Consumer Guide: Free Credit Reports & Scores

A Complete Assessment of Credit Report Marketers

Be advised that only one website - AnnualCreditReport.com - is authorized by Federal law to provide free annual credit reports. Many websites that claim to offer a "free" credit report will upsell services and/or enrollment into a monthly subscription. You will notice that many of the same services are being promoted on different websites. These charts will allow you to see what providers are truly offering and at what cost, to help avoid signing up for more than you originally wanted. The following charts provide an in-depth look into websites offering credit reports and scores.

Official Government Resource

AnnualCreditReport.com
Cost Credit Report Bureau
FICO Credit Score
Features
Bottom Line
$0.00
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Summary
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Other
One full credit report from each bureau available annually; credit scores not included Free

Trial Offer, Then Charges You

CreditCheckTotal.com
Cost Credit Report Bureau
FICO Credit Score
Features
Bottom Line
$1 7-day trial
$29.95/mo.
($359.40/year)
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Summary
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Other
3-Bureau credit reports and FICO scores 3 times a month, 3-bureau credit monitoring and alerts Not Free
CreditReport.com Experian Credit Tracker
Cost Credit Report Bureau
FICO Credit Score
Features
Bottom Line
$1 7-day trial $24.95/mo. ($299.40/year)
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Summary
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Other
*Initial 3-bureau credit reports and FICO scores upon signup. Thereafter only Experian credit report and FICO score, 3-bureau credit monitoring and alerts, updated twice monthly Not Free
Experian.com Experian Credit Tracker
Cost Credit Report Bureau
FICO Credit Score
Features
Bottom Line
$1 7-day trial $21.95/mo. ($263.40/year)
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Summary
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Other
Experian credit report and FICO score, 3-bureau credit monitoring and alerts, updated twice monthly Not Free
FreeCreditReport.com Experian Credit Tracker
Cost Credit Report Bureau
FICO Credit Score
Features
Bottom Line
$1 7-day trial $21.95/mo. ($263.40/year)
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Summary
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Other
Experian credit report and FICO score, 3-bureau credit monitoring and alerts, updated twice monthly Not Free
Credit.com Experian Credit Tracker
Cost Credit Report Bureau
FICO Credit Score
Features
Bottom Line
$1 7-day trial $21.95/mo. ($263.40/year)
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Summary
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Other
Experian credit report and FICO score, 3-bureau credit monitoring and alerts, updated twice monthly Not Free
FreeCreditScore.com Experian Credit Tracker
Cost Credit Report Bureau
FICO Credit Score
Features
Bottom Line
$1 7-day trial $21.95/mo. ($263.40/year)
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Summary
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Other
Experian credit report and FICO score, 3-bureau credit monitoring and alerts, updated twice monthly Not Free
GoFreeCredit.com
Cost Credit Report Bureau
FICO Credit Score
Features
Bottom Line
$1 7-day trial $17.95/mo. ($215.40/year)
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Summary
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Other
TransUnion credit report and TransUnion Credit Score, 3-bureau credit monitoring and alerts, identity theft insurance Not Free
TransUnion.com
Cost Credit Report Bureau
FICO Credit Score
Features
Bottom Line
$1 7-day trial $17.95/mo. ($215.40/year)
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Summary
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Other
TransUnion credit report and TransUnion VantageScore, 3-bureau credit monitoring and alerts, identity theft insurance, updated monthly Not Free
TransUnionPlus.com Basic
Cost Credit Report Bureau
FICO Credit Score
Features
Bottom Line
$1 7-day trial $16.95/mo. ($203.40/year)
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Summary
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Other
TransUnion credit report and TransUnion VantageScore twice monthly, credit monitoring and alerts, Live ID Protect, Money Manager Not Free
TransUnionPlus.com Premium
Cost Credit Report Bureau
FICO Credit Score
Features
Bottom Line
$1 7-day trial $29.95/mo. ($359.40/year)
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Summary
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Other
TransUnion credit report and TransUnion VantageScore unlimited, credit monitoring and alerts, Live ID Protect, Money Manager Not Free
Zendough.com
