Now You Can Track Your FICO^® Score in the Chime App, for Free!

A FICO^® score is a three-digit number between 300 and 850 that measures your creditworthiness. About 90% of top U.S. lenders use FICO^® scores¹ to make lending decisions, making it the most widely used credit score in the country.²

Your FICO^® score is calculated from data in your credit report and determines whether you’re approved for credit cards, loans, and mortgages. It also influences the interest rates you’re offered – a higher score typically means lower rates and better terms.

FICO^® scores are different from VantageScore^®, an alternative model created by the three major credit bureaus. While both use a 300–850 range, they weigh credit factors differently. Since most lenders rely on FICO^®, checking your FICO^® score gives you the clearest picture of what lenders actually see.

You can get your FICO^® score for free through several banks and credit card issuers that participate in the FICO^® Open Access program. This program lets financial institutions share your FICO^® score with you at no cost.

Some credit monitoring services also offer free scores, though they may show a VantageScore^® rather than a FICO^® score – so check which model they use. You can also request a free credit report from each of the three major bureaus once a year through AnnualCreditReport.com, though a credit report shows your history and doesn’t include a score by default.

Track your FICO^® score in the Chime app

If you have a Chime Card,³ you can check your FICO^® score right in the Chime app. Here’s how to find it:

1. Open the Chime app and go to Settings.
2. Under Chime Card, tap “View FICO^® Score.”
3. You’ll get alerts whenever your FICO^® score is updated.

If you don’t already have an Experian^® account, you’ll be prompted to set one up. Your FICO^® score is powered by Experian^® data, so creating that account is a quick step to get started.

Your FICO^® score is built from five key factors, each carrying a different weight. Understanding what goes into your score can help you focus on the areas that matter most.⁴

• Payment history (35%): This is the biggest factor. Lenders want to see that you pay your bills on time, every time. Even one missed payment can cause a noticeable dip in your score.
• Amounts owed (30%): This looks at how much of your available credit you’re using, also known as your credit utilization ratio. Keeping your balances low relative to your credit limits can help your score.
• Length of credit history (15%): A longer credit history generally works in your favor. This factor considers the age of your oldest account, your newest account, and the average age of all your accounts.
• New credit (10%): Opening several new credit accounts in a short period can signal risk to lenders. Each application typically triggers a hard inquiry, which may temporarily lower your score.
• Credit mix (10%): Having a variety of credit types – like a credit card, an auto loan, and a student loan – can show lenders you can manage different kinds of debt responsibly.

A good credit score can open up opportunities that make your financial life easier. Lenders typically offer lower interest rates to borrowers with higher scores, which means you could save money over the life of a loan or mortgage.

A strong score can also help when you’re applying for an apartment, setting up utilities, or even going through certain job screenings. Your credit score is one of the first things many decision-makers look at.

Think about what a good score could mean for you – upgrading your living situation, getting a better rate on a car loan, or even turning bigger financial dreams into reality.

Here’s a quick breakdown of FICO^® score ranges:

A score of 670 or above is generally considered good. But no matter where you are right now, every step you take to improve your score is a step toward financial progress.

Building credit takes time, but the steps are straightforward. Here are some practical moves you can make today to start improving your score.

Make payments on time. Since payment history is the largest factor in your FICO^® score, paying your bills by the due date is the single most impactful thing you can do. Set up autopay or reminders so you don’t miss a due date.

Keep your credit utilization low. Try to use less than 30% of your available credit at any given time. The lower your utilization, the better it can be for your score.

Don’t close old accounts. Closing a credit card shortens your credit history and reduces your total available credit. Both of those changes can hurt your score. If you’re not using an old card, consider keeping it open with a small recurring charge.

Limit hard inquiries. Each time you apply for new credit, the lender typically pulls your credit report. Too many hard inquiries in a short window can lower your score. Only apply for credit when you really need it.

Use a secured credit card for everyday purchases. The Chime Card is one tool that can help you build credit. You use the Chime Card for everyday purchases, and your on-time payments get reported to the major credit bureaus. Over time, this consistent activity can help you build a positive credit history.⁵

Chime sends you a notification whenever your FICO^® score is updated in the app. Credit bureaus typically receive updated information from your creditors on a monthly basis, so changes to your score may take 30 to 45 days to show up.

Your score won’t change every day, and that’s normal. The key is to keep practicing good credit habits consistently. Over time, you’ll start to see those positive patterns reflected in your score.

Tracking your FICO^® score is a meaningful step toward taking control of your financial future. When you know where you stand, you can make smarter decisions about credit, borrowing, and saving.

Chime is built to help everyday people get ahead financially. By keeping an eye on your score and building strong credit habits, you’re making real progress – and that’s worth celebrating.