subject: Credit Score Who Can Access Your Credit Score [print this page] Your credit score is a three-digit number based on your past history with using various forms of credit. This number can affect your life through several channels. Here are some of the people and companies that can access your credit score:
You: You can access your credit score whenever you want. You are entitled by law to a free copy of your credit report every year from each credit bureau, although this free report does not include your three-digit credit score. If you would like to see your score, you can order it directly from the credit bureaus or through many websites, including CreditNowUSA.com.
Lenders: The main companies that check your credit score are lenders. They need your permission to pull up your credit report and score, although applying for credit is one way to give your permission. Mortgage lenders often get your score as part of the pre-qualification process as well.
Insurance Companies: Insurance companies are allowed by law in most states to use your credit score and information on your credit report to make insurance decisions. This is because statistics show that people with low scores often make more insurance claims. Companies do need to let you know if your credit score affected your rates.
Landlords: Although landlords are not extending credit to you, they can still legally check your credit score with your permission as part of the application process. Paying rent every month is a big commitment, and your past credit history gives some indication of how responsible of a tenant you will be.
Employers: When you apply for a job, an employer may check your credit score, particularly if the job involves handling cash. People with credit problems may be more likely to steal from an employer or to bring stress from personal finances into the workplace.
Utility Companies: Your electric company, cable company, and cell phone company all may check your credit score as part of the application process. People with poor credit may need to pay a deposit to start service.
For more information, go to Credit Score at http://www.creditnowusa.com/Credit-Score
