10 Best Credit Reporting Sites
A survey conducted in 2019 showed that nearly 40% of Americans didn’t know what their credit score was. Seeing as you need to not only know your credit score but have a good one in order to access things like mortgage loans and credit cards, it’s mind blowing that 40% of people don’t know what theirs is.
Perhaps, we wonder, if this is due to the inability to access their credit score. Or, maybe it’s just about the fact that they don’t even know where to start in checking their score. Where do you go to find that number? Is it free to check your credit? Does accessing credit monitoring services affect your score?
These are all valid questions, and the good news is: checking your credit score is free. And there are lots of free credit reporting sites where you can monitor your score and see what’s affecting it.
Get a Free Annual Report from the 3 Credit Bureaus
It’s important to note, before diving into our list of the 10 best credit reporting sites, that you’re entitled to a free annual report from each of the three credit bureaus. This means that you can order a free credit report from Experian, for example, at least once a year and then compare it to your TransUnion and Equifax reports.
- Access your free credit report from TransUnion here.
- Access your free credit report from Equifax here.
- Access your free credit report from Experian here.
However, after getting your one free annual credit report, you might find that you’d like to continuously and consistently monitor your score. In that case, you’ll want to use a credit reporting site or a credit monitoring app.
Best Credit Reporting Sites in 2022
1. Credit Karma
Credit Karma is well-known in the financial markets as being one of the best credit apps. And, it’s free! Not only that, but through the site or app, you have access to not one but two credit reports, from both Equifax and TransUnion. You can view a weekly updated report while you also browse through their helpful indicators and explanations of what’s affecting your score.
2. FreeScore360
If you’re not interested in an app with multiple financial features and simply want quick and easy access to your Experian, Equifax and TransUnion in seconds, try FreeScore360. What’s important to note here, though, is that you can only access those reports for free with a 7-day trial. So, you will have to enter your card information to see the credit reports, which means you’ll also need to remember to cancel so you won’t be charged (the fee is $29.95/month)!.
3. CreditWise from Capital One
CNBC actually ranked CreditWise from Capital One as the best overall free credit monitoring app. And, no, you don’t have to be a customer of Capital One to access the features and functions of CreditWise. Once you sign up, you’ll have access to your TransUnion score. However, the app scans the dark web and other sources to alert you to suspicious information that is being reported from two of the three credit bureaus.
4. AnnualCreditReport.com
Similar to FreeScore360, AnnualCreditReport.com also provides you with free access to all three of your credit reports (one from Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion). This is perhaps one of the most common places consumers go to see their full credit report and not just their score. If you’re looking for a one-time comprehensive report from a specific credit monitoring bureau, for example, this is your best bet.
5. IdentityForce
When it comes to the best paid credit reporting sites, IdentityForce is often ranked at the very top. However, you get quite a bit for the paid features, like deep dark web scans, identity insurance up to $1 million, and lots of helpful, in-depth information about your score. For only about $14/month, you can access credit monitoring features and even a credit score simulator, too.
6. Privacy Guard
Privacy Guard is another one of the best paid credit reporting sites as it consistently ranks at the top with IdentityForce. While the plans can be somewhat pricier with Privacy Guard depending on which one you choose, you are able to try the platform for $1 for 14 days to see how you like it. Expect many similar features of the other platforms on this list but with a bit more depth.
7. Credit Sesame
Credit Sesame is honestly pretty similar to Credit Karma, but you won’t be asked to enter your credit card information to access any part of the website or app (at least at the time of publication of this article; definitely check before you sign up!). Along with standard access to your TransUnion credit report and updates on our score, the app uses your score to recommend loans, credit cards, and other financial products you can use to help increase your financial wellness.
8. Chase Credit Journey
As is the case with Capital One, you don’t have to be a Chase customer to get access to Chase Credit Journey. You simply sign up and receive access to your free credit score. You can track changes over time and learn, via their portal, how to improve it.
9. Float Credit
Trying to monitor your score as a couple? Float Credit is the only credit monitoring app for couples. While you’ll only have access to your VantageScore 3.0 (and not your FICO score), it’s a super helpful way to monitor your credit, see exactly what’s affecting it and share your score with your partner if you’d like. You can choose from three levels of sharing, which means there are options for people at varying stages in their relationships.
10. Cheese!
If you enjoy the Cheese mobile app and debit card and would prefer to stick with us, you’re in luck. We’re about to launch a new credit builder feature that will allow you to monitor your credit score and track changes all within the same app you’ve grown to know and love.
Sound like something you’d be interested in? Go ahead and check your score for free on one of the sites above if it’s urgent. Then, join the waitlist to be one of the first to access the new feature once it becomes available.
