If an agency is not required to provide the score on request, which statement about consumer access is most accurate?

• A. They are not automatically entitled to the score by simply requesting it
• B. They must always provide the score upon request
• C. They can obtain the score only through a dispute
• D. They will have access to the score only via a lender

Answer: (A)

Credit scores aren’t guaranteed to be available just because a consumer asks for them. Under the FACT Act, you can obtain a free copy of your credit report, but access to the actual credit score isn’t automatic or universal. Some consumer reporting agencies may offer the score for a fee, or you might only receive the score through a lender if it was used in a decision about your credit. In short, simply requesting the score does not ensure you’ll receive it. The other statements either imply unconditional access or restrict access to lenders or disputes, which isn’t how consumer access is typically structured.