly
Experian - Annually
TransUnion - Annually
7-Day Free Trial,
$29.99/mo after
Go to Site
More Details More Details
Fee Details
- Trial includes credit scores and reports
- Upgraded membership includes annual scores and reports from all three bureaus, monthly updated Equifax score and ongoing credit report monitoring
Score Type
- TransUnion VantageScore 3.0
- Equifax VantageScore 3.0
- Experian VantageScore 3.0
Related Features
- Ongoing credit monitoring
- Full credit reports
- Identity protection
Editor’s Notes
Identity Guard is one of the strongest identity Protection services that also happens to show users their credit scores and reports from all three credit bureaus. Identity Guard does not offer much in the way of additional credit resources or tools, but this is a strong option for a one-time check of all three bureaus, especially if you are interested in identity protection.
Equifax
Score Updates
Equifax - Daily
TransUnion - Annually
Equifax - Annually
Free, No Credit Card Required for Basic Membership
Plans starting at $4.95/mo for Upgraded Membership
Go to Site
More Details More Details
Fee Details
- Free membership includes monthly credit score and report
- Upgraded membership includes up to $1 million in identity theft insurance, daily Equifax scores and annual reports from all three bureaus and three-bureau monitoring
Score Type
- Equifax VantageScore 3.0
- TransUnion VantageScore 3.0
- Experian VantageScore 3.0
Related Features
- Ongoing credit monitoring
- Full credit reports
- Membership includes identity protection services
- Educational resources
Editor’s Notes
Equifax, one of the three credit bureaus, is one of the strongest sites overall, despite the monthly fee. It offers credit scores and reports from all three bureaus, educational resources, and identity protection. Overall, it provides a significant amount of information and does so in a way that is easy to understand. The only drawback of Equifax is the monthly fee required for ongoing monitoring. Despite this, it is a strong option and should definitely be considered for those interested in a one-time check.
Experian
Score Updates
Experian - Daily
TransUnion - Monthly
Equifax - Monthly
Free, No Credit Card Required for Basic Membership
7-Day Free Trial,
$24.99/mo after for Upgraded Membership
Go to Site
More Details More Details
Fee Details
- Free basic membership includes Experian score, report, and ongoing credit monitoring
- Upgraded membership includes scores and reports from all three bureaus and three-bureau monitoring
Score Type
- Experian FICO Score 8
- TransUnion FICO Score 8
- Equifax FICO Score 8
Related Features
- Ongoing credit monitoring
- Full credit reports
- Upgraded membership includes identity protection services
- Educational resources
Editor’s Notes
Experian, one of the three credit bureaus, operates a wide network of credit report and score sites, and its namesake option is the culmination of all of its offerings. Users get access to their Experian credit score and report direct from the source. The site also offers tools to help users improve their score including ExperianBoost and ExperianGo. While the monthly fee is a deterrent for upgraded membership, the free offering makes Experian a strong option.
PrivacyGuard
Score Updates Monthly
Plans starting at $19.99/mo
Go to Site
More Details More Details
Fee Details
- Membership includes scores and reports from all three bureaus and 24*7 three-bureau monitoring
Score Type
- TransUnion VantageScore 3.0
- Equifax VantageScore 3.0
- Experian VantageScore 3.0
Related Features
- Ongoing credit monitoring
- Full credit reports
- Upgraded membership includes identity protection services
- Specialized tools and resources: credit score simulator, credit information hotline financial calculator suite etc.
- Educational resources
Editor’s Notes
Privacy Guard is one of the strongest identity protection services that also happens to show users their credit scores and reports from all three bureaus. Privacy Guard offers some additional resources, but the focus remains on identity protection. The free trial is a good option for a one-time check, and the site may be a good long-term option if you are interested in identity protection.
