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Free credit score services: which score you actually get

Lots of apps show a free credit score, but they don't all show the same score. Some show a FICO Score (the kind most lenders use), others a VantageScore, and each one draws on one credit bureau's file. Checking your own score never lowers it. Here's what each free service says it gives you.

Credit Karma

Score model
VantageScore 3.0
Bureau data
Equifax and TransUnion
Cost
Free
Credit report included
Yes (Equifax and TransUnion)
How often it updates
not found
Who can use it
not found

Credit Karma says it isn't a credit bureau and doesn't provide FICO Scores.

Source: Credit Karma page (checked 2026-10-12)

Experian (free)

Score model
FICO Score 8
Bureau data
Experian
Cost
Free
Credit report included
Yes (Experian)
How often it updates
Daily (per Experian)
Who can use it
not found

Experian also sells 3-bureau plans; the free tier is Experian-only.

Source: Experian (free) page (checked 2026-10-12)

Chase Credit Journey

Score model
VantageScore 3.0
Bureau data
Experian
Cost
Free
Credit report included
Yes (Experian)
How often it updates
Eligible every 7 days, at least monthly
Who can use it
Anyone 18+ with a US address and SSN; no Chase account needed

Source: Chase Credit Journey page (checked 2026-10-12)

Capital One CreditWise

Score model
FICO Score 8
Bureau data
TransUnion (alerts from TransUnion and Experian)
Cost
Free
Credit report included
Yes (TransUnion)
How often it updates
not found
Who can use it
Anyone 18+ with an SSN matched to a TransUnion file; no Capital One account needed

Source: Capital One CreditWise page (checked 2026-10-12)

myFICO Free Plan

Score model
FICO Score 8
Bureau data
Equifax
Cost
$0
Credit report included
Yes (Equifax, monthly)
How often it updates
Monthly
Who can use it
not found

Source: myFICO Free Plan page (checked 2026-10-12)

Credit Sesame

Score model
VantageScore 3.0
Bureau data
TransUnion
Cost
Free (paid Premium adds other bureaus)
Credit report included
Summary (TransUnion), weekly
How often it updates
Daily
Who can use it
not found

Source: Credit Sesame page (checked 2026-10-12)

WalletHub

Score model
not found
Bureau data
TransUnion
Cost
Free
Credit report included
Yes (TransUnion)
How often it updates
Daily
Who can use it
not found

Source: WalletHub page (checked 2026-10-12)

Not listed: Discover Credit Scorecard (Discover accounts are moving to Capital One; Discover's FICO access is moving to CreditWise per Capital One's transition notices, so we list CreditWise). You can also get free credit reports weekly at AnnualCreditReport.com (CFPB).

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Facts copied from each provider's own page on the date shown; “not found” means we couldn't confirm it there. Prices change, so check the provider before you sign up. No paid placement.

FAQ

Why are my scores different on different apps?

Because they use different scoring models (FICO vs VantageScore, and different versions) and different bureaus' data, calculated on different days. The CFPB says it's normal for scores to differ.

Does checking my own credit score hurt it?

No. Checking your own score is a soft inquiry. Credit Karma, Chase and Discover all say this on their pages.

Which free score is closest to what lenders use?

Many lenders use FICO Scores. Experian, CreditWise and the myFICO Free Plan show FICO Score 8; Credit Karma, Chase Credit Journey and Credit Sesame show VantageScore 3.0. Lenders may use other versions, so no free score is guaranteed to match.

Estimates, not financial advice. Taxes, insurance, PMI and fees vary by lender, county and city; confirm with your lender, dealer and state agency before acting.