Checking your credit score regularly is a crucial part of maintaining good financial health. It's not just a number; it's a summary of your creditworthiness that lenders use to evaluate you for loans, credit cards, and even rental applications. If you're a Bank of America customer, you're in luck! They offer a convenient way to access your FICO® Score for free.
Ready to take control of your financial future? Let's dive into a comprehensive, step-by-step guide on how to check your credit score with Bank of America.
Understanding Your Credit Score and Bank of America's Offering
Before we jump into the "how-to," let's briefly understand what you're looking for. Bank of America provides eligible customers with their FICO® Score 8, which is based on data from TransUnion, one of the three major credit bureaus.
Why is this important?
- FICO® Scores are widely used: FICO® Scores are the most common credit scores used by lenders (over 90% of them!), so the score you see with Bank of America is highly relevant.
- TransUnion data: Your score is derived from your TransUnion credit report. This means it might slightly differ from scores calculated using data from Experian or Equifax, but it still provides an excellent snapshot of your credit health.
- Educational purposes: Bank of America provides this score for educational purposes, helping you understand your credit and how to improve it.
Step 1: Are You Eligible? Let's Find Out!
Before you even log in, let's confirm if you're eligible to view your free FICO® Score through Bank of America.
Sub-heading: Who is Eligible?
Generally, Bank of America makes this benefit available to primary cardholders with an open and active consumer credit card account.
- If you have a Bank of America credit card, chances are very high you'll be able to access your score.
- If you only have a checking or savings account with Bank of America, you typically won't see this feature. However, it's always worth logging in and checking, as programs can evolve.
Action Item: Take a moment to confirm you have an active Bank of America consumer credit card. If not, don't worry! We'll cover other ways to get your score later.
Step 2: Accessing Your Credit Score Through Online Banking
This is the most common and straightforward method.
Sub-heading: Logging In to Bank of America Online Banking
- Open Your Browser: Launch your preferred web browser (e.g., Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge).
- Navigate to Bank of America: Go to the official Bank of America website:
www.bankofamerica.com - Log In: Locate the "Log In" button (usually in the top right corner) and click it. Enter your Online ID and Passcode.
- If you've forgotten your login credentials, look for links like "Forgot ID" or "Forgot Passcode" to recover them.
Sub-heading: Finding Your FICO® Score
Once you're successfully logged into your Online Banking account:
- Look for "Tools & Investing" or "Services": The location may vary slightly based on website updates, but typically, you'll find a section related to "Tools & Investing," "Services," or "Credit Score" in the main navigation menu or on your account summary page.
- Locate "FICO® Score": Click on the link that specifically mentions "FICO® Score" or "Get Your FICO® Score."
- Enroll (if prompted): The first time you access this feature, you might be prompted to enroll in the FICO® Score Program. Don't worry, this enrollment is free and will not negatively impact your credit score. You'll likely need to agree to their terms and conditions.
- View Your Score: After enrollment, or if you've already enrolled, your FICO® Score will be displayed. You'll usually see:
- Your 3-digit FICO® Score
- Key factors impacting your score (e.g., length of credit history, credit utilization, payment history)
- A historical chart showing your score over time (updated monthly).
Pro Tip: Bank of America will send you an email alert when your updated FICO® Score is available to view, typically once a month.
Step 3: Checking Your Credit Score via the Mobile Banking App
For convenience on the go, the Bank of America Mobile Banking app is an excellent option.
Sub-heading: Downloading and Logging into the App
- Download the App: If you haven't already, download the official Bank of America Mobile Banking app from your device's app store (Google Play Store for Android, Apple App Store for iOS).
- Open and Log In: Launch the app and enter your Online ID and Passcode.
- Many apps offer biometric login options like fingerprint or facial recognition for quick and secure access after initial setup.
Sub-heading: Navigating to Your Credit Score in the App
Once you're in the app:
- Look for the FICO® Score Section: Similar to online banking, search for a section that explicitly mentions "FICO® Score" or "Credit Score." This might be under a "More" menu, "Accounts," or a dedicated "FICO® Score" tile on your dashboard.
- Enroll (if necessary): If it's your first time, you might be asked to enroll in the FICO® Score program. Confirm your enrollment.
- View Your Score: Your FICO® Score, along with the influencing factors and historical data, will be readily available.
Remember: Viewing your FICO® Score through Bank of America's online or mobile platforms is a soft inquiry and does not affect your credit score.
Step 4: Understanding the Factors Affecting Your Score
Bank of America doesn't just give you a number; they also provide insights into what's influencing that number. This is incredibly valuable for improving your credit health.
Sub-heading: Common Key Factors You'll See
- Payment History: This is the most crucial factor. Making payments on time, every time, positively impacts your score. Late payments hurt it significantly.
- Amounts Owed (Credit Utilization): This refers to how much of your available credit you're using. Keeping your credit utilization low (generally below 30% is recommended) is beneficial.
