--- title: Here's How to Get a Free Credit Report Evaluation description: Sitting down with a professional to go over your credit report sounds intimidating, but it's not. You will a gold mine of information on how to improve your score and get a good rate on a loan or mortgage. image: https://go.hfcu.org/hubfs/Untitled%20design%20(69).jpg --- [![MoneyWisdom_HFCU_r2](https://go.hfcu.org/hs-fs/hubfs/MoneyWisdom_HFCU_r2.png?width=464&name=MoneyWisdom_HFCU_r2.png "MoneyWisdom_HFCU_r2")](https://go.hfcu.org/blog) Filter by Category** - [Show All](https://go.hfcu.org/blog) - [Security](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/security) - [Personal Finance](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/personal-finance) - [Auto](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/auto) - [Business](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/business) - [Credit Score](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/credit-score) - [Home](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/home) - [Credit Cards](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/credit-cards) - [Life Changes](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/life-changes) - [Insurance](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/insurance) - [Investments](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/investments) Filter by Category** - [Show All](https://go.hfcu.org/blog) - 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[Teens (6)](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/teens) - [Divorce (5)](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/divorce) - [Travel (5)](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/travel) - [ATM (4)](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/atm) - [Baby (4)](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/baby) - [Debit Cards (3)](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/debit-cards) - [Motorcycles (3)](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/motorcycles) - [Weddings (3)](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/weddings) - [Boats (2)](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/boats) - [Charity (2)](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/charity) - [Family Finance (2)](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/family-finance) - [Lending (2)](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/lending) - [Credit Unions (1)](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/credit-unions) - [Green (1)](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/green) - [Medical (1)](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/medical) - [Pets (1)](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/pets) - [dormant account (1)](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/dormant-account) - [inactive account (1)](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/inactive-account) # Here's How to Get a Free Credit Report Evaluation ** [Hanscom Federal Credit Union](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/author/hanscom-federal-credit-union) ** Sep 02, 2019 ![](https://go.hfcu.org/hubfs/Untitled%20design%20(69).jpg) Hanscom Federal Credit Union offers [free credit report and score evaluations](https://www.hfcu.org/credit-score-review.html) because we know how much money they can save our members. More importantly, our credit report experts will give you specific actions you can take to improve your credit report, raise your credit score, and avoid credit problems in the future. If you've never reviewed your credit report before, here's a peek at what will happen during the meeting: First, you will have a chance to [look at your credit report](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/the-4-sections-of-your-credit-report). This is the very same report that lenders use to make decisions on loan applications. While you're reviewing your report, we'll show you [how to locate your credit score](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/credit-score-factors). “Your score is based on payment history, capacity, how long you have had credit, how much debt you have accumulated in the last 12 to 18 months, and the type of credit in your report,” explained Joan Daly, manager of Hanscom Federal Credit Union's MITRE Bedford branch. The score you'll be looking at is *not* the same score you'll get from a credit monitoring website, however. They use a different score, often called a FAKO score, designed for consumers rather than lenders. It can vary quite a bit from the FICO score used by a lender. Plus, [these websites are generally supported by advertisers, which will open the door to credit offers and promotional emails based on your credit profile.](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/credit-score-obsession) Next, we'll study your credit summary profile. Here’s where you’ll find all the records that support your score. If you missed a payment or applied for credit in the previous 24 months, it will show up here. You can also see your total credit card balance, the percent of available credit, and your oldest credit line in this section. Under the profile is a list of score factors. They explain what is affecting your score. Maybe a late payment is dragging you down, or you're maxed out on too many credit cards. There’s a bit of financial jargon within these factors, but it's easily translated into straightforward language by our credit report experts. The majority of the remaining pages list every loan or line of credit you have had in the past seven years. You can see the type of loan, the lender, payment history, your current balance, the minimum (or monthly) payment, and whether the account is inactive or closed. [At the end of the report is a list of inquiries](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/credit-know-how-soft-vs.