It is a common misconception, but checking your own credit score will not lower it. You can check your credit score and/or get a copy of your credit report any time and it will not impact your credit score. What will impact your score is when a lender pulls your report. More lenders are moving toward using credit reports when issuing loans. Whether for a payday loan or an installment loan, or for a credit card, line of credit or other form of loan, your score could be impacted.