- Length of Credit History: The longer you've responsibly managed credit, the better.
- Credit Mix: Having a healthy mix of different credit types (e.g., credit cards, installment loans) can be a positive.
- New Credit: Opening many new credit accounts in a short period can be seen as risky and may temporarily lower your score.
Take Action: Pay close attention to the specific factors Bank of America highlights for your score. This is your personalized roadmap to improvement.
Step 5: Leveraging Better Money Habits® for Improvement
Bank of America offers a fantastic resource called "Better Money Habits®." This platform provides a wealth of educational content on various financial topics, including credit.
Sub-heading: Exploring Better Money Habits®
- Access through Bank of America: You can usually find a link to Better Money Habits® directly within the FICO® Score section of your online banking or mobile app, or by visiting their dedicated website.
- Learn and Grow: Explore articles and videos on:
- Understanding your credit report
- Strategies for improving your credit score
- Managing debt
- Budgeting and more.
Invest in Yourself: Take advantage of these free resources to deepen your understanding of credit and build healthier financial habits.
Other Ways to Get Your Credit Score (If You're Not a Bank of America Credit Card Customer)
If for some reason you don't have an eligible Bank of America credit card, don't fret! There are other legitimate ways to check your credit score for free or at a cost.
Sub-heading: AnnualCreditReport.com (For Credit Reports, Not Scores)
- Legal Right: By federal law, you're entitled to one free credit report every 12 months from each of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) through
www.AnnualCreditReport.com - Important Note: This site provides your credit report, which details your credit history, but not your credit score directly. However, reviewing your report is crucial for accuracy and understanding the data that feeds your score.
Sub-heading: Other Free Credit Score Providers
Many other financial institutions, credit card companies, and personal finance websites offer free credit scores. These often use different scoring models (like VantageScore) or provide FICO® Scores from different bureaus. Some popular examples include:
- Credit Karma (VantageScore)
- Experian (FICO® Score)
- Discover Card (FICO® Score)
- Chase Credit Journey (VantageScore)
Sub-heading: Purchasing Your Score
You can also purchase your FICO® Score directly from MyFICO.com or from the individual credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion). This is an option if you need a specific FICO® Score version or a score from a particular bureau.
Conclusion: Empowering Your Financial Journey
Regularly checking your credit score with Bank of America is a simple yet powerful step towards financial empowerment. It helps you stay informed, identify areas for improvement, and ultimately, qualify for better financial products and terms. Make it a habit to log in monthly and review your FICO® Score and the factors influencing it. Your financial future will thank you!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to check my credit score if I don't have a Bank of America credit card?
You can get a free credit report from AnnualCreditReport.com once every 12 months from each of the three major bureaus. Many other banks, credit unions, and financial websites also offer free credit scores, often using VantageScore or FICO® Score models from different bureaus.
How to improve my credit score quickly?
Focus on paying all your bills on time, every time. Reduce your credit card balances to keep your credit utilization low (ideally below 30%). Avoid opening many new credit accounts in a short period. While quick improvements are challenging, these habits lay a strong foundation.
How to dispute an error on my credit report?
If you find an error, contact both the credit bureau (TransUnion, Experian, or Equifax) and the company that reported the information. You can typically do this online, by phone, or by mail. Provide supporting documentation for your claim.
How to understand the different credit score models (FICO vs. VantageScore)?
FICO® Scores and VantageScores are the two most common credit scoring models. FICO® Scores are generally used by more lenders. While their underlying calculations differ, both aim to assess your creditworthiness based on your credit report data. Knowing one gives you a good indication of the other.
How to know how often Bank of America updates my FICO® Score?
Bank of America typically updates your FICO® Score once a month, which you can view through their online banking or mobile app.
How to find the key factors impacting my Bank of America FICO® Score?
When you view your FICO® Score in Bank of America's online banking or mobile app, they will provide a list of "key factors affecting your FICO® Score" directly below the score itself.
How to ensure checking my credit score doesn't hurt it?
When you check your own credit score through platforms like Bank of America's free FICO® Score program, it's considered a "soft inquiry" and does not negatively impact your credit score. "Hard inquiries" (when you apply for new credit) can slightly lower your score.
How to use Bank of America's Better Money Habits® to understand credit?
Log into your Bank of America online banking or mobile app, navigate to the FICO® Score section, and look for links to "Better Money Habits®." This platform offers articles, videos, and tools to educate you on various aspects of credit and financial health.
How to interpret what a "good" FICO® Score is?
While scores vary, a FICO® Score typically falls into these general categories: Excellent (800-850), Very Good (740-799), Good (670-739), Fair (580-669), and Poor (300-579). A score of 670 or higher is generally considered good by lenders.
How to activate email or text alerts for my Bank of America FICO® Score updates?
During your initial enrollment in the FICO® Score program through Bank of America online banking or the mobile app, you'll usually be prompted to enable email alerts. You can also manage your alert settings within your online banking profile to turn them on or off.