CreditCheck Total
Score Updates Monthly
$1 Trial (7 days),
$29.99/mo after
Go to Site
More Details More Details
Fee Details
- Trial includes all features
Score Type
- TransUnion FICO Score 8
- Equifax FICO Score 8
- Experian FICO Score 8
Related Features
- Ongoing credit monitoring
- Full credit reports
- Membership includes identity protection services
Editor’s Notes
Powered by Experian, Credit Check Total offers credit scores and reports from all three bureaus monthly, but ongoing membership involves a fee. The focus is definitely on offering access to all three credit bureaus, and not on additional services or resources. Not a strong option for ongoing monitoring, given the cost.
AARP
Score Updates Monthly
Plans starting at $7.99/mo
Go to Site
More Details More Details
Fee Details
- Discounted service offered via Norton to AARP members
- Most basic Select plan only includes annual credit scores and reports, whereas Advantage plan provides monthly refreshes and Ultimate Plus plan provides daily refreshes on credit scores and reports
Score Type
- Equifax VantageScore 3.0
Related Features
- Ongoing credit monitoring
- Full credit reports
- Membership includes identity protection services
Editor’s Notes
AARP offers its members access to their credit scores and reports from Equifax through its identity protection plans powered by Norton. This is a strong option for AARP members interested in identity protection, but a much weaker option for longer-term monitoring given the monthly fee and lack of additional tools.
TransUnion
Score Updates Daily
$29.95/mo
Go to Site
More Details More Details
Fee Details
- Membership includes daily TransUnion score and report updates as well as three-bureau monitoring
Score Type
- TransUnion VantageScore 3.0
Related Features
- Ongoing credit monitoring
- Full credit reports
- Membership includes identity protection services
- Specialized tools and resources: personalized debt analysis, score simulator, unlimited toll free access to ID theft specialists, etc.
- Educational resources
Editor’s Notes
TransUnion, one of the three bureaus, offers users access to their credit score and report. Users get a few extras beyond score and report alone, but ongoing membership still requires a monthly fee. Aside from scores and reports directly from a credit bureau, TransUnion is not offering users anything they can't get from other sites for free.
Best Credit Score Sites FAQ
Finding the best institution can be tough. But you’ve got the knowledgeable WalletHub community on your side. We encourage everyone to share their knowledge while respecting our content guidelines. Please keep in mind that editorial and user-generated content on this page is not reviewed or otherwise endorsed by any financial institution. In addition, it is not the financial institution’s responsibility to ensure all posts and questions are answered.
2
Upvotes
What is the most accurate credit score?
Reply
2
Lauren Smith, WalletHub Staff Writer
@laurenellesmith
The most accurate credit scores are the latest versions of the FICO Score and VantageScore credit-scoring models: FICO Score 9/10 and VantageScore 3.0/4.0. It is important to check a reputable, accurate credit score because there are more than 1,000 different types of credit scores floating around.
The Credit Scores Lenders Check
If your objective is to see the exact credit score lenders will use to evaluate an application to borrow, that isn't possible. Lenders interpret credit data from the major bureaus in different ways, using publicly available credit data as the basis for their own proprietary credit score models. A car loan lender might weigh on-time car payments more heavily than mortgage payments, for example.
Checking the same credit score a lender uses isn't really necessary, either. Your credit score shouldn't vary too much from one credit-score model to another. Analysis from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau found different scoring models put consumers in the same credit-quality category 73-80% of the time. So, if you have a good credit rating from one model, you'd likely have the same from another.
Best Way to Track Your Own Credit Score
The best approach is to track your credit score from one reputable source over time. Choosing one model to follow makes any variations in your score from model to model a moot point, and tracking your score's overall trend – whether it's increasing or decreasing – can tell you more than your specific credit score number at a given time.
If your score is increasing, good job! You're doing the right things, so keep it up. This upward trend shows your reliability as a borrower and is an indication that, with time, you will be eligible for better borrowing terms and rates.
If your score is regularly decreasing, this could be a sign of poor credit habits and could clue you into changes you need to make in your personal finances.
How to Easily Check Your Credit Score for Free
You can check you credit score and get personalized credit-improvement tips for free here at WalletHub.
7
Upvotes
Why did my credit score drop for no reason?