-hard-inquiries). If you’ve applied for a credit card, mortgage, vehicle loan, or any other credit, you'll be able to see the company, the date you applied, and the type of credit for which you applied. Some inquiries might be grouped together, such as multiple inquiries for a mortgage. Joan explained how she helps people understand the total picture of their credit. “Many people don’t want to know, but I tell them knowledge is power,” she said. She shared that she some people avoided bankruptcy after taking her advice. “Sometimes getting a complete picture of their credit motivates people to take action,” she noted. “I’ve seen some amazing things happen.” This information is a goldmine for people who want to improve their chances of qualifying and getting a good rate on a loan or mortgage. It can also reassure you that your credit is accurate, and that there are no fraudulent accounts on your report. Although you may be nervous about seeing what's on your report, most people report feeling relieved once they've reviewed it...especially because they walk away with specific steps they can take to make their next credit review even better! [Get your credit checked once a year by one of our experts.](https://www.hfcu.org/credit-score-review.html) It’s free, and takes about five minutes. Especially if you're thinking of applying for a mortgage or car loan... a credit review could be your ticket to lower borrowing costs and better financial stability. [![Get a free Credit Score Review](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/118438/b13728df-1cb3-4aea-a79e-dfdfc42dfb2a.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/118438/b13728df-1cb3-4aea-a79e-dfdfc42dfb2a) Others are reading: - *[3 Ways to Build Wealth With Direct Deposit](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/3-ways-to-build-wealth-with-direct-deposit)* - *[8 Steps for Protecting Your Child From Identity Theft](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/8-steps-for-protecting-your-child-from-identity-theft)* - *[How Your Credit Report Can Keep You From Getting Hired](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/what-employers-look-for-on-your-credit-report)* - *[Back to Basics: Your Mortgage](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/back-to-basics-your-mortgage)* - *[Scam Alert: Beware the Pet Adoption Scam](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/scam-alert-beware-the-pet-adoption-scam)* ** [Credit Cards](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/credit-cards), [Credit Score](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/credit-score) [** 5 Smart Moves to Make With a Raise ](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/5-smart-moves-to-make-with-a-raise) [** 6 Common Credit Report Misunderstandings ](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/6-common-credit-report-misunderstandings) ### About Author ![Hanscom Federal Credit Union](https://go.hfcu.org/hubfs/HFCU-Profile-1000x1000.jpg) Hanscom Federal Credit Union Hanscom Federal Credit Union, a purpose-driven $1.9 billion organization based in Littleton, MA, empowers its members to achieve financial wellness. Hanscom FCU serves over 95,000 members across the country and overseas through 16 branches, over 100,000 surcharge-free ATMs, 5,000 contact centers, and a web-based branch. Related Posts [![The Benefits of Setting Up Direct Deposits](https://go.hfcu.org/hubfs/young%20woman%20paying%20bills%20on%20couch-1.png) The Benefits of Setting Up Direct Deposits ](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/the-benefits-of-setting-up-direct-deposits) [![Traveling this summer? 9 credit card tips to know](https://go.hfcu.org/hubfs/two%20women%20at%20cafe%20on%20vacation.png) Traveling this summer? 9 credit card tips to know ](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/traveling-this-summer-9-credit-card-tips-to-know) [![What You Need to Know About Buy Now, Pay Later Financing](https://go.hfcu.org/hubfs/buy%20now%20pay%20later%20in%20store.png) What You Need to Know About Buy Now, Pay Later Financing ](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/what-you-need-to-know-about-buy-now-pay-later-financing) ** - [**](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https://go.hfcu.org/blog/this-is-what-happens-at-a-credit-score-evaluation/) - [**](https://X.com/share?url=https://go.hfcu.org/blog/this-is-what-happens-at-a-credit-score-evaluation/) - [**](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://go.hfcu.org/blog/this-is-what-happens-at-a-credit-score-evaluation/&summary=&source=CeBIT) ## You are Leaving Hanscom Federal Credit Union #### **Please read the following before proceeding to:** The website you are about to visit is solely the responsibility of the merchant or other party providing the site. The content of this third-party site, including materials and information, is solely the responsibility of the provider of the site. The Credit Union is not responsible for any such third-party content. Any transactions that you enter into with a vendor, merchant or other party that you access through this third-party site are solely between you and that vendor, merchant or other party. The Credit Union does not endorse the content contained in this third-party site, nor the organization publishing the site, and hereby disclaims any responsibility for such content. The Credit Union Privacy Policy does not apply to this third-party site, and for further information you should consult the privacy disclosures of the third-party site. ### Comment ### Subscribe To Blog ### Subscribe to Email Updates ### contact **Hanscom Federal Credit Union** 1610 Eglin St. Hanscom AFB, MA 01731 Call us: [800-656-4328](tel:8006564328) [https://www.hfcu.org/](https://www.hfcu.org/) ### About Us [The MoneyWisdom Blog](https://www.hfcu.org/the-moneywisdom-blog.html) ### Social ** ## You are Leaving Hanscom Federal Credit Union #### **Please read the following before proceeding to:** ### https://www.facebook.com/HanscomFederalCreditUnion The website you are about to visit is solely the responsibility of the merchant or other party providing the site. The content of this third-party site, including materials and information, is solely the responsibility of the provider of the site. The Credit Union is not responsible for any such third-party content. Any transactions that you enter into with a vendor, merchant or other party that you access through this third-party site are solely between you and that vendor, merchant or other party. The Credit Union does not endorse the content contained in this third-party site, nor the organization publishing the site, and hereby disclaims any responsibility for such content. The Credit Union Privacy Policy does not apply to this third-party site, and for further information you should consult the privacy disclosures of the third-party site. ## You are Leaving Hanscom Federal Credit Union #### **Please read the following before proceeding to:** ### https://X.com/HanscomFCU The website you are about to visit is solely the responsibility of the merchant or other party