3 Reasons to Check Your FICO® Score
Checking your FICO® Score is a good way to monitor your financial health.
As an SF Fire Credit Union member, you can check your score for free every quarter in Online & Mobile Banking. The latest update is now available.
What is a FICO® Score?
FICO® Scores are the credit scores used most frequently by lenders to help them quickly, consistently, and objectively evaluate a potential borrowers' credit risk.
As with most credit scores, they are calculated from the data on your credit reports at the three major reporting agenicies – Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax.
A good FICO® is important, because it could lead to lower rates on your loans and credit cards.
Three reasons to check your FICO® Score
Monitoring your FICO® score is a great way to gauge your financial health. Here are three reasons to check your score each quarter.
Building Credit
As you’re working to build credit for the first time, or to re-establish credit, your FICO® Score helps you measure your progress.
Remember, payment history is the most important factor in your score. So if you’re looking to build or re-establish credit, it might be a good idea to set up automatic payments.
Financial Planning
When you’re preparing for a major financial decision, such as applying for a mortgage, knowing your FICO® Score helps you judge what rates or loans you might qualify for.
If you already have a mortgage, an increase in your FICO® Score might mean it’s a good time to refinance for a better rate.
You can always improve your FICO score by making payments on time, lowering your debt, and limiting the number of credit cards you have.
Identity Theft Protection
A sudden drop in your FICO® Score might indicate unusual activity on your credit report, possibly indicating that your identity has been stolen.
You can check your actual credit report at www.annualcreditreport.com (one free report every year from each of the major reporting agencies) to look for unusual or unauthorized activity.
You can protect yourself by learning more about Identity Theft and Fraud.
How do I check my FICO® Score?
You can check your FICO Score through various online reporting agencies. However, some of these sites may charge a fee.
We believe you should have free access to your financial information, which is why Members of SF Fire Credit Union can get their free FICO Score every quarter in Online & Mobile Banking.
Not a member yet?
Free FICO® Scores are just one of the many advantages of being an SF Fire Credit Union member.
We also have the Bay Area's best checking account, competitive rates on loans, and personalized service every step of the way. We treat you like a person, not a number.
Get started today, and come home to where the Bay Area banks.