Reply
7
Lauren Smith, WalletHub Staff Writer
@laurenellesmith
Your credit score may have dropped for what seems like no reason due to errors on your credit report. Negative information like a late-payment, higher credit card balances, or a recent application for a credit card or loan could have adversely impacted your credit score as well.
You can check your credit score and find out exactly why it changed for free here at WalletHub. You can also find more tips below.
What You Should Do if Your Credit Score...
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5
Upvotes
Why are my credit scores different?
Reply
5
2
Kathryn B. Hauer, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER (TM)
@KathrynHauer
Hi! Thanks for writing. The three main credit bureaus (TransUnion, Equifax, Experian) are the main entities that keep track of and report credit scores and are the main places that any entity checking your credit score will go. You are right that those three are the go-to places for keeping track of credit scores. Banks use Chexsystems, so when you apply for a bank account, they check with that entity, which shows your history with...
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6
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8
Upvotes
What is the fastest way to improve my credit score?
Reply
8
1
Dmitriy Fomichenko, President, Sense Financial
@dfomichenko
Quick is a relative word in credit repairing, and if you have big negative marks, including foreclosures, short sales, bankruptcies, tax liens, charge-offs, and judgments, it will take up to 7 years to erase them off your report.
However, here are a couple of things you can do:
1. Pay small pending balances: If you have multiple cards, start with a couple having low balances, ranging in $50 to $200. Clearing these small balances...
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7
Upvotes
How is credit score calculated?
Reply
7
WalletHub
@WalletHub
Credit scores are calculated using five different types of information:
Payment History
Amounts Owed
Length of Credit History
New Credit
Types of Credit Used
You can find a great article describing these factors in detail here.
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2
Upvotes
What is the most accurate credit score site?
Reply
2
John S Kiernan, Managing Editor
@John
The most accurate credit score site is WalletHub because it updates scores daily, which means you'll have the most accurate score based on the latest information from your credit report. Most other free credit score websites update scores weekly or monthly.
Any credit score you get from a credit card company or a free credit score website like WalletHub will be accurate, as long as it's a FICO or Vantage credit score based on credit-report information from one of the three...
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4
Upvotes
How do I get an excellent credit score?
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4
Lauren Smith, WalletHub Staff Writer
@laurenellesmith
You can get an excellent credit score by always paying your bills on time, disputing errors on your credit report, keeping your credit utilization low and diversifying your credit mix. An excellent credit score is generally considered to be in the range of 750-850. Such a score is achievable if you exhibit financially responsible behavior over the long term.
How to Get an Excellent Credit Score
- Pay bills on time, always: A...
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4
Upvotes
How do I get a free TransUnion FICO score?
Reply
4
WalletHub
@WalletHub
You can get a free TransUnion FICO score through a Bank of America credit card account, select Barclays credit card accounts, and Discover's free Credit Scorecard program (open to all).
You cannot get a free FICO score from TransUnion directly. Instead, TransUnion allows you to view your VantageScore by paying $24.95 per month for a TransUnion account. That gives you unlimited access to your credit score, your credit report, and credit monitoring.
You...
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1
8
Upvotes
Does getting married affect your credit score?
Reply
8
1
WalletHub
@WalletHub
No. Getting married does not affect your credit score. Married couples don't share a credit score or a credit report, and your credit reputation can't change just by association. That's true whether your spouse has “excellent” or “bad” credit, for example.
One of the only changes to your credit that you can expect after getting married is your credit report being updated to reflect a new “alias” if your nuptials result in a name...
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2
Upvotes
Is it safe to get a free credit score?
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2
Lauren Smith, WalletHub Staff Writer
@laurenellesmith
Yes, it is safe to get a free credit score from certain sources. Experian and Equifax offer free and safe access to your credit scores, and you can get your free credit score based on TransUnion data here at WalletHub, along with personalized credit-improvement tips.
How Free Credit Score Sites Can Protect Your Information
Sites protect your personal information by using encryption for data sent to the credit reporting agencies as well as information received from them....
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