Why Is My Credit Score Not Available?

When an individual attempts to check their credit score, they might occasionally encounter the message: “Credit Score Not Available.” This can be perplexing, particularly for those who believe they have established a credit history. This article explores the primary reasons a credit score might not be generated and outlines practical steps to address these circumstances.

Common Reasons for Score Unavailability

A frequent reason for an unavailable credit score stems from a limited or nonexistent credit history. New borrowers, including young adults or individuals who have never used credit products like loans or credit cards, often lack sufficient data for a scoring model to generate a score. A FICO score, for instance, typically requires an account that has been open for at least six months with activity reported to a credit bureau. Without this minimum activity, there is not enough information for scoring algorithms to produce a result.

Another contributing factor can be infrequent or inactive credit use. Even if an individual has had credit accounts in the past, a score may not be available if those accounts have been dormant, paid off, or used very rarely over an extended period. Credit scoring models rely on recent activity, generally within the last two years, to assess financial behavior. If accounts lack current reporting, the file may not contain enough updated information to populate a score.

Data discrepancies or identification issues on credit reports can also prevent a score from being generated. This occurs when personal information, such as a name, address, or Social Security number, does not precisely match across different credit reports, or if it is incorrect. Such inconsistencies can hinder the proper aggregation of credit data, making it difficult for scoring models to link all relevant accounts to one individual. Errors reported by creditors can further complicate this process.

A credit freeze is another common reason a score might be unavailable. Individuals can place a security freeze on their credit reports with each of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) to help protect against identity theft. While a freeze is active, it restricts access to the credit report, which includes preventing the generation of a credit score. This measure will block any attempts by lenders or other entities to pull a credit report or score.

Steps to Access or Establish Your Credit Score

Accessing or establishing your credit score begins with gathering accurate information. Individuals can obtain a free copy of their credit report from each of the three major nationwide credit bureaus—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion—by visiting AnnualCreditReport.com. Federal law provides the right to one free report from each bureau every 12 months, and this has been permanently extended to weekly access. Upon receipt, review each report for accuracy in personal details, account statuses, payment histories, and any unfamiliar accounts.

For those with limited or no credit history, several steps can help establish the necessary data for a score:

A secured credit card is a common starting point, requiring a cash deposit that typically acts as the credit limit. Responsible use with on-time payments is reported to credit bureaus, building a positive history.
Another option involves becoming an authorized user on a trusted individual’s existing credit card account; if the issuer reports authorized user activity, the primary account holder’s responsible payment history can benefit the authorized user’s credit profile.
A credit-builder loan provides an alternative, where a loan amount, typically between $300 to $1,000, is held in a locked account while the borrower makes regular payments, which are reported to the bureaus. Once the loan is fully repaid, the funds are released to the borrower, minus any fees or interest.
Additionally, some services allow for the reporting of on-time rent or utility payments to credit bureaus, which can contribute to building a credit history.

If data discrepancies or errors are identified on a credit report, disputing them promptly is essential. Individuals should contact the credit bureau(s) showing the inaccurate information (Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion) and, ideally, the company that supplied the information (the furnisher). Disputes can often be submitted online, by phone, or by mail, and should include clear identification of the error, an explanation, and copies of any supporting documentation. Credit bureaus are generally required to investigate disputes within 30 days.

If a credit freeze is the reason for an unavailable score, it must be temporarily lifted or permanently removed by contacting each credit bureau where it was placed. Most bureaus offer online portals, phone lines, and mail options for managing freezes. A temporary lift allows access for a specified period, after which the freeze is automatically reinstated, while a permanent removal keeps the report unfrozen until a new freeze is requested. There is no cost to place or lift a credit freeze. Online or phone requests for lifting a freeze are typically processed within one hour, while mailed requests may take up to three business days.