How to Get a Free Credit Score

In the United States, citizens are entitled to a free credit report each year. However, this does not include a credit score. While most credit score disclosures require credit card payment of a non-refundable one-time fee, there is a legal way to receive a free credit score directly from Experian credit reporting agency. However, you must have a credit or debit card and be diligent enough to cancel the trial membership if you do not wish to pay fees in the future.

Step 1

Find your Social Security number, if you do not know it by memory. Also you must have a credit or debit card to get a free credit score.

Step 2

Visit the website for CreditExpert (see References). This is an official website operated by the credit bureau Experian.

Step 3

Click on the "get my free report & score" button.

Step 4

Provide answers to all questions asked. Information required includes your full name, current address, Social Security number, date of birth, and credit or debit card number and expiration date.

Step 5

Complete the identity verification quiz. This is usually two to four multiple choice questions. You might be required to select the name of a relative or lender, or a former city of residence.

Step 6

Create a user ID login and password along with security questions. Make sure you can easily remember this information, but that others cannot easily guess it.

Step 7

View and print or save your Experian credit report and score. You can access your reports multiple times over a 30-day trial period without a credit card charge. However, you only can see your score once every 30 days.

Step 8

Cancel your trial membership before the 30-day period is up if you don't want to continue CreditExpert. You'll have to call CreditExpert at (866) 252-8811 to complete this part of the task. Experian will not accept e-mail cancellations due to security reasons.