
Credit scores are important for buying a house, buying a car, obtaining credit cards, renting an apartment or even getting a job. A low credit score gives the impression of poor financial decisions while a high credit score gives the impression of good financial decision-making skills and abilities. Credit scores can be obtained at any time. Common ways of obtaining credit scores are over the Internet at credit report websites, through the bank or over the phone.
Find out which company credit score is necessary. There are three credit scoring companies: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. Depending on the reason for the credit score, the company might change. For example, a bank looking at a credit score for a home loan might look at the Experian score while a car financing loan might look at Equifax instead.
Call the company phone number. Equifax is 1-800-685-1111. Experian is 1-866-200-6020. TransUnion is 1-800-888-4213.
Speak to a representative and request a credit score. The representative will need a full name for identification and a Social Security number. She might ask for other identification information as well to verify an identity. She should give the score over the phone when requested.
Pay the fees. The price for a credit score and report can range from $14.95 to $34.95 depending on the company.
References
- Consumer Federation of America: Your Credit Scores
- Federal Trade Commission: Your Access to Free Credit Reports
- CFPB.gov. "Will Requesting My Credit Report Hurt My Credit Score?" Accessed May 20, 2020.
- CFPB.gov. "How Do I Dispute an Error on My Credit Report?" Accessed May 20, 2020.
- CFPB.gov. "My Credit Application Was Denied Because of My Credit Report. What Can I Do?" Accessed May 20, 2020.
- CFPB.gov. "How Do I Get and Keep a Good Credit Score?" Accessed May 20, 2020.
- Experian. "How to Negotiate a Lower Interest Rate on Your Credit Card," Accessed May 20, 2020.
Writer Bio
Helen Jain has been writing online articles since December 2009 for various websites. She has studied English and psychology and hopes to get a Ph.D. in English in the future.