Credit Score Scam Spectacular

Xantus

ok really, is there a legitimate site out there that you can get a credit check/score online without being scammed into some offer you can't cancel? I got my report from annualcreditreport.com but there's no score.

Willeth

I believe that annualcreditreport.com is the only legitimate website available, from the advice that's been given on this site before.

admanb

There are three major companies from which you are legally entitled a credit report: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. annualcreditreport.com works through those. However, getting your credit score isn't the same thing as a credit report. That always costs money.

Kyougu

Credit Score you usually have to pay for.

You can go to freecreditreport.com, and you will have to sign up for a trial month (using your CC), but they won't charge you for your score. You then have to call their 1800 number and cancel.

Xantus

I don't mind paying. but even the big three appear to be a scam when it comes to the internet. is going by phone the only legitimate way?

I went to transunion's homepage and as far as I can tell everything there links to TrueCredit.com which comes up as a total scam on places like ripoffreport and several complaints sites. making you sign up for a trial that they will refuse to cancel or stop charging for.

edit: ok wow, after trying nearly every link I found something more legitimate looking buried under About Transunion > Contact Us > Purchase a Transunion report online. this takes you to http://annualcreditreport.transunion.com/

and they say "The account you create as part of our authentication process for your Personal Credit Report will be with TrueCredit. We ask you to create this account so you will be able to return to TrueCredit?s web site to review your Personal Credit Report for 30 days from the date we provide that report on-line to you."

that doesn't help me to trust them at all.

Jasconius

I like creditkarma.com

Nothing to sign up for at all... its quite nice.

Gdiguy

On at least one of the free report pages (I *think* I did experian) last time I checked my reports there was an option to buy your score for like $6 or $7

*edit*

I think creditkarma (and places like that) are giving you an estimated credit score, which while probably close enough for most purposes (I think they do a pretty good job of reverse-engineering it), isn't the actual score that someone will see if they pull your credit

Jasconius

Well. It might not be exact, but they give you a lot of useful information in addition to your score. Such as your total debt, length of accounts, existing credit utilization, etc... which help you figure out how to boost your score.

Xantus

Jasconius wrote: »

I like creditkarma.com

Nothing to sign up for at all... its quite nice.

oh good. yeah creditkarma had the 2nd highest tags on delicious after annualcreditreport.com
thats a good sign.

Dunadan019

yeah you can purchase your credit score from any of the 3 when you get your annual credit report.

EggyToast

Xantus wrote: »

Jasconius wrote: »

I like creditkarma.com

Nothing to sign up for at all... its quite nice.

oh good. yeah creditkarma had the 2nd highest tags on delicious after annualcreditreport.com
thats a good sign.

In addition, unless you're evaluating whether to give yourself a credit card, all you usually need is an estimate.

I mean, for individuals, the important shit really is on your credit report -- opening/closing accounts, debts, shit like that. For companies you're trying to open credit from, the score is relative. You're up against other similar customers and what you get is entirely based on the rest of the population. If no one above 750 is applying for credit, then those right at 750 will fare better. If a bank is acting stoogish, even those with 820 won't get good loans.

vaultdweller0013

Disclaimer: I work for FICO. So, be sure to independently verify all information below. I have absolutely nothing to do with the development of the FICO score so don't bother asking me about it.

FICO provides credit scores directly to consumers through:
http://www.myfico.com/

There are a variety of different score products available. Some are one time charges, others are recurring subscriptions.

illig

i used myfico as well.. $20 for score IIRC? it's been a while though