Cost Credit Report Bureau
FICO Credit Score
Features
Bottom Line
$1 7-day trial $29.95/mo. ($359.40/year)
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Summary
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Other
3-Bureau credit reports and 3-bureau VantageScores every 90 days, unlimited TransUnion credit report and score, 3-bureau credit monitoring and alerts, identity theft insurance Not Free
ScoreSense.com
Cost Credit Report Bureau
FICO Credit Score
Features
Bottom Line
Free 7-day trial $29.95/mo. ($359.40/year)
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Summary
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Other
3-Bureau credit reports and 3-bureau CreditXpert Scores, 3-bureau credit monitoring and alerts, identity theft insurance, updated monthly Not Free
FreeScore360.com
Cost Credit Report Bureau
FICO Credit Score
Features
Bottom Line
Free 7-day trial $29.95/mo. ($359.40/year)
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Summary
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Other
3-Bureau credit reports and 3-bureau CreditXpert Scores, 3-bureau credit monitoring and alerts, identity theft insurance, updated monthly Not Free
FreeScoreOnline.com
Cost Credit Report Bureau
FICO Credit Score
Features
Bottom Line
Free 7-day trial $29.95/mo. ($359.40/year)
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Summary
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Other
3-Bureau credit reports and 3-bureau CreditXpert Scores, 3-bureau credit monitoring and alerts, identity theft insurance, updated monthly Not Free
NationalCreditReport.com
Cost Credit Report Bureau
FICO Credit Score
Features
Bottom Line
Free 7-day trial $29.95/mo. ($359.40/year)
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Summary
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Other
3-Bureau credit reports and 3-bureau CreditXpert Scores, 3-bureau credit monitoring and alerts, identity theft insurance, updated monthly Not Free
MyCreditHealth.com
Cost Credit Report Bureau
FICO Credit Score
Features
Bottom Line
$1 7-day trial $29.95/mo. ($359.40/year)
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Summary
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Other
3-Bureau credit reports and 3-bureau CreditXpert Scores, 3-bureau credit monitoring and alerts, identity theft insurance, updated monthly Not Free
CreditReportCenter.us
Cost Credit Report Bureau
FICO Credit Score
Features
Bottom Line
Free 7-day trial $29.95/mo. ($359.40/year)
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Summary
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Other
3-Bureau credit reports and 3-bureau CreditXpert Scores, 3-bureau credit monitoring and alerts, identity theft insurance, updated monthly Not Free
CreditScoreCenter.us
Cost Credit Report Bureau
FICO Credit Score
Features
Bottom Line
Free 7-day trial $29.95/mo. ($359.40/year)
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Summary
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Other
3-Bureau credit reports and 3-bureau CreditXpert Scores, 3-bureau credit monitoring and alerts, identity theft insurance, updated monthly Not Free
TripleScores.us
Cost Credit Report Bureau
FICO Credit Score
Features
Bottom Line
Free 7-day trial $29.95/mo. ($359.40/year)
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Summary
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Other
3-Bureau credit reports and 3-bureau CreditXpert Scores, 3-bureau credit monitoring and alerts, identity theft insurance, updated monthly Not Free
YourCreditScores.com
Cost Credit Report Bureau
FICO Credit Score
Features
Bottom Line
Free 7-day trial $29.95/mo. ($359.40/year)
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Summary
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Other
3-Bureau credit reports and 3-bureau CreditXpert Scores, 3-bureau credit monitoring and alerts, identity theft insurance, updated monthly Not Free
FreeCreditClick.com
Cost Credit Report Bureau
FICO Credit Score
Features
Bottom Line
Free 7-day trial $29.95/mo. ($359.40/year)
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Summary
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Other
3-Bureau credit reports and 3-bureau CreditXpert Scores, 3-bureau credit monitoring and alerts, identity theft insurance, updated monthly Not Free
IdentityGuard.com Total Protection
Cost Credit Report Bureau
FICO Credit Score
Features
Bottom Line
Free 14-day trial $19.99/mo. ($239.88/year)
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Summary
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Other
3-Bureau credit reports, 3-bureau CreditXpert Scores, 3-bureau credit monitoring and alerts, identity theft insurance, updated quarterly Not Free
IdentityGuard.com Platinum
Cost Credit Report Bureau
FICO Credit Score
Features
Bottom Line
Free 14-day trial $24.99/mo.
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Summary
