Free Credit Scores: Where to Get Them and What They Mean

Checking your credit score doesn’t have to cost a thing. In fact, there are many places you can get your score for free — but it’s important to know which score you’re seeing, since not all models are the same. That way, you won’t be caught off guard if you apply for a loan or rent a home and the lender or landlord is looking at a different version of your score.

FICO® vs. VantageScore®: What’s the Difference?

Both are legitimate scoring models, but lenders don’t use them in the same way:

• FICO®: The industry standard. About 90% of lenders rely on some version of FICO® when making lending decisions. FICO’s own consumer site, MyFICO.com, also offers a free credit score based on your Equifax report.
• VantageScore®: Created by the three credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion). It uses slightly different formulas and can generate a score with less credit history than FICO® requires. VantageScore® also offers access to that score, via multiple lenders, on their website.

One More Thing: Your Score May Still Differ
Even when you’re looking at a FICO® Score, it may not be identical to the one a lender sees. That’s because there are many different versions of FICO®  (such as FICO®  8, FICO®  9, and industry-specific scores for mortgages, auto loans, and credit cards).
What this means for you: The free score you see is a useful guide, but it might not match exactly what shows up in a lender’s system. The key is to track trends and understand the factors affecting your score — not to get hung up on the exact number.
Result: Your FICO® and VantageScore® can also differ — sometimes by dozens of points. Don’t panic if they don’t match. Think of VantageScore® as an educational tool, and FICO® as the number most lenders will see.

Where to Get a Free Credit Score

Credit Bureaus

• Experian.com – Free FICO® Score 8 when you create an account.
• Equifax.com – Provides an Equifax Credit Score (their own model, not FICO®).
• TransUnion.com – Partners with apps to provide free VantageScore® 3.0.

Personal Finance Apps & Websites

• Credit Karma – Free VantageScore® 3.0 from TransUnion & Equifax.
• NerdWallet – Free VantageScore® 3.0 (TransUnion).
• WalletHub – Free VantageScore® 3.0 (TransUnion).

Credit Card Issuers & Banks

• American Express, provides a free FICO® Score to both card members and non-card members through their free service, MyCredit Guide
• Citi, Bank of America, Wells Fargo – Most provide free FICO® Score 8 to their customers.
• Capital One CreditWise – Free FICO® Score 8 (TransUnion), available even if you’re not a customer.

Credit Unions & Community Banks

If you’re banking with a community bank or credit union, they may also provide a free credit score as part of your membership. Ask at your branch or check online to see if this benefit is available to you.

A Word of Caution: “Free” Comes with Ads

Almost all of the services that offer free credit scores make their money by promoting other financial products — things like credit cards, personal loans, or identity theft protection subscriptions. These ads are carefully targeted based on your credit profile, so what you see may look personalized and appealing.

It’s important to remember: you do not need to sign up for any of these offers to see your free score. The score itself is free, but the trade-off is being exposed to marketing. Think of it like walking through a store that gives out free samples — the sample is truly free, but they hope you’ll buy something else once you’re inside.

Being aware of this upfront helps you use these tools for what they’re worth — tracking your score — without feeling pressured into products you don’t need.

Bottom Line

• FICO® Scores are the most widely used by lenders.
• VantageScore® is still helpful for monitoring your credit and spotting changes.
• Free tools give you valuable insight — but be prepared for marketing pitches alongside the information.

Keeping an eye on your score — whichever model you’re checking — is one of the best steps you can take toward reaching your financial goals.

And if you’re feeling like you need support with your credit journey, you don’t have to go it alone. Our certified counselors are here to listen, offer hope, and help you build a plan you can feel confident about. Reach out today — a stronger financial future is possible.
 

Published Sep 26, 2025.