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A good credit score leads to lower interest rates.
It can also help you secure an apartment or a new job.
Not everyone can access your credit score.
Theres a short list of individuals and organizations who can legally access your credit score.
In all but a few cases, which are explored below, they need your overt permission.
Knowing who can view your credit score can help you protect your financial privacy.
Who Can Legally Access Your Credit Score?
But they need a legitimate reason, which the Fair Credit Reporting Act calls permissible purpose.
Who has permission to check your credit score?
Can You Check Your Own Credit Score?
you could check your credit score at any time through various services.
In fact, you should check regularly, so you know where you stand financially.
Here are three easy ways to check your credit score.
These services might also alert you to changes in your credit.
Capital Ones CreditWise service also displays your credit score in the app each time you open it.
MyFico and Credit Sesame are similar services.
FICO provides yourFICO 8 score, which is most frequently used by lenders.
Be wary of services that require a credit card to sign up to view your credit score.
TransUnion charges a $29.95 monthly fee for its Credit Monitoring Service and shares your VantageScore.
Experian provides access to your FICO 8 score and your Experian credit report for free.
When Do Lenders and Companies Check Your Credit Score?
Prospective landlords may check your credit when you apply to rent an apartment.
When you write a new car insurance policy in some states, the carrier may check your credit.
Hard inquiries lower your score slightly.
The impact of that credit score ding diminishes over time.
The credit bureaus consider this as a single query to minimize the impact on your credit score.
Can Friends, Family or Strangers Access Your Credit Score?
Anyone without a permissible purpose cannot legally access your credit score.
Your credit score is private.
Even your spouse cant check it without your okay.
Someone with your Social Security number may be able to illegally access your account.
To protect yourself, dont share your SSN or other personal information with people you dont trust.
Credit Score vs Credit Report Who Sees What?
Your age may be hidden to help prevent age discrimination.
Can Checking Your Credit Score Hurt Your Credit?
Its a good idea to keep tabs on your credit score and monitor changes.
If you havent checked your credit score recently, consider doing it right now.
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