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Other
3-Bureau credit reports, 3-bureau CreditXpert Scores, 3-bureau credit monitoring and alerts, identity theft insurance, updated monthly Not Free
TrustedID.com Individual Plan
Cost Credit Report Bureau
FICO Credit Score
Features
Bottom Line
Free 14-day trial $14.99/mo ($125/year)
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Summary
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Other
3-Bureau credit reports, 3-bureau Equifax Credit Scores, 3-bureau credit monitoring and alerts, identity theft insurance Not Free
TrustedID.com Family Plan
Cost Credit Report Bureau
FICO Credit Score
Features
Bottom Line
Free 14-day trial $27.99/mo ($240/year)
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Summary
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Other
3-Bureau credit reports and 3-bureau Equifax Credit Scores for 2 adults, 3-bureau credit monitoring and alerts, identity theft insurance Not Free
PrivacyGuard.com
Cost Credit Report Bureau
FICO Credit Score
Features
Bottom Line
$1 14-day trial $19.99/mo. ($239.88/year)
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Summary
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Other
3-Bureau credit report and 3-bureau CreditXpert Credit Scores, 3-bureau credit monitoring and alerts, updated monthly Not Free
IdentityProtect.com
Cost Credit Report Bureau
FICO Credit Score
Features
Bottom Line
$1 7-day trial $29.95/mo. ($359.40/year)
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Summary
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Other
TransUnion credit report and TransUnion credit score, 3-bureau credit monitoring and alerts, identity theft insurance, My-Rewards program with roadside assistance, updated monthly Not Free
Escore.com Basic Credit Membership
Cost Credit Report Bureau
FICO Credit Score
Features
Bottom Line
$1 7-day trial $9.95/mo.* ($119.40/year)
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Summary
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Other
*TransUnion credit report and TransRisk Score for additional $6.95. 3-Bureau credit monitoring and alerts, Pro-Rewards program with roadside assistance Not Free
Escore.com Premium Credit Membership
Cost Credit Report Bureau
FICO Credit Score
Features
Bottom Line
$1 7-day trial $16.95/mo. ($203.40/year)
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Summary
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Other
TransUnion credit report and TransRisk Score, 3-Bureau credit monitoring and alerts, Pro-Rewards program with roadside assistance Not Free
Escore.com Ultimate Credit Membership
Cost Credit Report Bureau
FICO Credit Score
Features
Bottom Line
$1 7-day trial $29.95/mo. ($359.40/year)
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Summary
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Other
3-Bureau credit reports and 3-bureau TransRisk Scores, 3-bureau credit monitoring and alerts, Pro-Rewards program with roadside assistance Not Free
CreditExpert.com Experian Credit Manager
Cost Credit Report Bureau
FICO Credit Score
Features
Bottom Line
$1 30-day trial $19.95/mo. ($239.40/year)
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Summary
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Other
Experian credit report and Experian PLUS Score, Experian credit monitoring and alerts Not Free
ProtectMyID.com
Cost Credit Report Bureau
FICO Credit Score
Features
Bottom Line
$1 14-day trial $15.95/mo. ($159.95/year)
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Summary
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Other
30-day access to Experian credit report, Experian credit monitoring and alerts, identity theft insurance; score not included Not Free
FreeScoresAndMore.com
Cost Credit Report Bureau
FICO Credit Score
Features
Bottom Line
Free 14-day trial $19.99/mo. ($239.88/year)
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Summary
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Other
3-Bureau CreditXpert Scores, 3-bureau credit monitoring and alerts; credit report not included Not Free
Fast3CreditScores.com
Cost Credit Report Bureau
FICO Credit Score
Features
Bottom Line
Free 14-day trial $24.99/mo. ($299.88/year)
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Summary
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Other
3-Bureau CreditXpert Scores, 3-bureau credit monitoring and alerts, updated monthly; credit report not included Not Free
MyScore.com
Cost Credit Report Bureau
FICO Credit Score
Features
Bottom Line
Free 7-day trial $29.95/mo. ($359.40/year)
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Summary
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Other
3-Bureau TransUnion Credit Scores, 3-bureau credit monitoring and alerts, My-Rewards program, 24/7 roadside assistance; credit report not included Not Free

