| Asking: "what's my credit score" without being able to | | | | On the website you can sign up to receive your free |
| get a clear answer can be frustrating. You read about | | | | annual credit report. The credit report, however, doesn't |
| improving your credit score, getting a free credit report | | | | tell you your actual score. You'll have to get that from |
| and the like online, all the while not knowing what | | | | one of the national credit reporting companies. |
| YOUR credit score is. Finding out what your score is | | | | The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) allows you to |
| isn't difficult, and it can be done at a very low cost. | | | | find out what your score is, usually by contacting the |
| Finding out your score is important, because it will give | | | | national credit scoring agencies. These agencies deal |
| you an idea about how you stand in terms of being | | | | with determining credit score, and these are the places |
| granted credit in the future. It also determines how | | | | you would want to contact if you wish to know your |
| much you need to pay when you borrow money. | | | | score. They usually charge a fee for the score, |
| Your score is based on a scoring system that is | | | | normally around $8. |
| created so the lender can easily see if lending you | | | | When you do get your copy of your credit report, it's |
| money is worth the risk. | | | | important that you make sure that the information on it |
| There might be various reasons for you to be asking | | | | is correct. If it's wrong it can do you more harm that it |
| "what's my credit score" and whatever it may be, you | | | | does you good. If that's the case, simply contact the |
| should know one thing; there are a lot of malicious sites | | | | agency that issued the report and let them know what |
| out there, just waiting to get their hands on your | | | | the error is. Be sure to always double check the |
| personal information, so they can use it for whatever | | | | information you include when you request your annual |
| wrongdoings they have in mind. | | | | report, and make sure that you haven't made any |
| When you want to know your score, the first thing | | | | typos or the like. Entering inaccurate information on the |
| you should do is visit You can also send in a form if | | | | form will produce an invalid report, which you will then |
| you do not wish to receive your report electronically. | | | | have to have remade afterward. |