Boost Your Credit Score: 8 Helpful Credit Monitoring Apps (2024)

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PublishedOctober 16, 2019 | 4min. read

Farnoosh Torabi

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  • Boost Your Credit Score: 8 Helpful Credit Monitoring Apps (2)
  • Boost Your Credit Score: 8 Helpful Credit Monitoring Apps (3)
  • Boost Your Credit Score: 8 Helpful Credit Monitoring Apps (4)
  • Maintaining a healthy credit score requires a good bit of focus, determination and hard work. There’s a lot to keep up with: We need to pay ourbills on time, reduce debt and maintain a low debt-to-credit ratio, among other requirements—all to ensure a top-notch credit score. We can use all the help we can get! To that end, here are eightcredit monitoring appsthat can help keep your credit building on track.

    1. Credit.com

    One of the only truly free credit monitoring apps—most others require you to have a paid subscription to their digital service in order to use the “free” app—the Credit.com mobile app allows you to access your entire credit profile, including your credit score and insight into how it compares to your peers. You’ll see where you currently stand, see how your score has changed—and why—and get credit information and money-saving tips tailored to your score.

    Availability: Apple and Android

    Cost: Free

    2. myFICO

    The myFICO app is free, but it requires an active myFICO account, which means it effectively costs $20 per month or more, depending on which features you want. With this app, though, you can view and monitor your FICO scores—the most widely used credit score—and credit reports. They also provide a FICO Score Simulator, which shows you how your score may be affected if you take certain actions.

    Availability: Apple and Android

    Cost: Free, but requires an active myFICO account

    3. Lock & Alert from Equifax

    Lock & Alert from Equifax lets you lock and unlock your Equifax credit report to protect against identity theft and fraud. You’ll get an alert any time your account is locked or unlocked so you know you’re the one in control. A credit lock is not as secure as a credit freeze, but it does offer some level of protection and is generally easier to turn on and off. This app works only for your Equifax credit report, so if you want to lock all three reports, you’ll have to work with TransUnion and Experian separately.

    Availability: Apple and Android

    Cost: Free

    4. Experian

    The Experian mobile credit monitoring app lets you track your Experian credit report and FICO score, with an automatically updated credit report every 30 days. The app also comes with Experian Boost, which can help you boost your score. The app alerts you when changes to your report or score occur, and offers suggested credit cards based on your FICO score.

    Availability: Apple and Android

    Cost: Free, but some features require a paid Experian account

    5. Lexington Law

    If you’ve signed up for credit repair services with Lexington Law, you can use their free mobile app to keep track of your progress. In addition to providing access to your credit reports from all three credit bureaus and updates on ongoing disputes, the money manager feature, similar to Mint, helps you track your income, spending, budgets and debts.

    Availability: Apple and Android

    Cost: Free, but requires a paid Lexington Law account

    6. TransUnion

    The TransUnion mobile app allows you to refresh your credit score and credit report daily to see where you stand. It offers instant alerts if anything changes and offers Credit Lock Plus, which allows you to lock your TransUnion credit report to avoid identity theft and fraud. The Debt Analysis tool lets you calculate your debt-to-income ratio, and it allows you to view public records associated with your name.

    Availability: Apple and Android

    Cost: Free, but requires a paid TransUnion Credit Monitoring account

    7. ScoreSense Scores To Go

    ScoreSense offers credit scores and reports from all three credit bureaus and daily credit monitoring and alerts to changes on your reports. This app also provides creditor contact information so you can address errors on your report quickly and efficiently. Score tracking features let you review how your score changes over time and how it compares to your peers.

    Availability: Apple and Android

    Cost: Free, but requires a paid ScoreSense account

    8. Self

    Self helps you build—and track—your credit, making it great for people just establishing their credit profile or trying to rebuild damaged credit. Self offers one- and two-year loan terms, but instead of getting the money up front, the amount is deposited into a CD. You make regular payments for the term of the loan (at least $25 per month), and then get access to the money. There is no hard inquiry to open the account, but your payments are reported to all three credit bureaus, helping build your credit. Plus, while you are repaying your loan, you will have access to free credit monitoring and you VantageScore so you can track your progress.

    Availability: Apple and Android

    Cost: Free, but requires a Self loan repayment of at least $25 per month

    Credit Monitoring Apps to Fit Your Needs

    With so many different options, you’re sure to find a credit monitoring app that meets your needs. And don’t forget: you can always check your score for free using Credit.com’s free Credit Report Card.

      Get everything you need to master your credit today.

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      Boost Your Credit Score: 8 Helpful Credit Monitoring Apps (2024)

      FAQs

      How can I raise my FICO score 8 fast? ›

      6 easy tips to help raise your credit score
      1. Make your payments on time. ...
      2. Set up autopay or calendar reminders. ...
      3. Don't open too many accounts at once. ...
      4. Get credit for paying monthly utility and cell phone bills on time. ...
      5. Request a credit report and dispute any credit report errors. ...
      6. Pay attention to your credit utilization rate.

