How long does it take to get a credit score?

The time it takes to get a credit score depends on two things: the scoring model and when the lender reports new credit activity.

A credit score is calculated when there is an existing credit account and history associated with it. After you open your first credit account, it needs to be active for at least six months to generate a FICO® credit score. VantageScore® can be generated as soon as your new account is reported to the credit bureaus – TransUnion®, Experian®, and Equifax®.

Each lender has their own schedule for reporting credit activity or new accounts. Credit card companies generally report to credit bureaus once a month, at the end or beginning of the credit card billing cycle. Some lenders have specific dates on which they report to the credit bureaus, which is why they also specify their pre-fixed due dates for payments.

If you want to check your credit score after opening a new account, wait until at least the end of the first billing cycle to see any changes in your credit score. You can also find out from your creditor which bureaus they report to and when the new account is likely to be recorded in the report(s) so that your credit score is updated accordingly.