2. Experian offers the FreeCreditScore.com app for subscribers to its service (free trial available), which provides credit score alerts, a credit score center, and credit score estimator to help you plan for major financial decisions. Subscribers also have access to fraud resolution and other services.
3. Loan Shark’s iPhone app helps users figure out the impact of additional monthly or yearly payments, and determines equity and trade-in values for homes and cars. Priced at $2.99, this app lets you create a full amortization table that includes the details of each month’s payment.
4. Credit Card Statistics is a free Web-based tool via AnnualCreditReport.com that offers information on credit scores, current balances, credit limits, and credit limit use. This site allows you to request a free credit file every 12 months from each of the major credit reporting companies: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
When you review your credit score and explore ways to improve it, remember there “is no magic formula,†says Robbie Hampton. “Everyone starts at a different number that’s impacted when loans are paid off or brought up to date. The most important step you can take is to commit to improvement and stay on course.†Be patient: It’s a lot easier to reduce a credit score than to raise one.