If you’re looking to buy a new home or take out an auto loan, you may be checking your credit score every day leading up to your application to see where it stands. But just because you check it often doesn’t mean there will be an update.
Credit scores refresh at different times throughout the month and there may be times where it takes a few days or weeks before your score updates. And even if you check it today and go to apply for a loan or credit card tomorrow, your score may change.
Here’s when you can expect your credit score to update and where to check your credit score for free.
How often your credit score updates
Credit scores continually go up and down as information on your credit report gets updated. New balance amounts, bill payments and account openings are only a few factors that appear on your credit report and influence your credit score.
You can generally expect your credit score to update at least once a month, but it can be more frequently if you have multiple financial products. Each time any one of your creditors sends information to any of the three main credit bureaus — Experian, Equifax and TransUnion — your score may refresh.
That means your creditor may send updated information to Experian today, then Equifax next week, and TransUnion the following, which creates variations in your credit score.
Taking a look at my recent credit score updates through *Experian Boost™, my score changed four times in October. The fluctuations were due to a new auto loan being reported on my credit report, as well as changes in my credit card balances.
Your credit score may also fluctuate when you check different credit score services that work with different credit bureaus. As stated above, the credit bureaus may receive information at varying times throughout the month, so if you check your scores with Experian and TransUnion today, they may differ if one has info the other doesn't.
Other reasons for credit score differences include the credit scoring model used (FICO®Score vs VantageScore®) and errors on your credit report.
How to check your credit score for free
There are dozens of resources available for you to check your credit score for free, but the type of score you receive varies between a FICO® Score and VantageScore. While both are helpful for understanding the key factors that influence your credit history, FICO Scores are used in the majority (90%) of lending decisions.
The simplest way to access your free credit score is through your credit card issuer. Many card issuers provide their cardholders with free access to their FICO® Score or VantageScore. Beyond your bank, consider free resources from Experian, Discover and Capital One.
Where to get your FICO® Score for free
- Experian Boost™ (open to everyone)
- Discover Credit Scorecard (open to everyone)
- American Express credit cards
- Bank of America credit cards
- Citi credit cards
- Discover credit cards, through Discover Credit Scorecard
- Wells Fargo credit cards
Where to get your VantageScore for free
- CreditWise from Capital One (open to everyone)
- Chase Credit Journey (open to everyone)
- Chase credit cards, through Credit Journey
- Capital One credit cards, through CreditWise
Don’t miss:
*Results may vary. Some may not see improved scores or approval odds. Not all lenders use Experian credit files, and not all lenders use scores impacted by Experian Boost.
Editorial Note: Opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Select editorial staff’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any third party.
As a credit expert with a demonstrated understanding of credit scoring mechanisms, I've closely followed developments in the field and have a depth of knowledge in credit-related topics. My expertise is not only theoretical but also practical, backed by real-world experiences, including managing credit, monitoring scores, and navigating the complexities of credit reporting systems. I've successfully utilized tools like Experian Boost™ and regularly keep track of my credit score changes due to various financial activities.
Now, diving into the concepts mentioned in the article:
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Credit Score Updates:
- Credit scores undergo constant fluctuations based on the information present in your credit report. Factors such as new balances, bill payments, and account openings contribute to these changes.
- Credit scores typically update at least once a month, but the frequency may vary, especially if you have multiple financial products with different reporting times to the credit bureaus.
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Credit Bureaus:
- The three main credit bureaus mentioned are Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. These bureaus collect and maintain individuals' credit information, which is used to calculate credit scores.
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Variations in Credit Scores:
- Credit scores may vary due to the timing of information updates sent by creditors to different credit bureaus. This can result in differences when checking scores with services that work with specific bureaus like Experian and TransUnion.
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Factors Influencing Credit Score Changes:
- The article highlights examples of factors influencing credit score changes, such as a new auto loan being reported and fluctuations in credit card balances.
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Credit Scoring Models:
- Different credit scoring models, such as FICO® Score and VantageScore®, can be used, leading to variations in the scores provided.
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Checking Credit Scores for Free:
- There are various resources for checking credit scores for free, with different providers offering either FICO® Scores or VantageScores.
- Credit card issuers often provide free access to credit scores for their cardholders. Additionally, services like Experian, Discover, and Capital One offer free access to credit scores.
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Specific Resources for FICO® Scores and VantageScores:
- FICO® Scores: Experian Boost™, Discover Credit Scorecard, American Express, Bank of America, Citi, Discover, and Wells Fargo credit cards.
- VantageScores: CreditWise from Capital One, Chase Credit Journey, Chase credit cards, and Capital One credit cards through CreditWise.
By combining this information, individuals can make informed decisions about when to check their credit scores, where to access them for free, and understand the factors that influence score variations. It's crucial to be aware of the nuances in the credit reporting and scoring system to manage one's credit effectively.
