How often should you check your credit and how often does your score change?

Answer 1

You're supposed to check it several times a year. There is a service that I have used - you can join for a year and get your credit report and they will send you email updates when something on your report changes (alerts). FreeCreditReport.com. No - don't work for them - I've just used them for several years.

Answer 2

It really depends on what you are going to do. If you are in the process of a major purchase you should check it often to make sure it stays accurate. If you are not looking at a major purchase once a year is enough.

Since you are entitled to a free credit report each year from each of the big 3 you can do a little trick to get a report 3 times a year for free. About every 4 months check one of the reports. For Example in January check Experian, in May Check Equifax, in September Check TransUnion.

Your score will change anytime your report changes. In most cases your score will not change more than a couple of points either way per month, unless you had a drastic change such as filing for Bankruptcy.

Answer 3

I have a service that keeps track of mine but I check it once a month. Incidently contary to what another poster said it does not matter how many times YOU check your credit. But it does matter if you keep applying for credit and the companies request a report.

You can check your own credit everyday if you want to and it won't affect your score but just one inquiry from a potential crditor can make the score drop.

Your fico score can change often depending on how you use the credit you already have and how often you apply for new credit. If you are trying to raise your score don't apply for new credit for at least a year and make sure you pay everything ontime and try to pay more then the minimum.

A good site to go to is my fico . com

Answer 4

"Experts" say to check once a year. By law you are entitled to a free credit report once a year by all three major credit bureaus. Experian, Transunion, and Equifax. Before picking any website to enter your confidential and personal information, make sure it is a realiable and credible website. (Not a hoax site you end up giving your SS# and all your information to). Also, your credit score changes all the time. I just purchased a house, and a car and did a new equity home loan within a year, and my credit score was up and down a few points. Don't know why for sure. But each credit inquiry "dings" your score, but not by much. The best credit is someone that has credit, but pays their bills regularly and has a good credit / debt ratio. (i.e. you have $5000 limit on your credit card, but only have $1000 on it).

Answer 5

Twice a year is good. Personally I cleared my debt completely about 7 or 8 months ago and my score has not increased yet. They say there are some potentially negative items still on there. I think it is a bunch of s*** to stop me from reestablishing credit though. When I called the Federal Trade Commission... they seemed to feel the score was not essential and didn't matter. They said what matters is what was and is on your report.

Answer 6

You should check your credit at least once a year. You can get a free report from each bureau once a year at annualcreditreport.com
As far as your score it changes everytime something changes on your credit. An inquiry, buying something, a new collection etc. makes your score change.

Answer 7

like every other year, or if something changes, check it then.. and it all depends whats on your credit report to see if it hurts or helps your score..

Answer 8

you shouldnt check your credit too often because after you have checked it one time in a year it starts to go down a few points everytime it is ran.