Understanding your credit score is one of the most important steps toward achieving financial stability in the US. Whether you’re planning to apply for a credit card, rent an apartment, or secure a loan, your credit score often plays a significant role. But here’s the good news—there are several reliable ways to check your credit score for free, without causing any harm to your credit report.
If you’re a newcomer to the US or simply someone who wants to stay informed, this guide will walk you through the top websites and apps to check your credit score without a “hard pull.” These platforms use soft inquiries, meaning your score won’t be affected when you check it.
Credit Karma for a Full Overview and Credit Monitoring
Credit Karma has become one of the most popular tools for checking your credit score for free. It provides your VantageScore 3.0 based on your TransUnion and Equifax credit reports. The interface is user-friendly, and it offers weekly updates.
In addition to your score, Credit Karma also breaks down your credit utilization, payment history, and credit age. You can even simulate how your score might change based on future actions. Check your score through their free credit dashboard.
Credit Sesame for Simplicity and Free Identity Theft Protection
Credit Sesame is another major player that offers free credit score access based on TransUnion data. What sets it apart is that it includes free identity theft protection—even with the free account. This can be especially helpful for international users who are still building their credit profiles.
You’ll also get personalized tips to improve your score and email alerts if your score changes. Explore their features on the Credit Sesame homepage.
Experian Free Credit Report and FICO Score
Experian is one of the three major credit bureaus in the US, and they offer your FICO Score 8 for free with no impact to your credit. Unlike Credit Karma and Sesame which use VantageScore, Experian gives you access to a FICO score, which is the version lenders most commonly use.
The platform also includes credit report monitoring, alerts, and a credit lock feature. For direct access to your FICO score, visit Experian’s free credit page.
NerdWallet for Financial Tools with Soft Pulls
NerdWallet isn’t just for comparing credit cards and loans—it also offers a free credit score tool that uses TransUnion VantageScore 3.0. Their mobile app makes it easy to keep an eye on your credit while accessing other financial resources like budgeting tools.
This is a great choice for people who want a broader look at their financial health, not just their credit score. Get started on NerdWallet’s credit insights section.
Chase Credit Journey for Real-Time Score Updates
If you have a Chase account—or even if you don’t—you can use Chase Credit Journey for free. It’s open to everyone and offers weekly VantageScore updates from Experian. The platform also includes identity monitoring and fraud alerts.
It’s especially useful for existing Chase customers who want to integrate credit tracking into their mobile banking. Try it out through Chase’s Credit Journey portal.
Discover Credit Scorecard for FICO Score Access
You don’t need to be a Discover customer to use their free Credit Scorecard, which gives you access to your FICO Score 8 based on Experian data. The site offers educational tips on how different actions—like opening a new credit card or paying off debt—can impact your score.
It’s a trusted tool if you want to see the same type of score that lenders are actually reviewing. Access the scorecard via Discover’s FICO Score resource.
Mint for Credit Tracking with Budgeting Insights
Mint is known for its budgeting tools, but it also includes free access to your credit score, powered by TransUnion. It’s a good option for users who want to see their full financial picture in one place, including spending habits, bill tracking, and financial goals.
Mint updates your score regularly and sends you alerts about any major changes. Sign up for free through Mint’s credit and budgeting dashboard.
What’s the Difference Between a Soft and Hard Inquiry?
A soft inquiry (or soft pull) occurs when you check your own credit, or when a company checks your credit for pre-approval offers. These do not affect your score. In contrast, a hard inquiry happens when a lender checks your credit during an actual application—this can slightly lower your score.
All of the platforms listed above only perform soft inquiries, so you can check your score as often as you like without worry.
How to Choose the Right Credit Score Tool
Here are a few things to consider:
Score type: FICO is used by most lenders, but VantageScore is still a good benchmark
Bureau data: Some tools use Equifax, some use TransUnion, and others use Experian
Extra features: Identity theft protection, budgeting tools, or loan recommendations
Mobile access: If you prefer tracking your score from your phone, apps like Credit Karma and NerdWallet are ideal
Using more than one tool can also be helpful since your score may vary slightly across credit bureaus. Comparing across platforms gives you a more complete picture.
Why Checking Your Score Regularly Matters More Than Ever in 2025
With increased digital identity theft and more financial products targeting young professionals and international workers, keeping track of your credit score is more important than ever. Free credit score tools help you spot errors, prevent fraud, and take action early.
No matter your financial goals—buying a car, renting an apartment, applying for a mortgage—knowing where you stand can save you money and stress. And since all of the platforms above offer real-time updates and personalized suggestions, you can make smarter decisions without damaging your credit in the process.