Anyone know their credit score?

[Timefortruth]

I just checked mine, for a fee, online and was surprised by the result.

Also, does anyone think it is criminal that you have to pay to find it out?

[Journeyman]

1. Definitely should be free for consumer. . .

at least on a limited basis -- two or so times a year, especially given the prevalence of identity theft these days and the 12 to 18 month lag time before you may discover what someone's done to your credit.

[Timefortruth]

3. Wouldn't it be a good business decision to allow consumers to

check it for free? I wonder why the creditors don't demand it?

[liberalhistorian]

11. Because they often don't

report paid accounts as paid in full, and they don't want you to find that out. I paid off two credit cards a couple of years ago (they were both about $2,500 because I'd been out of work for a year and hadn't been able to pay anything, so they both racked up hundreds of dollars in late fees and penalties), and didn't check my report. I assumed they'd done the right thing and reported it.

Well, lo and behold, when I got my car loan last month, they showed me my report and was I ever surprised, not to mention infuriated, to discover that NEITHER ACCOUNT HAD BEEN REPORTED AS PAID IN FULL! In fact, they were both listed as "Profit and Loss Writeoff", if you can fucking believe the nerve of that! And, to make matters worse, a medical debt collection agency failed to report as paid in full TWO ACCOUNTS that I had, indeed, paid in full!!!! Well, you better damn well believe that my boss, an attorney, was on the phone with all three companies the very next morning chewing them out good. They're so quick to put on negative information, but can't be bothered to report paid accounts!!!

And ALL credit reports SHOULD BE FREE, and we should have free access to our info WHENEVER WE WANT! I don't give a good goddamn if the credit bureaus are private companies or not, that is OUR INFORMATION that affects OUR LIVES, and quite often the info is wrong anyway and they make you jump through ninety nine hoops just to get it straightened out when the wrong info was the fucking creditor's fault in the first place. And medical bills shouldn't even be on the goddamn credit reports in the first place.

[david_vincent]

2. I don't think you have to pay

If you write to the credit reporting agencies, such as Experian and Equifax, you can get your credit score free - *I think*. It's the law, as far as I know. I got mine last summer, from all three agencies, and I don't remember paying anything.

[Timefortruth]

5. I think that it is free if you are denied credit because

due to your score, if you're just interested you have to pay.

[Don_G]

4. I Have No Credit

I arranged to be been in a position where I've paid cash to and for anyone to check in the past fifteen years.

I prefer to be in a position where I can pay cash...and it is criminal when I can't "whip" out my Debit Card and have to go through a "Credit Check" to buy something.

[Timefortruth]

6. It would be better to simplify.

but it's too complicated for me right now.

[Don_G]

8. It Always Is

Takes a while sometimes, but I get a much better deal working with cash than having two or more people working everything out for "me."

Besides, I don't pay a fifth of my income and more on top of what I like to buy at "Sale" prices.

[NJCher]

7. dependent on state law

In some states you can get your credit score for free. NJ, for example, is one of the most liberal states in regard to getting free credit reports.

I ordered mine awhile back and corrected the errors on it. Then I was deluged with offers for new credit cards.


Cher

[Cooley Hurd]

9. In the age of increased idenity theft...

...it's wise to subscribe to a credit watch service. I use Experian. If there's any changes on my report (like new accounts opened, unexpected queries, etc...), I get instant notification. Since I do "everything" financial online (bills, banking) it really puts my mind at ease. Plus, you can check you score as frequently as you want. All for $60 a year...

[liberalhistorian]

12. I don't see why anyone

should have to pay to keep tab on their own damn credit!

[Cooley Hurd]

14. You're right - your personal credit info should be accessible...

...without having to pay a fee. Unfortunately, that's the case - that's why I'd rather pay and feel secure than not pay and have to worry about some dipshit in Russia using my identity to pay off his online gambling debts.

But I agree wholeheartedly with you - it's YOUR info, you should have unlimited access to it... for nothing!

[Kat45]

10. In Mass., I believe you can get a free credit report once a year

according to state law.

[GreenPartyVoter]

13. We did it a few years ago before filing bankruptcy

Do recall that we were able to find a few for-free sites. Not sure what they were or if they still exist, though.

Still have a few years before the slate is clean again. Will NEVER own another credit card. Meant well, but it's the wrong way to make ends meet.