Back in the day, I used to fill up forms and send it to TransUnion and Equifax to check my credit score and report at least once a year. It became tedious that I forgot about it.
So when I found out that I can check free credit score on my Tangerine account, I was over the moon that I now check it once a month.
Positive numerical figures and spreadsheets equate to happiness for me. Simple joy of life.
Have you check yours? When was the last time you checked your credit score? Here are the ways you can check the credit score and report online.
Check Your Credit Score on Tangerine’s Website
First: Log in to your Tangerine account online.
Second: Click on the “Credit Score” on the menu.
And there you have it. You can see the credit score and history.
Click on “View my credit report” link to see the current and closed accounts (debit and credit card). And also you’ll see inquiries made on your credit report.
If you click the “Understand your score” link, you’ll find out what does the credit score mean.
As you can see, my credit score drop 10 points from October last year.
Is it because I have a monthly PayBright / Affirm payment? (Yes! For the first time, I tried the “Buy Now Pay Later” financing program of Samsung. Trying Android for the first time. A lot of first.)
Check Credit Score on Tangerine’s App
I first find out about the credit score on my Tangerine’s bank app. If you are like me who use the app more than its website, then it’s more convenient to check the credit score on the app.
- Log in to Tangerine mobile app.
- Tap “More” on the menu below the app.
- Tap “Credit Score” button.
I check my credit score at least once a month if I didn’t forget; for credit card, I check at least once a week. Should I schedule it on my Reminders app?
How Do I Keep a High Score?
Over the years I follow a simple rule when using credit card and line of credit. I pay ALL the balance every month.
Sometimes, I pay even more than what is stated on the monthly credit card statement because I don’t want to see my unpaid bills keep adding up.
Zero balance or negative balance is good for my eyesight and nervous system. Serenity . . .
Related Post: Why I Like Using Tangerine Line of Credit
Lastly, I only use 30% of my credit limit. So for huge purchases like flight I use Home Trust Preferred Visa (no annual fee and no foreign conversion fee).
If for some reason it doesn’t work (it’s having glitch lately), I use Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card or Rogers Platinum Mastercard (and also have to pay the 2.50% foreign conversion fee).
Keeping track of credit cards is time consuming so I only use three credit cards. I often use my Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card and seldom use Home Trust Preferred Visa.
So no matter how many times I was offered to sign up for a new credit card at Superstore, I always decline. And it goes the same with chequing account.
But recently, I’m eyeing the EQ Bank. Chrissy of Eat Sleep Breathe FI has an in-depth review.
Back to credit score. What if you don’t have Tangerine account, do you have to resort to the old ways of mailing and waiting? Not quite.
What If Your Bank Doesn’t Provide Credit Score and Report
There are alternatives. You can sign up for two more parties for a free credit score and credit report.
- Borrowell (Equifax credit score and report)
- Creditkarma (TransUnion credit score and report)
In the past, I almost sign up on these two companies to have convenient access to my credit score and report.
But I decided not to do so because I don’t like to make another account if I can help it. I have so many account already: finance, blogs, and social media (which I rarely use).
Lo and behold! Years later, Tangerine step up to the plate and offer free credit score that even some Big Banks (eg. TD) don’t offer.
Good things definitely come to those who wait. More features. Less online account.
Final Thoughts
Although the credit score is provided by TransUnion, I am content with the information that I can access on my app for free every month.
Somehow I wish TD bank would also provide free credit score, but this time from Equifax instead of TransUnion. So I can compare and contrast the result provided by Tangerine.
Either way, I don’t think I’ll mail credit report and score request to Equifax and TransUnion ever again. Online and paperless is always my preferred way of dealing with stuff.
Do you know your credit score? Does your bank give you free credit score and report?
Share Your Thoughts