How can I check my credit score before applying for a credit card?

Here are a few options to check your credit score:

1.Credit bureaus

The three major credit bureaus in the United States—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion—provide credit reports and credit scores. You can request a free copy of your credit report once every 12 months from each bureau through AnnualCreditReport.com. While the credit report is free, there may be a fee to obtain your credit score.

2.Credit card issuers

Some credit card issuers provide access to free credit scores as a benefit to their cardholders. Check if your current credit card issuer offers this service or explore credit cards that offer free credit score monitoring as a feature.

3.Credit monitoring services

There are several credit monitoring services available that provide access to your credit score and credit report. Some popular options include Credit Karma, Credit Sesame, and Experian Free Credit Score. These services typically offer free access to your credit score, along with additional features like credit monitoring and personalized recommendations.

4.Financial institutions

Many banks and credit unions offer credit score monitoring services to their customers. Check with your financial institution to see if they provide free access to your credit score or if they offer credit monitoring services.

It's important to note that there are different credit scoring models, such as FICO Score and VantageScore, and each may provide a slightly different credit score. It can be helpful to check your credit score from multiple sources to get a more comprehensive view of your credit health.

Regularly monitoring your credit score can help you understand your creditworthiness and make informed decisions when applying for a credit card or other forms of credit.