It’s a wise move to check your credit scores before getting a new credit card or loan. Checking it earlier can help you understand how to boost it and save yourself a boatload of cash in interest.  You can get free credit monitoring by setting up a Credit Karma account. This free credit monitoring tool can help you spot errors, inconsistencies, or signs of identity theft on your credit reports so that you can take steps to address them.  You can also go to the MyFico website, enter your information to check, and monitor your FICO Score for free.