providing the site. The content of this third-party site, including materials and information, is solely the responsibility of the provider of the site. The Credit Union is not responsible for any such third-party content. Any transactions that you enter into with a vendor, merchant or other party that you access through this third-party site are solely between you and that vendor, merchant or other party. The Credit Union does not endorse the content contained in this third-party site, nor the organization publishing the site, and hereby disclaims any responsibility for such content. The Credit Union Privacy Policy does not apply to this third-party site, and for further information you should consult the privacy disclosures of the third-party site. ## You are Leaving Hanscom Federal Credit Union #### **Please read the following before proceeding to:** ### https://www.instagram.com/hanscomfcu/ The website you are about to visit is solely the responsibility of the merchant or other party providing the site. The content of this third-party site, including materials and information, is solely the responsibility of the provider of the site. The Credit Union is not responsible for any such third-party content. Any transactions that you enter into with a vendor, merchant or other party that you access through this third-party site are solely between you and that vendor, merchant or other party. The Credit Union does not endorse the content contained in this third-party site, nor the organization publishing the site, and hereby disclaims any responsibility for such content. The Credit Union Privacy Policy does not apply to this third-party site, and for further information you should consult the privacy disclosures of the third-party site. ## You are Leaving Hanscom Federal Credit Union #### **Please read the following before proceeding to:** ### https://www.linkedin.com/company/hanscomfcu/ The website you are about to visit is solely the responsibility of the merchant or other party providing the site. The content of this third-party site, including materials and information, is solely the responsibility of the provider of the site. The Credit Union is not responsible for any such third-party content. Any transactions that you enter into with a vendor, merchant or other party that you access through this third-party site are solely between you and that vendor, merchant or other party. The Credit Union does not endorse the content contained in this third-party site, nor the organization publishing the site, and hereby disclaims any responsibility for such content. The Credit Union Privacy Policy does not apply to this third-party site, and for further information you should consult the privacy disclosures of the third-party site. ## You are Leaving Hanscom Federal Credit Union #### **Please read the following before proceeding to:** ### http://www.youtube.com/c/HanscomFederalCreditUnion The website you are about to visit is solely the responsibility of the merchant or other party providing the site. The content of this third-party site, including materials and information, is solely the responsibility of the provider of the site. The Credit Union is not responsible for any such third-party content. Any transactions that you enter into with a vendor, merchant or other party that you access through this third-party site are solely between you and that vendor, merchant or other party. The Credit Union does not endorse the content contained in this third-party site, nor the organization publishing the site, and hereby disclaims any responsibility for such content. The Credit Union Privacy Policy does not apply to this third-party site, and for further information you should consult the privacy disclosures of the third-party site. ### Popular Posts [What You Need to Know About Putting Your Home in a Trust](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/what-you-need-to-know-about-putting-your-home-in-a-trust) ![older man looking at top retirement worry on digital device](https://go.hfcu.org/hubfs/Untitled%20design%20-%202022-02-10T072804.753.jpg) [What You Need to Know About Your Federal Tax Bracket](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/what-you-need-to-know-about-your-tax-bracket) ![older man looking at top retirement worry on digital device](https://go.hfcu.org/hubfs/Untitled%20design%20-%202021-03-22T123305.900.jpg) [6 Boat Types to Get on the Water](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/6-boat-types-to-get-on-the-water) ![older man looking at top retirement worry on digital device](https://go.hfcu.org/hubfs/images/Jet_Ski.jpg) [23 Organizations Dedicated to the Needs of Seniors](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/23-organizations-dedicated-to-the-needs-of-seniors) ![older man looking at top retirement worry on digital device](https://go.hfcu.org/hubfs/Senior%20citizens.jpg) [9 Smart Moves for Lottery Winners](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/lottery) ![older man looking at top retirement worry on digital device](https://go.hfcu.org/hubfs/images/lottery_winner.jpg) ### Recent Posts - [![National Credit Union Administration](https://go.hfcu.org/hs-fs/hubfs/NCUA-logo-small.png?width=95&name=NCUA-logo-small.png) ](https://www.ncua.gov/) [![Equal Housing Lender](https://go.hfcu.org/hs-fs/hubfs/EHL-logo-small.png?width=65&name=EHL-logo-small.png)](https://www.hud.gov/fairhousing) - @ 2023 [Hanscom Federal Credit Union](https://www.hfcu.org/) - Federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration. - [Privacy Policy](https://www.hfcu.org/content/docs/Privacy_Notice.pdf) **Disclosure:** Hanscom Federal Credit Union does not provide and is not responsible for any products, services, or overall website content available at any third-party sites linked within this blog. Moreover, Hanscom Federal Credit Union's privacy policies do not apply to any of the linked websites within this blog. Please consult the privacy disclosures on those linked sites for further information. ```json { "@context" : "http://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Hanscom Federal Credit Union" }, "dateModified" : "April 6, 2020, 4:13:35 PM", "datePublished" : "2019-09-02 10:56:00", "description" : "Sitting down with a professional to go over your credit report sounds intimidating, but it's not. You will a gold mine of information on how to improve your score and get a good rate on a loan or mortgage. 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