In today’s world, looking at all three of your FICO scores and credit reports is not an option – it’s a must! Here are four reasons why:
- Each of your credit reports may be different. Credit bureaus don’t share their data with each other. Each of the three national bureaus may have different data on you — and you won’t know it until you check.
- Each of your FICO credit scores may be different. If your credit reports each contain different information, you may have three different FICO scores. These are the important scores that lenders use to judge you and your risk as a borrower.
- Lenders may look at all three of your FICO scores. Lenders, especially mortgage lenders, may look at all three of your FICO scores to determine whether to give you a loan or grant credit — for everything from a car loan to a home loan to a credit card to a cell phone. Don’t be surprised at the last minute when applying for credit.
- You need to protect against ID Theft. Your first sign of a stolen identify may come from the information in each of your credit reports, including lines of credit that you did not open and home addresses that are not yours. You need to regularly look at all three credit reports and FICO scores to rest assured that your credit and your identity are safe.
You can request all three reports at myfico.com.
The following three credit reporting agencies may provide you with a free copy of your credit report:
Experian – 1-800-397-3742
Equifax – 1-800-685-1111
Trans Union – 1-800-916-8800