Get to know your credit score

Whenever you borrow money, whether you’re buying a house, a car, a major appliance or just applying for a credit card, someone checks your credit score. Credit scores tell a lender what kind of a credit risk you are. If you have high scores, it means you’re a good risk and you may get a better interest rate because the lender is confident you’ll pay back your loan.

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requires each of the nationwide credit reporting companies — Equifax, Experian and TransUnion — to provide you with a free copy of your credit report, at your request, once every 12-months. It’s important to check your credit as it has important information about you. What your report says about you will control whether you can purchase a home, a car or get a loan. Your ability to manage your credit will regulate your credit score.

Know the score

The scoring system is what creditors use to determine whether to give you credit and the terms and rate offered. It can cost you more money over time if you have a lower score, so analyzing your credit report will help you make sure your information is accurate and give you the opportunity to correct any mistakes you may find. You may have to pay separately to acquire your numerical credit score, but you can check with your credit card company first, as some companies will offer your recent score free, with your account.

Get your free credit report

To order your free annual credit report from one or all of the national credit reporting companies, and to purchase your credit score, visit annualcreditreport.com, call toll-free 877-322-8228, or complete the Annual Credit Report Request Form and mail it to:

Annual Credit Report Request Service
P. O. Box 105281
Atlanta, GA 30348-5281

For more information on Voya’s commitment to customer security, visit our website.