In 2025, many issuers now offer credit cards with free credit score monitoring, helping you manage your financial health while earning rewards
In this article, we’ll explore why credit score monitoring matters, the best credit cards with free credit score monitoring in 2025, how these services work, and tips for choosing the right card for your financial journey.
Top Credit Cards with Free Credit Score Monitoring in 2025
Your credit score is like a financial report card—it determines how lenders view your creditworthiness. Monitoring it regularly helps you:These credit cards with free credit score monitoring not only provide rewards but also give you valuable insights into your credit health.
- Detect Errors Early: Mistakes on your credit report can lower your score.
- Identify Fraud: Unfamiliar activity could mean identity theft.
- Track Progress: See how responsible use of credit improves your score.
- Plan Ahead: Knowing your score helps when applying for loans or new credit cards.
Instead of paying for expensive third-party credit monitoring, many credit card issuers provide free access to your FICO® Score or VantageScore® directly within their mobile app or website.
Top Credit Cards with Free Credit Score Monitoring
Below is a comparison of popular U.S. credit cards that include free credit score tracking.These credit cards with free credit score monitoring not only provide rewards but also give you valuable insights into your credit health.
| Credit Card | Annual Fee | Credit Score Provided | Other Benefits | Best For |
| Discover it® Cash Back | $0 | FICO® Score (Experian) | 5% rotating categories, cash back match | Everyday spenders |
| Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards | $0 | VantageScore® (TransUnion) | Unlimited 1.5% cash back | Simple rewards seekers |
| Chase Freedom Unlimited® | $0 | Credit Journey® (VantageScore®) | 1.5%–5% cash back | Flexible rewards |
| American Express Blue Cash Everyday® | $0 | FICO® Score (Experian) | 3% on groceries & gas | Families |
| Citi® Double Cash Card | $0 | FICO® Score (Equifax) | 2% cash back on all purchases | High flat-rate rewards |
Let’s dive into the details of each card.These credit cards with free credit score monitoring not only provide rewards but also give you valuable insights into your credit health.
1. Discover it® Cash Back
The Discover it® Cash Back card offers free FICO® Score access from Experian. Users can track their credit within the Discover mobile app, making it easy to stay updated.
- Annual Fee: $0
- Rewards: 5% cash back on rotating categories (up to quarterly limits), 1% on all other purchases.
- Bonus: Discover matches all cash back earned in the first year.
This card is perfect for those who want both rewards and reliable credit monitoring.
2. Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards
Capital One’s CreditWise tool provides free VantageScore® 3.0 monitoring from TransUnion. You don’t even need to be a cardholder to access it, but Quicksilver makes it more rewarding.
- Annual Fee: $0
- Rewards: Unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase.
- Extra Benefit: No foreign transaction fees.
Great choice for travelers and those who prefer simple rewards without rotating categories.
3. Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Chase offers Credit Journey®, which provides VantageScore® monitoring and alerts to changes in your report.
- Annual Fee: $0
- Rewards: 5% on travel via Chase, 3% on dining and drugstores, 1.5% on everything else.
- Monitoring: Includes identity theft protection alerts.
This card balances rewards with financial awareness, making it a strong all-rounder.
4. American Express Blue Cash Everyday®
Amex gives free Experian FICO® Score monitoring with many of its cards. The Blue Cash Everyday® is a solid no-annual-fee option.
- Annual Fee: $0
- Rewards: 3% back at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations, and online retail (capped annually).
- Monitoring: Access via Amex account dashboard.
Ideal for families who spend heavily on groceries and gas while tracking their credit.
5. Citi® Double Cash Card
Citi provides free FICO® Score access from Equifax. The Double Cash Card is a top choice for consistent rewards.
- Annual Fee: $0
- Rewards: 2% cash back—1% when you buy, 1% when you pay.
- Monitoring: Monthly updates available in online account.
This card suits those who value straightforward rewards alongside free monitoring.
These credit cards with free credit score monitoring not only provide rewards but also give you valuable insights into your credit health.
How Credit Score Monitoring Works with Credit Cards
Most credit cards offering free score access pull data from one of the three major credit bureaus:
- Experian
- Equifax
- TransUnion
You’ll either see your FICO® Score (used by 90% of lenders) or a VantageScore® (a widely accepted alternative). Monitoring is updated monthly, and many issuers provide alerts for changes in your credit report.These credit cards with free credit score monitoring not only provide rewards but also give you valuable insights into your credit health.
Benefits of Choosing a Card with Free Credit Score Access
- Cost Savings: Save $15–$30 monthly compared to paid monitoring services.
- Convenience: Check your score directly in your credit card app.
- Security: Many issuers also include fraud alerts and identity theft tools.
- Financial Planning: Use insights to improve your chances of loan approval.
Things to Consider Before Applying
While free credit monitoring is useful, it shouldn’t be the only reason to apply for a credit card. Consider:
- APR (Annual Percentage Rate): Important if you carry a balance.
- Annual Fees: Some cards may waive fees, others may charge.
- Rewards & Perks: Choose one that aligns with your lifestyle.
- Credit Requirements: Some cards require good to excellent credit.
FAQs about Credit Cards with Free Credit Score Monitoring
Q1. Which credit cards give free FICO scores?
Discover, Citi, and American Express are well-known for offering free FICO® Score access.
Q2. Does checking my score through a credit card hurt my credit?
No. Viewing your score through your card is a soft inquiry and does not impact your credit.
Q3. Are free credit card monitoring services accurate?
Yes, but scores may differ slightly depending on the bureau and model (FICO vs. VantageScore).
Q4. Can I monitor all three credit bureaus with one card?
Not usually. Each issuer partners with one bureau. To see all three, you may need multiple accounts or use AnnualCreditReport.com.
Conclusion
Credit cards with free credit score monitoring provide a valuable tool for managing your financial health. Cards like Discover it® Cash Back, Capital One Quicksilver, and Citi Double Cash not only help you earn rewards but also keep you informed about your credit status.
Before applying, weigh the full benefits—APR, rewards, and perks—so you get maximum value beyond just score monitoring. With the right credit card, you can build your credit, protect against fraud, and enjoy free access to your financial progress.
👉 Pro Tip: Pair free monitoring with good habits—pay bills on time, keep balances low, and limit new applications. Over time, your score will climb, opening the door to better rates and financial opportunities.
About the Author
Behzad Aslam is the founder of BehzadAslam.com, where he shares practical tips about credit, money management, and financial growth. His goal is to help readers make smarter financial decisions.
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