Credit Score: FAQ
Q: Why is my credit score different in Credit Score than the score on my loan application?
A: Credit Score is a credit monitoring tool we provide to you at no cost to learn more about how your financial decisions impact your credit score. You can expect your score to be different because we consider additional credit factors in your loan application that are not available in this tool that may result in a different score.
Credit monitoring tools like Credit Score use scoring models like Vantage Score 3.0 to display your credit details from TransUnion. There are additional credit factors we consider when reviewing your loan application by using a FICO scoring model. The use of different scoring models is why you see a difference in your scores.
No scoring models are identical but are directionally the same. If your score goes up based on your credit activity in Credit Score, you might see an increase in the scores we pull for loan applications as well.
Q: Why is it important to monitor my credit?
A: More than one-third of consumers have found at least one error in their credit report. Errors on credit reports are not uncommon, so staying up to date, and reviewing your credit report is a must. Credit Score offers a variety of benefits including a download of your credit report to review anytime, anywhere. Common errors on credit reports include personal information like a wrong name or address or account information like an account you don’t recognize. You can dispute any errors you might see right within the tool!
Q: I already track my credit with another credit monitoring tool (Credit Karma, Credit Sesame, etc.), so why would I need to enroll in this one?
A: That’s great that you’re staying on top of your financial health by monitoring your credit! Credit Score is built into the safety and security of our eBanking platforms. Credit Score doesn’t allow other third-party lenders to see any of your credit profile data like some other credit monitoring tools do to allow them to provide you with offers for their products. Instead, you’ll only see valuable products and services from Westerly Community Credit Union, so you know when you have a savings opportunity at your fingertips!
Q: How does enrolling and pulling my credit information affect my credit?
A: Great news! It doesn’t affect your credit profile or score in any way! Credit Score performs a soft inquiry when you enroll or refresh your credit profile instead of a hard inquiry like when you apply for a loan.
Q: How is my privacy protected through this credit monitoring service?
A: To enroll, you first have to be logged in to our secure ebanking platform. Your credit information is never shared to third parties. While you may see offers from Westerly Community Credit Union based on your credit profile, the credit union does not have access to your credit report from Credit Score unless you provide us with a copy to review opportunities we may be able to help with.
Q: Can I use this tool if I have a block or freeze placed on my credit profile?
A: YES! We encourage you to enroll so that you may closely monitor your credit profile and report any errors in a timely manner. Remember that if you see an offer you’d like to apply for, you will need to remove the block or freeze prior to submitting your loan application so our lending team can review your request.
Q: What if I see an error on my credit report?
A: If you happen to see an error on your credit report, you can file a dispute directly with TransUnion at the bottom of the Credit Report page by clicking on “Start a Dispute”. You will need to create an account or login to TransUnion’s website and then submit your dispute. TransUnion will begin their research and if they find that the error is valid, they will update your credit profile and pass the error information on to Equifax and Experian. You may need to follow up with the other two bureaus to ensure your errors have been corrected.
Q: Is Credit Score free?
A: Yes! It’s also important to note that no credit card information is required to register.
Q: How can I enroll in Credit Score?
A: You are automatically enrolled in Credit Score when you accept the eBanking Terms & Agreement presented during eBanking account registration.
Q: Can I opt-out of Credit Score?
A: Yes! You can choose to opt-out of the enrollment during the welcome tutorial displayed after clicking on the widget in desktop or tile in mobile, in the welcome email that is sent to you at enrollment, or in the Credit Score site under Resources > Profile Settings, scroll to the bottom of the page and select “Deactivate Credit Score Account.” Once unenrolled, you can reenroll at any time through eBanking.
Q: Can I dispute errors on my credit report through Credit Score?
A: Yes! Navigate to the “Start A Dispute” button at the very bottom of the Credit Report page. Then you can file a dispute directly with TransUnion using the link.
Q: Can I download my credit report in Credit Score?
A: Yes! On the Credit Report page, click “Download Report” in the top right corner. A PDF version of your full report and Westerly Community Credit Union offers will generate. Then you can print or share your report electronically from there.
Q: Can I receive alerts from Credit Score?
A: Yes! You can receive credit alerts, monthly notices, and general messages from Credit Score.
Q: Can I turn off email notifications from Credit Score?
A: In Credit Score, you can manage email notifications by navigating to the Resources Tab, selecting “Profile Settings” and changing your preferences under Email Notifications. You can also change your subscription settings at the bottom of emails you receive.
Q: How often can I refresh my credit score in Credit Score?
A: Every 24 hours. Your profile will refresh automatically every 7 days if you haven't done so within that time to ensure you always see up-to-date information.
Q: Will enrolling or accessing Credit Score affect my credit and potentially lower my score?
A: No. Checking credit scores on Credit Score is a “soft inquiry” that does not affect your credit score.