Key takeaways about checking your credit:
- Whether you’re looking to buy a home, finance a car, or be more in control of your finances, knowing your credit score puts you in the driver’s seat.
- Checking your own credit score does NOT hurt your credit.
- Regularly checking your credit report is one of the best ways to spot signs of identity theft or fraudulent activity.
- Sometimes, checking your score brings a little disappointment. If it’s low, there are proven ways to improve it. That’s where CredEvolv comes in.
You won’t find “check your credit score” at the top of most people’s lists of fun things to do. The truth is, it’s probably similarly ranked as “clean the gutters” or “schedule a colonoscopy.”
But regularly checking your credit score is one of the smartest, most empowering financial habits you can have. In fact, there’s been a nearly 70% increase in users checking their FICO scores over the past year. Whether you’re looking to buy a home, finance a car, or be more in control of your finances, knowing your credit score puts you in the driver’s seat.
The only time a credit check might affect your score is when a lender does it as part of a loan application. That’s called a hard inquiry and can cause a small, temporary dip in your score.
First, let’s bust a common myth about checking your credit score. Then, let’s talk about why your score matters so much and reveal how CredEvolv can support you if you find that your credit needs a little TLC.
Myth: Checking your credit score will hurt it
One of the most persistent misconceptions we hear about checking your credit score is this: “If I do that, my credit score will go down.”
Let’s clear that up right now. Checking your own credit score does NOT hurt your credit. When you monitor your credit score or report through a reputable source – such as MyFICO.com or any of the three credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion – the worst case scenario is it will be considered a soft inquiry. This type of inquiry has no impact on your credit score.
The only time a credit check might affect your score is when a lender does it as part of a loan application. That’s called a hard inquiry and can cause a small, temporary dip in your score. But checking your own credit? Totally dip-free!
So, go ahead and check your credit score as often as you’d like. It’s your information, and you have a right to access it!
Why you should know your credit score before you borrow
Imagine walking into a car dealership or applying for a mortgage without knowing your credit score. It’s a bit like going into a job interview without knowing what’s on your resume. When you don’t know your credit score, you don’t have a clear picture of what lenders are seeing or what kind of interest rates and loan terms might be available to you.
Knowing your score in advance gives you time to:
- Understand what kind of loan or credit you may qualify for.
- Take steps to improve your credit score before applying.
- Avoid surprises that could delay your financial plans.
It’s also a confidence booster. Walking into a borrowing situation with full knowledge of your credit health puts you more in control of the process.
Checking your credit can help you catch fraud and errors
Your credit report is one of the first places you’ll spot signs of identity theft or fraudulent activity. Strange accounts you don’t recognize? Credit cards you never opened? These are red flags that something might be wrong.
Even if it’s not fraud, errors happen more often than you might think. A misspelled name, a duplicated account, or a payment incorrectly marked late can all hurt your credit score. By checking your credit regularly, you give yourself the chance to catch and correct these mistakes before they cause lasting damage.
Think of it like proofreading your credit profile like you would your resume. The earlier you catch a typo, the better.
What if your score is lower than you expected? Don’t panic.
Sometimes, checking your score brings a little disappointment. Maybe it’s lower than you thought. Maybe it feels like too big of a gap to bridge. But here’s the thing: credit is a journey, not a judgment.
No matter how low your score may be today, there are proven ways to improve it. That’s where CredEvolv comes in.
We provide plenty of free information and education in our blog. We also connect you with HUD-approved, nonprofit credit counselors if you need that level of intervention. Our counselor partners are trained to help people like you – not do whatever it takes to keep you in their program longer than necessary, which often happens when you work with a traditional credit repair company.
These experts can:
- Help you create a realistic plan to improve your credit over time.
- Dispute and remove errors on your behalf.
- Offer guidance on paying down debt and building better habits.
And because they work through our proprietary tech platform, you get personalized support plus digital tools to track your progress and stay motivated.
Make credit checks part of your financial routine
Checking your credit shouldn’t be a one-time thing. Think of it like checking your bank account or your budget – a regular habit that helps you stay informed and in control.
Here’s how to make it part of your routine:
- Set a calendar reminder to check your score monthly.
- Review your full credit report from FICO and all three major bureaus at least once a year.
- Watch for unexpected changes in your score, which can signal fraud or errors.
There are plenty of free and secure tools available to help you check your score. And if you’re working with a CredEvolv counselor, they can help interpret what your score means and how to keep it moving in the right direction.
You deserve to know where you stand with your credit
A mystery can be fun and entertaining when you’re streaming a TV show. When it comes to your credit? Not so much. Whether you’re trying to qualify for a loan, recover from past mistakes, or just want to be smarter with your money, knowing your credit score is a powerful first step.
So, don’t be afraid to look. Don’t buy into the myths. And if your score isn’t where you want it to be, know that help is available – and your future is still bright.
Take the first step today! Check your credit score, and if you need support, connect with a nonprofit credit counselor through CredEvolv. We’re here to help you make credit work to your benefit!