Monthly Charge, No Trial Offer

MyFico.com FICO Score Watch
Cost Credit Report Bureau
FICO Credit Score
Features
Bottom Line
No trial $14.95/mo. ($149.95/year)
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Summary
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Other
Equifax credit report and FICO score twice annually, Equifax credit monitoring and alerts Not Free
MyFico.com FICO 3-Bureau Credit Monitoring
Cost Credit Report Bureau
FICO Credit Score
Features
Bottom Line
No trial $24.95/mo. ($279/year)
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Summary
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Other
3-Bureau credit reports and 3-bureau FICO scores once annually, 3-bureau credit monitoring and alerts Not Free
MyFico.com Identity Ultimate
Cost Credit Report Bureau
FICO Credit Score
Features
Bottom Line
No trial $29.95/mo. ($329/year)
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Summary
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Other
3-Bureau credit reports and 3-bureau FICO scores once annually, 3-bureau credit monitoring and alerts, identity theft monitoring Not Free
Equifax.com Credit Score Watch
Cost Credit Report Bureau
FICO Credit Score
Features
Bottom Line
No trial $19.95/mo. ($239.40/year)
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Summary
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Other
Equifax credit report and Equifax FICO score twice per year, Equifax credit monitoring and alerts Not Free
Equifax.com Complete Premier Plan
Cost Credit Report Bureau
FICO Credit Score
Features
Bottom Line
No trial $19.95/mo. ($239.40/year)
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Summary
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Other
Equifax credit report and 3-bureau Equifax Credit Scores once annually, Equifax credit monitoring and alerts, identity theft insurance Not Free
Equifax.com Complete Family Plan
Cost Credit Report Bureau
FICO Credit Score
Features
Bottom Line
No trial $29.95/mo. ($359.40/year)
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Summary
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Other
*3-Bureau credit reports once annually. Unlimited Equifax credit report and Equifax Credit Score, credit monitoring and alerts for 2 adults and up to 4 children, identity theft insurance Not Free
Experian.com Experian Identity Theft Protection
Cost Credit Report Bureau
FICO Credit Score
Features
Bottom Line
No trial $15.95/mo. ($191.40/year)
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Summary
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Other
Experian credit report, Experian credit monitoring and alerts; credit score not included Not Free
Usaa.com Credit Check Monitoring
Cost Credit Report Bureau
FICO Credit Score
Features
Bottom Line
No trial $5.95/mo. ($71.40/year)
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Summary
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Other
Experian credit report and Experian PLUS Score every 30 days, Experian credit monitoring and alerts Not Free

