Is an online credit score estimator reliable?
Answer:Well, nothing is as reliable as an original credit report, but since the CRCs have disclosed some of the variables the FICO score is based on, online credit score estimators have sprung up. An online credit score estimator is going to get you an idea of what your actual credit score is, but the service shouldn't be paid for.
There are a lot of free online credit score estimator tools - a little survey about your credit history and there you go. You'll get the range your credit score is likely to fit in.
However, they are not official FICO scores and are not going to be recognized by any lender. If you need a FICO score to apply for a loan, you will have to purchase it. Although everyone is entitled to a free credit report annually from each of the three large credit bureaus in the US, the credit score is not going to be in it. It has to be purchased separately.
Final piece of advice: Monitor your credit report and score regularly, to ensure there are no inaccuracies or unauthorized activity. Your credit report and score are the two major methods that creditors and lenders use to make a credit decision about you. Higher scores usually mean lower interest rates, which will save you money.
See All 3 National Credit Scores & 3 Reports Instantly, Online & Free!
| Not at all | Definitely |
Mortgage QnA is not a common forum. We have special rules:
- Post no questions here. To ask a question, click the Ask a Question link
- We will not publish answers that include any form of advertising
- Add your answer only if it will contrubute to the quality of this Mortgage QnA and help future readers
Common misspellings: mortage and morgage