FICO vs. Fake-O Scores

Credit score determine if you are credit worthy and how much debt you can take. Most financial institutions consider your credit score rating in charging for interest rates in relation to the loan they will extend to you. 
Since there are also risks in obtaining your accurate credit score report, the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) offers each consumer free access to a copy of their annual credit report from the 3 legal credit bureaus, the TransUnion, Equifax and Experian, through the official free credit report website. Credit score interpretations do not however go with this free report. It has to be obtained separately either through paid sites or take advantage of free trial sites. There are many credit score rating available, but what is widely accepted as a uniform measure is the FICO credit score. This was developed by the Fair Isaac Corporation that takes in your comprehensive credit history, account composition and other related activities.
Be guided that FICO scores range from 300 to 850 with 760 up as the ideal score to have favorable credit terms, and 500 up as a minimal requirement to qualify for a credit, again, this can be obtained from Equifax, TransUnion and Experian.
Make sure that you get your FICO credit score and not just any credit score, in which some sites are trying to sell you. You may be sold with a TransUnion Score, an Experian Plus Score or a Vantage Score which are similar in FICO methodology but is not widely accepted and proven.
Here are some services where you can get your genuine FICO credit score for free or at a minimal cost.

	Washington Mutual ESPN Credit Card –a free credit score from TRansUnion wherein your credit score is automatically updated. You just need to have a Washington Mutual bank credit card.
	– it’s a free 30 day trial from Equifax that guarantees you a genuine FICO credit score and an Equifax credit report.
	– a free 30 day trial period from Equifax that provides you with a FICO credit score and a one-time 3-in-1 credit report from the three credit bureaus.
	– it’s a paid service to provide you with a TransUnion Credit report and your FICO credit score from just $4.95 a month with the option to cancel it after the first month.
	TransUnion CS 3-In-1 Credit Report With FICO– TransUnion Consumer Solutions offers you your FICO credit score and the three reports for just $34.95 fro a one time availment.
	– for just $15.95 you get to choose one FICO and one report of your choice.
	– for $47.85, you get a complete set of your 3 report credit scores and credit report interpretation.
	–also provides you a complete set of your credit standing or credit score interpretation but at higher cost.

Aside from those trusted sites, there are also programs that you should avoid or the ones considered the Fake-O. The most common sites are:

	FreeCreditReport.Com – it may mislead as the official annual credit report site since it provides the 3 report credit score but not a FICO credit score. Instead it gives you its own PLUS score.
	TransUnion.com – it only provides you with TransRisk credit score and is often confused with the TransUnion Consumer Solutions which is the authentic one.
	TrueCredit.com and PrivacyMatters.com – makes use of the TransRisk credit score.
	Experian.com – offers only the 3-in-1 credit report and a PLUS credit score.