One-Time Charge

MyFico.com FICO Standard
Cost Credit Report Bureau
FICO Credit Score
Features
Bottom Line
$19.95 per bureau
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Summary
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Other
Instant access to full credit report and FICO Score of selected bureaus Not Free
MyFico.com Score 3-Report View
Cost Credit Report Bureau
FICO Credit Score
Features
Bottom Line
$59.85
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Summary
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Other
Instant access to full 3-bureau credit reports and 3-bureau FICO Scores Not Free
Experian.com 3-Bureau Credit Report and FICO Scores
Cost Credit Report Bureau
FICO Credit Score
Features
Bottom Line
$39.95
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Summary
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Other
Instant access to 3-bureau credit report and FICO Scores Not Free
Experian.com Credit Report and FICO Score
Cost Credit Report Bureau
FICO Credit Score
Features
Bottom Line
$19.95
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Summary
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Other
Instant acess to full Experian credit report and Experian FICO Score Not Free
ExperianDirect.com Experian Credit Report
Cost Credit Report Bureau
FICO Credit Score
Features
Bottom Line
$10.00
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Summary
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Other
30-day access to Experian credit report; credit score not included Not Free
ExperianDirect.com Experian Credit Report and PLUS Score
Cost Credit Report Bureau
FICO Credit Score
Features
Bottom Line
$15.00
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Summary
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Other
30-day access to Experian credit report and Experian PLUS Score Not Free
ExperianDirect.com 3-Bureau Credit Report and PLUS Score
Cost Credit Report Bureau
FICO Credit Score
Features
Bottom Line
$24.95
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Summary
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Other
30-day access to 3-bureau credit reports and Experian PLUS Score Not Free
Equifax.com Score Power
Cost Credit Report Bureau
FICO Credit Score
Features
Bottom Line
$19.95
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Summary
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Other
30-day access to Equifax credit report and Equifax FICO Score Not Free
Equifax.com Equifax Credit Report and Score
Cost Credit Report Bureau
FICO Credit Score
Features
Bottom Line
$15.95
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Summary
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Other
30-day access to Equifax credit report and Equifax Credit Score Not Free
Equifax.com Equifax Complete Report
Cost Credit Report Bureau
FICO Credit Score
Features
Bottom Line
$39.95
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Summary
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Other
30-day access to 3-bureau credit reports and 3-bureau Equifax Credit Scores Not Free
CreditExpert.com PLUS Score and Experian Credit Report
Cost Credit Report Bureau
FICO Credit Score
Features
Bottom Line
$14.50
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Summary
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Other
30-day access to Experian credit report and Experian PLUS Score Not Free
CreditExpert.com 3-Bureau Report with PLUS Score
Cost Credit Report Bureau
FICO Credit Score
Features
Bottom Line
$39.95
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Summary
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Other
30-day access to 3-bureau report and Experian PLUS Score Not Free

Free, But Limited Information

Quizzle.com
Cost Credit Report Bureau
FICO Credit Score
Features
Bottom Line
$0.00
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Summary
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Other
Equifax credit report and free VantageScore credit score every 6 months Limited Data
CreditKarma.com
Cost Credit Report Bureau
FICO Credit Score
Features
Bottom Line
$0.00
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Summary
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Other
TransUnion credit report, TransUnion credit monitoring and alerts, unlimited access to report and TransUnion credit score & VantageScore, updated weekly Limited Data
Mint.com
Cost Credit Report Bureau
FICO Credit Score
Features
Bottom Line
$0.00
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Summary
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Other
Equifax credit report summary, Equifax credit monitoring and alerts, unlimited access to report and score, updated at login Limited Data
CreditSesame.com
Cost Credit Report Bureau
FICO Credit Score
Features
Bottom Line
$0.00*
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Summary
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Other
*TransUnion credit report summary or pay $9 for full report. TransUnion VantageScore updated monthly, TransUnion credit monitoring and alerts Limited Data
Credit.com
Cost Credit Report Bureau
FICO Credit Score
Features
Bottom Line
$0.00
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Summary
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Other
Experian credit report summary, Experian National Equivalency score and VantageScore, updated monthly Limited Data
WisePiggy.com
Cost Credit Report Bureau
FICO Credit Score
Features
Bottom Line
$0.00
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Summary
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Other
TransUnion credit report summary updated every 90 days, TransUnion credit score updated every 30 days Limited Data
LendingTree.com
Cost Credit Report Bureau
FICO Credit Score
Features
Bottom Line
$0.00
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Summary
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Other
TransUnion report summary, TransUnion VantageScore, updated monthly Limited Data
FreeCreditReport.com
Cost Credit Report Bureau
FICO Credit Score
Features
Bottom Line
$0.00
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Summary
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Other
Instant one-time access to full Experian credit report; credit score not included Limited Data
FreeCreditScore.com
Cost Credit Report Bureau
FICO Credit Score
Features
Bottom Line
$0.00
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Summary
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Other
Experian PLUS Score with information about what's affecting your score; credit report not included Limited Data
My.BankRate.com
Cost Credit Report Bureau
FICO Credit Score
Features
Bottom Line
$0.00
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Summary
Experian
TransUnion
Equifax
Other
Full Equifax credit report and VantageScore credit score monthly Limited Data

