Contrary to popular belief, there is no correlation between checking your credit score and a lower credit score. Checking your credit score and report on a regular basis can help ensure that all of your information is accurate, identify possible fraud or identity theft, and provide an indication of your current financial situation.
The short answer is yes, you can check your FICO score without hurting your credit. In fact, it’s a good idea to check your credit score regularly to make sure there are no errors and to keep an eye on your credit health.
Here’s the breakdown:
- Checking your own credit score is considered a “soft inquiry,” which does not affect your credit score. Soft inquiries are typically made when you request a copy of your credit report or check your credit score through a service like Credit Karma or Chase Credit Journey.
- When a lender or creditor checks your credit score, it’s considered a “hard inquiry,” which can lower your credit score by a few points. Hard inquiries typically occur when you apply for a new credit card, loan, or mortgage.
So, how can you check your FICO score without hurting your credit?
- Use a free credit score service: There are many free credit score services available online, such as Credit Karma, Chase Credit Journey, and NerdWallet. These services typically provide you with your FICO score from one or more of the three major credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion).
- Get your credit report from AnnualCreditReport.com: You can get a free copy of your credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus once a year at AnnualCreditReport.com. Your credit report will not include your FICO score, but it will list all of your credit accounts and payment history, which you can use to monitor your credit health.
- Check your credit card statement: Some credit card companies provide your FICO score on your monthly statement.
Here are some additional tips for checking your credit score without hurting your credit:
- Only check your credit score once every few months. Checking your credit score too often can lead to multiple hard inquiries, which can lower your credit score.
- Be aware of scams. There are many scams out there that claim to provide you with your credit score for free. Be sure to only use reputable sources to check your credit score.
- Dispute any errors on your credit report. If you find any errors on your credit report, be sure to dispute them with the credit bureau.
Checking your FICO score regularly is an important part of maintaining good credit health. By following the tips above, you can check your FICO score without hurting your credit.
Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful:
- Experian: How to Check Your Credit Score Without Hurting It
- Chase: Does Checking Your Credit Score Lower It?
- Investopedia: How to Check Your Credit Score Without Hurting It
What is a hard credit check?
When you go ahead and formally apply for credit, a lender or creditor will perform a hard credit check, also known as a hard credit inquiry or hard pull. Hard credit checks do affect your credit score and may stay on your credit report for two years.
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Contrary to popular belief, there is no correlation between checking your credit score and a lower credit score. Checking your credit score and report on a regular basis can help ensure that all of your information is accurate, identify possible fraud or identity theft, and provide an indication of your current financial situation.
How To Check YOUR Credit Score for FREE (& what your free FICO Score or VantageScore means) 2024
FAQ
How do I check my FICO score without affecting it?
Does checking your FICO credit score hurt it?
How can I check my credit score without impacting my credit score?
How many times can you check your credit score without hurting your credit?
How do I Check my free FICO score?
The first place you should check for your free FICO Score is with your credit card issuer. Many card issuers provide their cardholders with free access to their credit score. While there’s a good chance you’ll have access to your credit score, the key is whether it’s your FICO Score or VantageScore.
Why is my FICO score important?
Your FICO Score is important, but it’s not the only score that’s used widely by banks, lenders and credit card issuers. When you enroll in Chase Credit Journey ®, you can get access to your free VantageScore 3.0 and credit report. This is an easy, fast and accurate way of checking your credit score without hurting it.
Can I check my credit score without a credit card?
Yes! You can sign in to NerdWallet at any time to see your free credit score, your free credit report information — and much more. There’s no credit card required, no cost. If you’re curious, here’s how we make money. How can I check my credit score? How often does it change?
Can a lender use a different FICO ® score?
Your lender or insurer may use a different FICO ® Score than FICO ® Score 8, or another type of credit score altogether. Learn more. FICO ® Scores are used by lenders more than any other brand of credit scores. Sign up and get instant online access to your FICO ® Score for free. Checking your own credit won’t lower your credit scores.