Can you legally check someone else's credit score?

Asked by: Anais Abbott  |  Last update: December 11, 2025
Score: 4.6/5 (48 votes)

You will need a valid reason to pull a person's credit report, and some personal information will also be required to prove that they have authorized the inquiry (this is why landlords almost always ask for Social Security numbers with rent applications).

Can I look up someone else's credit score?

The short answer is no. Legally speaking, a person or organization can check your credit only under certain circumstances. Someone either needs to have what's called “permissible purpose” or have your permission and cooperation in the process for the credit check to be considered legal.

Is it illegal to check someone's credit score?

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) has a strict limit on who can check your credit and under what circumstance. The law regulates credit reporting and ensures that only business entities with a specific, legitimate purpose, and not members of the general public, can check your credit without written permission.

Do you need permission to run a credit check on someone?

Though most organizations and individuals need your permission to run a credit check, there are specific situations where your report may be pulled without your permission. Some examples of when this could occur include: In response to a court order or subpoena. When applying for a license or government benefit.

Is someone's credit score public?

Unless you're posting pictures of your credit reports on social media, your credit information shouldn't be available to the public. It won't show up as a search engine result, and your loved ones can't request it, regardless of your relationship.

Can You Check Someone Else's Credit Score? - CreditGuide360.com

21 related questions found

Can someone check your credit score without your knowledge?

Who can check your credit without your permission? Those who are performing soft credit inquiries can check your credit without permission, though they will often notify you regardless. People who might have reason to perform a soft credit check on you include: Potential landlords.

How much does it cost to run a credit check on someone?

Decide If You Will Charge a Fee to Run a Tenant Credit Check. Most property managers and landlords will make the tenant cover the cost of the tenant credit check. This is entirely a personal preference. The cost can range anywhere from $35-$65.

Can someone else do a credit check on me?

Your family and friends can't request access to your credit report – regardless of their relationship to you. It shouldn't be available to the general public and it won't show up as a search engine result, even if you have a unique name.

How to check someone's financial status?

Registered Financial Professional
  1. Visit FINRA BrokerCheck or call FINRA at (800) 289-9999.
  2. Also contact your state securities regulator.
  3. Check SEC Action Lookup tool for formal actions that the SEC has brought against individuals.

Is it legal to write on someone else's check?

Is it illegal to write a blank check or someone else's check? Writing a blank check can be risky as it can easily be misused. Forgery, such as signing someone else's check without permission, is illegal and can lead to legal consequences. It's vital to ensure checks are used responsibly and securely.

How to run someone's credit score?

You can access someone else's credit report by directly contacting one of the credit bureaus (TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian). Each of these bureaus technically gives their ratings independently, but all three of the scores should be quite similar for the same person.

Can you check someone's credit without a Social Security Number?

You do not need social security to run a soft pull: With a soft pull, you can obtain your customers' full credit report and FICO score using only their name and address. A soft pull does not require their social security number or date of birth.

What states are credit checks illegal?

California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Nevada, Oregon, Vermont and Washington restrict or outright ban credit checks for employment.

Can I call someone to check my credit score?

Each major credit bureau has a main customer service support phone number: Experian: 888-397-3742. Equifax: 888-378-4329. TransUnion: 888-909-8872.

Can I check my husband's credit report?

Federal Regulations Prevent Married Individuals From Checking a Spouse's Personal Credit Report. There are many reasons why a spouse may want to check a spouse's credit during divorce.

Is AnnualCreditReport.com a legitimate website?

AnnualCreditReport.com is the official site to get your free annual credit reports. This right is guaranteed by Federal law. You can verify this is the official site by visiting the CFPB's website. Don't be fooled by look-alike sites.

Can people look up your financial records?

Without your consent, a Federal agency that wants to see your financial records may do so ordinarily only by means of a lawful subpoena, summons, formal written request,or search warrant for that purpose.

Is there a way to find out someone's net worth?

The best way to find out someone's net worth is to examine their records in person. You can contact the local county clerk to find out where the Uniform Commercial Code filings are kept.

How do I find out if my spouse has a hidden bank account?

You can subpoena your spouse's financial and bank records.

They look for abnormal withdrawals or transfers. Sometimes, the transfers include the trail to the hidden bank accounts, as it may indicate into what financial institution and/or account the money was transferred. You should scour each account carefully.

Can I check credit score for someone else?

Contact one of three credit reporting agencies.

Three national credit reporting agencies do credit checks on individuals. They are Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. Going through one of these agencies is the only legitimate way to obtain someone's credit report.

Can other people access your credit score?

The right to be made aware if information in a credit report is being used against you. The right to ask for your credit score. Additionally, the list of those who can view your report is limited to those with a legal/valid need (for example, a creditor, issuer, employer or landlord)

How to check if someone is checking your credit report?

All you have to do to verify a company checked your credit report is get a copy. Every time someone, including you, checks your credit history an inquiry is added instantly. Your personal credit report lists all of the inquiries, including some not seen by anyone else.

How to check credit score with SSN?

Learn about your credit report and how to get a copy
  1. Online by visiting AnnualCreditReport.com.
  2. By calling 1-877-322-8228 (TTY: 1-800-821-7232)
  3. By filling out the Annual Credit Report request form and mailing it to: Annual Credit Report Request Service. PO Box 105281. Atlanta, GA 30348-5281.

Can anyone run a credit check on anyone?

Access to credit reports is restricted to businesses with a specific need, and to consumers who request their own report. You may get another person's report if you have power of attorney or are the executor of an estate, or with permission. You may also obtain the report of your child, if he or she is a minor.

How do I check my tenant's credit score?

Where to Get a Tenant's Credit Report. The most common ways of getting a tenant's credit report are directly through one of the three major credit reporting bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) or through a tenant screening platform like Avail.