Learning Center: About Your Credit

Understanding Your Credit Score

There are multiple credit score models used by lenders to determine creditworthiness. The FICO Score is used by 90 percent of leading lenders and is the global standard for measuring credit risk. A FICO score is calculated by five factors:

  • Payment history 35%
  • Amounts owed 30%
  • Length of credit history 15%
  • Types of credit 10%
  • New credit 10%

This information is obtained from each of the three credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. Credit report information from each bureau as well as how that information is weighted differs between scoring models and is the reason scores can vary significantly. Some scoring models are used for educational purposes only and are not used by lenders.

Credit Score Models

FICO – The FICO score is the original credit score and was created by the Fair Isaac Corporation. Ninety of the top 100 largest U.S. financial institutions use FICO scores to make consumer credit decisions. FICO Score range: 300 – 850

VantageScore – VantageScore was created in 2006 by the three major bureaus (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion) and controls 5-10 percent of the credit scoring market. VantageScore range: 300 – 850

Equifax Credit Score – This is Equifax’s proprietary credit scoring model and can be used to calculate scores for all three major bureaus. Equifax Credit Score range: 280 – 850

PLUS Score – The PLUS Score was created by Experian and is for consumer educational purposes to help understand creditworthiness. It is not used by lenders. PLUS Score range: 330 – 830

TransRisk – This is TransUnion’s credit scoring model and can be used to calculate scores for all three major bureaus. TransRisk score range: 300 – 850

CreditXpert – Created by Neuristics Inc., CreditXpert educational scores are sold through partnerships with companies that provide credit monitoring services. CreditXpert score range: 350 – 850

Understand that the score(s) you receive may not be the same score(s) a lender sees. This is dependent on the credit scoring model and bureaus the lender pulls information from and the type of loan or credit being applied for. Lenders also look at factors that are not contained in credit reports when determining creditworthiness, such as income and length of time at your present employer.

Understanding Your Credit Report

It is important to check credit reports regularly to monitor for any fraud or errors that could be negatively affecting your credit score. You are allowed one free credit report annually from each of the three credit bureaus — Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion — by federal law under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). These can be acquired at AnnualCreditReport.com. A credit reporting company cannot charge more than $12 for a credit report. The prices listed in these charts from websites greater than $12 are offering services and/or scores that are not included with a single credit report.

Credit Report Info

Credit reports are broken into four sections: personal information, public record information, credit history, and adverse accounts (negative marks).

Personal information contains your name, social security number, date of birth, current and previous addresses, your spouse’s name, and your employment data. Public record information contains any legal occurrences pertaining to your financial situation, such as bankruptcies, liens, wage garnishments or judgements. Credit history includes your lines of credit (mortgage, auto loans, credit cards, etc.), credit limits and account balances, monthly payment information, and status of the accounts (open, closed, paid, inactive, etc.). Adverse accounts are any debts that were paid late, have an outstanding balance, or sent to a collection agency and reported to the credit bureau(s). These accounts will remain on your credit report for seven years. Items in this category can be disputed and removed by any of the three credit bureaus.

Credit Report Summary

Many of the websites listed in these charts offer credit report summaries, which is not a full credit report. A benefit of summaries is an easy-to-read format that can still provide the primary information contained in a report. A summary can give you enough information to regularly monitor credit with advice on how to improve your scores, but it is advised to receive a full report from each bureau at least once annually.