3 Simple Steps to Check Your BMO Credit Score Today
If you want to apply for a loan or credit, it’s a good idea to stay up to date with your personal finances. When looking to make a large purchase or financial investment, such as a house or vehicle, your credit score will significantly impact whether or not your credit or loan will be approved.
Therefore, before applying for credit or a loan, you’ll want to check your credit score to ensure that you’ll be able to qualify for the purchase you’re looking to make.
If you have an account with the Bank of Montreal, you may wonder how to check your credit score at BMO. Read below for a simple 3-step process to view your credit score, along with some related FAQs!
Why you should check your BMO credit score
It’s a good idea to examine your credit score regularly for a number of reasons. For instance, there’s always a possibility that your personal and credit information may be inaccurate. While this could be a mistake on account of the credit bureau, it could also be a case of fraudulent activity.
Therefore, if you notice any discrepancies, report them to the credit bureau that processed the score (BMO goes through TransUnion) to ensure your credit is properly secured.
Another good reason to check your credit score is to have an idea of what lenders will be looking for when you apply for credit to make a large purchase (e.g., a new house or car).
Overall, checking your credit is a big part of staying on top of your personal finances. By understanding the information present in your credit score, you will be more prepared to take the next step when making a large purchase.
What is included in your credit score history?
When checking your credit score, you’ll also gain access to your credit history. Your credit history will include the following information:
- Current and previous credit accounts
- Payment history information
- The total amount owed to credit lenders
- Calculations from previous credit reports
How to check your credit score at BMO
Now that you know why checking your credit score is important, you can follow the steps we’ve outlined below. Every bank has its own method for checking credit scores; Fortunately, BMO’s method is quite simple.
Account holders at BMO can check their credit scores online, either through the bank’s website or the mobile banking app. Both methods are slightly different and only take three steps each, and are accessed through TransUnion. Let’s examine how to check your BMO credit score below:
BMO: How to check credit score through online banking
Follow the steps below to check your credit score at BMO online:
- Go to the BMO website and sign in to your online banking account
- Scroll to the Profile & Settings option on the top right corner of your screen
- Under the Profile section of your account, select the My Credit Score option
BMO mobile banking app
To check your BMO credit score on the mobile banking app, follow the steps below:
- Open the BMO mobile banking app on your phone or mobile device
- Once logged into your account, select the More menu
- Next, select the My Credit Score option, which is located under Settings
Popular FAQs
Checking your credit score is an important part of staying up to date on your finances, and as simple as clicking a few buttons! However, now that you know how to check your credit score via BMO, you may have other questions related to your personal credit.
We’ve compiled a list of related questions many customers often ask:
Is it free to check my BMO credit score?
BMO processes its account holder’s credit scores through the TransUnion credit bureau, which currently provides credit scores for free online.
Not sure how to check your credit score at BMO online? Simply download the BMO mobile banking app or log in to your bank account via desktop and follow the above steps to access the results.
What’s the difference between a credit score and a credit report?
They may sound similar but your credit score and credit report aren’t the same thing. A credit score is a three-digit number that provides a basic sum of your credit report.
However, when you view the report itself, you’ll see a more detailed account of your credit. Reports will include inquiries, outstanding balances, personal accounts, and credit history.
What is a good credit score at BMO?
At BMO, a credit score of 725 or higher is considered a good score and increases your eligibility for receiving a BMO credit card.
If your credit score is still too low for you to qualify for a line of credit or loan, note that your credit score updates on a monthly basis. Therefore, it’s a good idea to check up on your score regularly, as you may qualify for credit at a later date.
Also, note that doing a credit check does not lower your credit score. Using BMO’s TransUnion CreditView is considered a soft inquiry, and won’t affect your credit.
However, it’s important to note that a hard credit check, usually done by a third party, such as a telephone company, can have an impact on your score.
Which credit bureau does BMO use?
Currently, BMO processes its credit checks through TransUnion. This company is headquartered in the United States but still processes credit checks for many Canadian banks. These institutions include the Royal Bank of Canada, Scotiabank, National Bank, Laurentian Bank, Bridgewater Bank, Tangerine, and Vancity.
At this time, TransUnion provides credit checks to BMO customers completely free of charge for soft inquiries.
How can I build up my BMO credit score?
There are several things that consumers can do to build up their BMO credit score. For instance, once you’re aware of your maximum credit limit, start building your credit up by making small purchases.
By not maxing out your credit limit and only having a low balance to pay off, your credit score will improve over time.
Another important way to maintain a good credit score is not to borrow more than you currently owe. If you have a balance owing, you’ll want to ensure you still have room within your credit limit, as this shows lenders that you’re responsible with your funds.
Conclusion: how to check your credit score at BMO
Learning how to check your credit score at BMO is very simple and only takes a few minutes to complete. To check your score, simply log in to your BMO account online or through the mobile banking app, and follow the steps outlined above for each method.
BMO currently offers credit checks through TransUnion, which are completely free of charge. Checking your credit through TransUnion will not impact your score, as this is considered a soft inquiry. However, note that any hard inquiries on your credit score may lower it for a short period of time.
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