How Often Is Your Credit Score Updated?
Your credit score isn't static. Learn how frequently it updates, what influences its shifts, and how to effectively track your credit health.
A credit score is a three-digit number, typically ranging from 300 to 850, that indicates an individual’s creditworthiness and likelihood of repaying debts on time. Lenders and creditors use this score when evaluating applications for loans, credit cards, and mortgages. A higher score generally leads to more favorable terms, such as lower interest rates on borrowed money. Beyond traditional lending, credit scores can also influence approvals for housing and insurance.
Understanding Credit Score Update Frequency
Credit scores are dynamic numbers, not updated on a fixed schedule, that change as new financial information is reported to the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Lenders, such as credit card companies and loan providers, typically report account activity to these bureaus monthly, often aligning with the billing cycle.
Once credit bureaus receive this data, credit scoring models like FICO and VantageScore recalculate an individual’s score using the most current information. While lenders generally submit updates monthly, the specific day can differ for each financial institution. This staggered reporting means new information may be added to credit reports frequently, potentially leading to score fluctuations more often than once a month.
Credit reports and scores commonly update every 30 to 45 days, though some lenders report more frequently. If a consumer manages accounts with several credit providers, score changes could occur weekly, depending on each provider’s schedule. Not all lenders report to every credit bureau, which can lead to score variations across bureaus.
Factors That Trigger Credit Score Changes
Credit score changes link to updates in financial data reported to credit bureaus. Payment history holds significant weight in credit score calculations, with on-time payments consistently improving a score over time. Conversely, a single late payment, especially one reported 30 days or more past its due date, can negatively impact a score and remain on a credit report for up to seven years.
Credit utilization, the amount of credit used compared to total available credit, is another impactful factor. Maintaining a low utilization rate, typically below 30% of available credit, signals responsible credit management. An increase in balances or high credit card utilization can cause a score to decline, while paying down debt can lead to improvement.
The length of an individual’s credit history also plays a role, as scoring models consider the age of the oldest account, the newest account, and the average age of all accounts. A longer credit history with consistent positive behavior is generally viewed favorably. New credit applications result in a “hard inquiry” on a credit report, which can cause a slight, temporary dip in a score. Lastly, the credit mix, referring to the variety of credit accounts like credit cards, installment loans, and mortgages, can demonstrate an ability to manage different types of debt responsibly.
Accessing and Monitoring Your Credit Score
Consumers can access and monitor their credit scores and reports through several avenues. A primary one is AnnualCreditReport.com, the only federally authorized website where individuals can obtain a free credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion—once every 12 months. While these reports contain detailed underlying data, they do not always include the credit score itself. However, during certain periods, such as through 2026, consumers may be able to access free credit reports weekly from each bureau via this site.
Many financial institutions, including credit card companies and banks, now provide free credit scores to their customers as a regular benefit. These scores are often updated monthly or quarterly, offering a convenient way to track general credit health. The scores provided by these services are often VantageScore models, which may differ slightly from FICO scores, but still offer valuable insight into credit standing.
Additionally, numerous reputable third-party services offer free access to credit scores, along with credit report monitoring. These services often provide alerts for significant changes on a credit report, such as new accounts opened or late payments recorded. Paid credit monitoring services are also available for more frequent updates or in-depth analysis, providing daily score updates and comprehensive identity theft protection features.