Free credit tools for home buyers from The Rate Update with Dan Frio
Mortgage-Ready Credit Check
Check Your Credit Scores Before You Buy a Home
Free score, VantageScore 4.0 and your mortgage FICO scores, all in one place. Know exactly where you stand before a lender pulls your credit, from 30+ year mortgage veteran Dan Frio of The Rate Update.
Disclosure: some links on this page are affiliate links, and we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Get Mortgage-Ready in 3 Steps: Your Free Score, VantageScore & FICO
Mortgage lenders now have a choice of credit score. Since September 3, 2026, every lender that sells loans to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac can qualify you with VantageScore 4.0 or the Classic FICO mortgage scores, and FHA has approved VantageScore 4.0 too. Check both before you apply so there are no surprises.
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Free · no card · no score impact
Check Your Free Credit Score
Start with a free look at your credit. Credit Karma shows your VantageScore 3.0 from TransUnion and Equifax, the closest free view of the VantageScore 4.0 a lender can now use.
Get My Free Score2
New for 2026 mortgages
Understand Your VantageScore 4.0
VantageScore 4.0 can count rent, utility and phone payments and can score people with a thin credit history. Learn how it works, how it differs from 3.0, and how to raise it.
Read the VantageScore Guide3
The scores most lenders pull
See Your Mortgage FICO Scores
Most lenders still use FICO Score 2 (Experian), 4 (TransUnion) and 5 (Equifax). Start with FICO Basic from myFICO to see your Experian mortgage score (FICO Score 2), or upgrade to a 3-bureau plan to see all three.
See My FICO ScoresKnow your scores? Shop your mortgage the smart way.
One application. One credit pull. 30+ lenders compared. From Dan Frio of The Rate Update.
Dan Frio | NMLS #246527 | PBT Bancorp | NMLS #257781. Mortgage products are originated by PBT Bancorp, NMLS #257781. Equal Housing Lender.
Mortgage Credit Score Questions
Which credit score will my mortgage lender use?
For loans sold to Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, the lender chooses either VantageScore 4.0 or Classic FICO (FICO Score 2, 4 and 5). Many lenders still pull the FICO mortgage scores, so it pays to know both. Lenders typically use the middle of your three scores.
Where can I see my VantageScore 4.0?
Few consumer sites show VantageScore 4.0 yet. Most free apps, including Credit Karma, show VantageScore 3.0, which uses a similar scale and is usually close. Your lender will see your 4.0 score when they pull your credit.
Will checking my own credit score lower it?
No. Checking your own score through Credit Karma or myFICO is a soft inquiry and does not affect your score. Only a lender's hard pull for an application can.
What credit score do I need to buy a home?
Conventional loans generally start at 620. FHA loans can allow scores as low as 580 with 3.5% down. Higher scores usually mean a lower rate and lower mortgage insurance, so a few points can save real money. See the minimum score for every loan type →
Disclosure: some links above are affiliate links, and we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Credit scores and lender requirements vary.
Smart Credit
New Way to Manage Your CREDIT SCORE
Need Help With A Mortgage?
Looking for help as a first-time home buyer, or trying to save money by refinancing? Start your application in minutes.
APPLY NOWDan Frio | NMLS #246527 | PBT Bancorp | NMLS #257781. Mortgage products are originated by PBT Bancorp, NMLS #257781. Equal Housing Lender.
Credit Builder Card
It's Time to Build Your CREDIT
Credit Builder Card is a secured credit card marketplace. Based on the state you live in, we match you with a secured credit card that has a low $200 security….
Safe and Secure
Reports to all 3 Bureaus
No credit check
what we offer
Why use Credit Scores and More
With over 30 Years in the Lending field, I have been able to help THOUSANDS of people and now I have developed this process to not only provide you with the information you need but the TOOL and a PROCESS to do something about it.
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FREE SCORES
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CREDIT MONITORING
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BUILD CREDIT
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FIX CREDIT ERRORS
Watch: The Credit Score Hack That Actually Works
Manage Your Credit in One Place
SmartCredit lets you see your credit reports and scores, get alerts when something changes, and use tools that show which actions can move your score. Know where you stand before you apply for a mortgage, car loan or credit card.
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WHO WE ARE
Credit Scores and More
Your Credit Score is one of the MOST IMPORTANT numbers in your LIFE. Free, practical tools and guidance to help you build a BETTER CREDIT SCORE.
Buying a Home? Know Your Mortgage Score
Mortgage lenders use different credit scores than most apps show you. Learn which scores they pull and how to raise yours before you apply.
READ THE GUIDE