The catch: you have three scores, and lenders use the middle one
Each of the three nationwide bureaus keeps its own file on you, so you have three different scores. For most mortgages, the lender pulls all three and goes by the middle one. If one file has a mistake, it can drag that middle score into a more expensive tier.
Example only. Under Fannie Mae rules the lender uses the middle of three scores (Selling Guide B3-5.1-02). Scores from monitoring services can use a different model than your lender's, but they show you what's in each file.
people in a Federal Trade Commission study had an error on at least one of their three credit reports.Source: FTC report to Congress on credit report accuracy, 2013
A wrong late payment, an account that isn't yours or an old balance that should be gone can push that middle score into a lower tier. You can dispute errors with the bureau at no cost, but only once you've seen them. Seeing all three scores and reports before you apply gives you time to fix what's holding you back.
How to see all 3 scores in about 5 minutes
- Sign up onlineEnter your name and address with the service below. No paperwork.
- Confirm it's youA few security questions protect your file from anyone else.
- See your 3 scores and reportsCheck for accounts you don't recognize, wrong late payments and old balances.
- Fix what's wrongDispute errors directly with the bureau, then watch your scores with alerts.
ViewFreeScore
3-bureau scores and reports
- Credit scores and reports from all 3 bureaus
- 7-day trial for $1, then $39.90 a month
Price: $1 for a 7-day trial, then $39.90 a month. Cancel anytime.
Just want to try it?
IdentityIQ
Trying it for 7 days for $1
- Credit reports and scores from all 3 bureaus
- 7-day trial for $1 (card required)
Price: $1 for a 7-day trial (card required). The monthly price after the trial is shown on IdentityIQ’s sign-up page before you pay.
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