How Can Get Your FICO Auto Score for Free? (2024)

FAQs

How Can Get Your FICO Auto Score for Free? ›

How do I check my FICO Score for free? You can check your FICO Score for free by accessing your credit report from one of the major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion) once per year. Some credit card issuers and financial institutions also offer their customers free access to FICO Scores.

Finding your FICO auto score is fairly straightforward, and you can do it for free. We'll explain the most important things you need to know about the FICO score, including how to find your score and how to raise your score.

Your FICO Auto Score is not available for free, but you can access it directly from fico.com through one of the company's subscription plans, which cost $19.95 to $39.95 per month. Paying for your FICO Auto Score may not be worth it, though, as lenders often use their own customized credit-scoring models.

The first place you should check for your free FICO Score is with your credit card issuer. Many card issuers provide their cardholders with free access to their credit score. While there's a good chance you'll have access to your credit score, the key is whether it's your FICO Score or VantageScore.

The two big credit scoring models used by auto lenders are FICO® Auto Score and Vantage. We're going to take at look at FICO® since it has long been the auto industry standard.

You can start by going to the three major credit bureaus, Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion first by logging on to AnnualCreditReport.com to check your report for free. Each agency gives you access to your report once every 12 months.

Industry-specific FICO^® Scores are FICO Scores versions that are optimized for a certain type of credit product, such as auto loans or credit cards. The foundation of these versions is the same as the base FICO Score versions, but they are fine-tuned based on industry-specific risk behaviors.

While some dealerships look at your base FICO score, others might look at your FICO Auto Score. This industry-specific rating provides a more accurate picture of the likelihood of you repaying an auto loan instead of the likelihood of you repaying any credit obligation.

FICO creates auto scores and bankcard scores specifically for auto lenders and card issuers. Industry scores aim to predict the likelihood that a consumer will fall behind on the specific type of account, and the scores range from 250 to 900.

Your credit score is a major factor in whether you'll be approved for a car loan. Some lenders use specialized credit scores, such as a FICO Auto Score. In general, you'll need at least prime credit, meaning a credit score of 661 or up, to get a loan at a good interest rate.

Is FICO your true credit score? ›

Is "credit score" the same as "FICO^® score"? Basically, "credit score" and "FICO^® score" are all referring to the same thing. A FICO^® score is a type of credit scoring model. While different reporting agencies may weigh factors slightly differently, they are all essentially measuring the same thing.

FICO 8 scores range between 300 and 850. A FICO score of at least 700 is considered a good score. There are also industry-specific versions of credit scores that businesses use. For example, the FICO Bankcard Score 8 is the most widely used score when you apply for a new credit card or a credit-limit increase.

With myFICO, you can view and monitor your FICO Scores and credit reports right from your fingertips.

Your credit score is crucial to determine your eligibility for a no down payment car loan. Most lenders require a FICO credit score of at least 680 before you can qualify. If your credit score falls below 680, improve your credit score before you apply to help you qualify in the future.

A 750 credit score is often considered very good — or even excellent. A very good or excellent credit score can mean you're more likely to be approved for good offers and rates when it comes to mortgages, auto loans and credit cards with rewards and other perks.

Date updated: January 15, 2024

Consumers are entitled to an annual free credit report from all three national credit reporting agencies. You can get all 3 bureau credit reports for free, every week, at AnnualCreditReport.com.

*IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Your subscription will automatically renew monthly at $29.95 unless you cancel. You may cancel at any time; however partial month refunds are not available. All FICO^® Score products made available on myFICO.com include a FICO^® Score 8, and may include additional FICO^® Score versions.

Are myFICO scores accurate? Yes, myFICO scores are accurate based on the information available. However, if there is an error on your credit report that is negatively affecting your FICO credit score, it's your responsibility to dispute the error with the appropriate credit bureau.