      What is the best app to increase your credit score? ›

      1. Experian Boost. Experian, one of the three major credit bureaus, offers the easiest possible way to boost your score. Experian Boost reports payments that typically aren't included in your credit score, like your rent, utilities and subscriptions.

      What is the secret to raising your credit score fast? ›

      Follow these steps to increase yours before your next application.
      • Dispute items on your credit report. ...
      • Make all payments on time. ...
      • Avoid unnecessary credit inquiries. ...
      • Apply for a new credit card. ...
      • Increase your credit card limit. ...
      • Pay down your credit card balances. ...
      • Consolidate credit card debt with a term loan.
      Jan 18, 2024

      Does boosting your credit score work? ›

      Experian reports the average user boosts their FICO 8 score by 13 points. However, the Experian Boost website contains the following disclaimer: “Some may not see improved scores or approval odds. Not all lenders use credit information impacted by Experian Boost.”

      How can I raise my credit score 100 points overnight? ›

      1. No, it is not possible to raise your credit score overnight. ...
      2. Improving your credit score typically requires responsible financial behavior over an extended period. ...
      3. Pay Your Bills on Time: Consistently make on-time payments for all of your credit accounts, including credit cards, loans, and utilities.
      Oct 25, 2023

      Can I pay someone to fix my credit? ›

      Yes, it is possible to pay someone to help fix your credit. These individuals or companies are known as credit repair companies and they specialize in helping individuals improve their credit score.

      Do credit boosting apps really work? ›

      There's nothing wrong with giving a credit-building app a try, especially if you can do so for free. Even if you only increase your score by 20 to 30 points, that could be enough to help you qualify for a loan. A higher score could even have a positive impact on your auto insurance rates.

      What app gives all 3 credit scores? ›

      ScoreSense® gives you quick, anytime access to your credit scores and reports from all three national credit reporting agencies – TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian. You'll get daily credit monitoring and alerts about important changes to your report through your ScoreSense account.

      Who can help me raise my credit score? ›

      If you are having trouble making ends meet, contact your creditors or see a legitimate credit counselor: this won't rebuild your credit score immediately, but if you can begin to manage your credit and pay on time, your score should increase over time.

      How can I build my credit fast from nothing? ›

      Find the best credit card for you by reviewing offers in our credit card marketplace or get personalized offers via CardMatch™.
      1. Apply for a secured credit card. ...
      2. Become an authorized user. ...
      3. Take out a credit-builder loan. ...
      4. Keep a close eye on your credit utilization. ...
      5. Make small purchases and pay them off quickly.
      Mar 25, 2024

      What is the quickest way to make your credit score drop? ›

      11 Actions That Can Lower Your Credit Score
      1. Making Late Payments. ...
      2. Using Too Much Credit. ...
      3. Applying for Too Many Credit Accounts. ...
      4. Closing Credit Accounts. ...
      5. Having Your Credit Limit Lowered. ...
      6. Defaulting on a Loan. ...
      7. Cosigning on a Loan That Becomes Delinquent. ...
      8. Accounts in Collections.
      Apr 17, 2023

      How can I instantly get my credit score? ›

      There are a few main ways to get your credit scores.
      1. Check your credit card or other loan statement. Many major credit card companies and other lenders provide credit scores for their customers. ...
      2. Talk to a nonprofit counselor. ...
      3. Use a credit score service.
      Oct 19, 2023

      What brings your credit score up the most? ›

      One of the best things you can do to improve your credit score is to pay your debts on time and in full whenever possible. Payment history makes up a significant chunk of your credit score, so it's important to avoid late payments.

      What is the #1 way to build a good credit score? ›

      Pay bills on time and in full

      In fact, payment history is the most important factor making up your credit score. Your credit score considers whether you make payments on time or late and if you carry a balance month to month or pay it off in full.

      How can I legally raise my credit score? ›

      How to improve your credit scores
      1. Review credit regularly. ...
      2. Keep credit utilization ratio below 30% ...
      3. Pay your bills on time. ...
      4. Make payments on past-due accounts. ...
      5. Limit hard credit inquiries. ...
      6. Consider applying for a secured credit card. ...
      7. Beware of promises of quick credit score fixes.

      Why is my FICO 8 score so low? ›

      But chronically late payments cause your FICO 8 score to drop more. Nearing a credit limit on a single card became more important. One of the most important factors affecting your credit score is your “credit utilization ratio,” which counts for 30% of your credit score.

      What is considered a good FICO 8 score? ›

      What Is a Good FICO® Score? The base FICO® Scores range from 300 to 850, and a good credit score is between 670 and 739 within that range.

      How long does it take to get a FICO 8 score? ›

      Credit scores are calculated using the information in your credit report, and you typically need three to six months of credit activity recorded there before a score can be created.

      How often does FICO 8 score update? ›

      Credit reports and other FICO Score versions will be updated based on the type of subscription you have – monthly for FICO® Basic or FICO® Premier and quarterly for FICO® Advanced. They will also be updated if you purchase additional credit reports that aren't a part of your subscription.

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