Topics:
Eligibility
I recently obtained a FICO® credit score on my own. Will this prevent me from using the free score offered by the FINRA Foundation?
No, however, once you register on FINRAFoundation.org and proceed to the FICO website, you simply need to log in to your existing account. You do not need to create a new profile.
Registration
What email address should I use when registering for my free credit report via the FINRAFoundation.org registration form?
With only a few exceptions, the FINRA Foundation requires that you use a valid military email account when registering on FINRAFoundation.org for a free score and report. We recommend using a military email address whenever possible. Note that once you validate your free score access through the FINRA Foundation, you may use a different email address when creating your myFICO profile.
What physical address should I enter when creating my FICO profile?
Whenever possible the use of a permanent home address is preferred. Occasionally, some credit bureaus have trouble pulling reports with military base addresses. Your home address is preferable. Due to the frequency of military moves, sometimes outside entities are not aware of your latest address. Therefore, if your current home address does not work, try entering your previous home address.
Should I use my email address as my User ID?
Create a unique User ID for yourself and have your spouse do the same. Otherwise, there could be problems accessing the system if both of you are using the same email address to receive your scores and reports. Note that you may use any email address when creating your myFICO profile. However, you may be required to use a valid military email address when registering on FINRAFoundation.org.
I did not receive the confirmation email from the FINRA Foundation's CreditScore@finra.org email address after I registered. What should I do to ensure that I receive these email messages?
Please ensure that you do the following:
- Do not delete any messages from CreditScore@finra.org.
- Check your junk mail box or other email spam filtering system for messages from CreditScore@finra.org.
- Add CreditScore@finra.org to your approved senders list.
- Work with your IT support staff to permit messages from CreditScore@finra.org. All messages regarding this tool will come from the CreditScore address.
Accessing Your Report
Locked out of your account? Answered your security questions incorrectly?
Please call the toll-free line for FINRA Foundation users at (800) 848-1133 (Monday to Friday, 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Pacific Time, or Saturday 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Pacific Time), and a FICO call center specialist will help you.
How do I access my free FICO report?
To access your FICO scores and credit reports:
- Log into your account here.
- Scroll down to the score/report you want to access and click the "View" button.
- Click "Printable View" to see the entire report contents, or navigate through the FICO score and Credit Report sections using the navigation bar at the top of your report.
To understand your report and FICO score, click "My Account" when you are logged into your FICO account. Links to a variety of important topics are included.
I am having trouble obtaining my credit score from FICO when I use the computer within our secure installation. What should I do?
Please try accessing the FICO system using a computer outside of your secure installation (e.g., home computer). The FICO system is highly secure and some systems may conflict with the security required to maintain your privacy when viewing your FICO score data.
Which credit report bureau should I choose: TransUnion, Equifax or Experian?
The default option is TransUnion. In terms of the differences among Experian, Equifax and TransUnion, they are the same from a product perspective; however, a consumer's score can differ by bureau depending on the data reported to each bureau by various lenders—which is not always exactly the same. As far as choosing is concerned, if the consumer is currently in the process of applying for credit, they should ask the lender which score(s) they plan to pull and pick that option. If not, it makes very little difference which bureau they choose.
Why am I not allowed to get credit scores and reports from TransUnion, Equifax and Experian?
The purpose of this program is to educate members of the military community who are in need of financial guidance by using a credit score and report as the basis for that teaching. It also provides users the opportunity to examine their financial status and use the tools provided to help adjust their financial lives. The scores and reports from all three bureaus are essentially the same with scores differing somewhat based on how each bureau uses the data reported to them. The difference in scores for any one individual among the three bureaus is typically negligible and usually does not change the relative position of a user in terms of how they are viewed by lenders in terms of risk.
Can I get credit scores and reports from all three credit bureaus?
Yes, myFICO currently offers credit scores and reports from all three credit bureaus: TransUnion, Equifax and Experion. However, the FINRA Foundation only covers the cost of one credit score and report per service member and their spouse (if appropriate).
Technical Difficulties
I’m having technical difficulties and need to speak with someone. Who do I contact?
If you need assistance registering a service member or spouse with the FINRA Foundation for their free FICO access, please contact us at [email protected]. For assistance with myFICO.com or difficulty obtaining a FICO score, please call FICO at (800) 848-1133 (Monday to Friday, 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Pacific Time, or Saturday 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Pacific Time), and a FICO call center specialist will help you.
FICO indicates that an account already exists and won’t let me add a new one.
If the FICO system indicates that a matching email or social security number is already present in their system, the user likely already has an account with FICO. Try logging in to your account at FICO using the email address the user would have used at set up. If you do not recall the password, use FICO's "forgot password" function.
General Credit Info
I have an "Active Duty Flag" on my credit file for identity protection purposes. Will this impact my ability to get a FICO credit score?
No. However, you will be required to contact the FICO customer support center to positively identify yourself before you can obtain your FICO score. Instructions for this are provided when you create your FICO profile.
What might happen to my FICO score if I take steps to improve my credit history?
Use the FICO Score Simulator to experiment with different ways to improve your score. The Simulator can show you your best course of action for improving your score as well as what happens if you pay down delinquent balances or pay your bills on time. You can also see the impact of missing payments and maxing out your credit cards. A link to the FICO Score Simulator can be found in the upper right quadrant of your online FICO credit score report.
Where can I find more information on FICO credit scores?
Review the "Understanding FICO Scores" publication.
What are my rights as a consumer under the Fair Credit Reporting Act?
For information about your rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, visit the Federal Trade Commission.
