@IOBA wrote:To get real FICO scores and credit reports, which service would be best? (I know we can't get Experian FICO scores, right?)
So I am looking for an affordable way to track Equifax and TU while enduring the wait game.
Hmm, that is a very interesting. Are you referring to myFICO.com services or an alternate site? If I were you I would actually try looking into credit cards that provide FICO scores. Just a few hours ago I was looking at a Walmart Discover CC and they offer you a free monthly FICO® Score when you enroll in electronic statements online.
That is all I have for now 
, but if you manage to find other ways please let us know 
.
It depends upon your needs.
Personally, USAA is fine because I don't need an actual FICO score. Their plus scores are fine for monitoring changes in utilization and when the last 4 late payments fall off my report in August.
I like the idea of Walmart's free TU FICO score but lack the expertise to know if their version is useful. By useful, I mean specifically germane to mortgages or credit cards that aren't Discover.
I feel we all get a little too wrapped-up in the "All non FICO scores are garbage" idea and ignore what we're actually trying to accomplish. Some research and an alternate score would probably serve most situations reasonably well. By now, we know which companies hate high utilization, late payments, BKs, short history, too many inqs, and so on.
Even when ready for a mortgage, I don't really have a way to tri-merge reports. At the very least I'll ask for an Innovis report, LOL!
FICO's needs are simple, to sell scores and protect the value (perceived or real) of it's product.
I think everyone wants the score lenders use to make credit decisions. I'm just doubtful every person's situation calls for it.
Starting Score: 675
I am fairly certain I've read about one credit union or bank or some such service on here that will give you access to your EQ FICO score for a fairly low monthly fee, but for the life of me I can't remember what it is. I tried searching for it but didn't find it. Maybe you can locate it, or someone can chime in. If you can find what I'm talking about, that would take care of EQ. Other than that, I'm not sure of any cheaper way than signing up for ScoreWatch if what you are wanting is your scores and not just access to the report.
TU Quarterly Monitoring is pretty cheap. You don't get your scores every month, but it can help you keep general track of your TU FICO, at least your TU98 FICO. The Walmart card, as mentioned above, is obviously a cheap way to go, but you may not want to apply for another credit card since you are in mortgage mode. CK, for all the heat it takes, can let you monitor information on your TU report even if it won't give you an accurate score. Fact is, I don't know where you can get the TU04 score that your lender is likely using anyway.
Funny that someone would post about it today. Digital Credit Union apparently gives you access to your EQ FICO. http://ficoforums.myfico.com/t5/Credit-Cards/Walmart-FICO-worth-it-just-for-the-score/td-p/1113218
@drkaje wrote:It depends upon your needs.
Personally, USAA is fine because I don't need an actual FICO score. Their plus scores are fine for monitoring changes in utilization and when the last 4 late payments fall off my report in August.
I like the idea of Walmart's free TU FICO score but lack the expertise to know if their version is useful. By useful, I mean specifically germane to mortgages or credit cards that aren't Discover.
I feel we all get a little too wrapped-up in the "All non FICO scores are garbage" idea and ignore what we're actually trying to accomplish. Some research and an alternate score would probably serve most situations reasonably well. By now, we know which companies hate high utilization, late payments, BKs, short history, too many inqs, and so on.
Even when ready for a mortgage, I don't really have a way to tri-merge reports. At the very least I'll ask for an Innovis report, LOL!
FICO's needs are simple, to sell scores and protect the value (perceived or real) of it's product.
I think everyone wants the score lenders use to make credit decisions. I'm just doubtful every person's situation calls for it.
Well said,
However, there is always the option of a credit monitoring service that would inform an individual of a recent change that the OP might find useful. I have not really used any so I cannot personally vouch for a specific one