Skip to main content

Beatty Bill to Provide Free Credit Scores

May 2, 2017

Beatty Bill to Provide Free Credit Scores

Legislation will give consumers free access to their credit scores

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, coming on the heels of April's Financial Literacy Month, U.S. Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03) introduced the Free Credit Score Act of 2017, H.R. 2262. If enacted, the bill would provide consumers free annual credit scores with their annual credit report.

"From getting a home or auto loan, to applying for a credit card or a line of credit, and even during a job search, our credit score affects nearly every aspect of our lives," Beatty said. "Yet, many Americans do not know their credit score—this has to change." Beatty continued, "My straightforward bill will give consumers the opportunity to receive and review their credit score for free, on an annual basis, empowering them to make better, more informed financial decisions."

Under current law, the Fair Credit Reporting Act gives consumers the right to request their credit report on an annual basis from the three nationwide consumer credit reporting agencies free-of-charge. Included in this report, is an organized list of information in an individual's credit file. Despite providing consumers with all of the information that makes up their credit score, free annual reports do not actually include the consumer's credit score.

The Free Credit Score Act of 2017 has 20 cosponsors and is pending consideration by the House Committee on Financial Services.

# # #