American Express allows credit-conscious consumers to monitor their credit through its Score Goals tool. Recently, the lender changed its MyCredit Guide program and the optional CreditSecure identity protection service. Here’s what you need to know about Amex’s Score Goals tool, the changes, and whether it’s worth signing up.
What are Amex MyCredit Guide & Score Goals?
American Express’s Score Goals tool is part of its overall MyCredit Guide service. The tool is a “new way to help you achieve your credit score goals,” according to the card issuer. So, how does Score Goals work? Amex’s MyCredit Guide is available to anyone – whether or not you are currently an American Express cardmember.
Once you enroll, your free credit score and credit report will be available to view anytime. Previously, Amex offered a free TransUnion VantageScore 3.0, but now members can access their Experian FICO Score, as well. FICO is the credit scoring model used by more banks than any other, meaning you’ll have a better understanding of your credit health.
And, to help boost your credit knowledge, you’ll also have access to free tools like the Credit Score Simulator and Score Goals to help you build positive credit habits that support a healthy credit score.
How to Enroll in MyCredit Guide & Score Goals
Signing up for the free MyCredit Guide is simple. Users first create an account with American Express MyCredit Guide. As mentioned, this service is available to current Amex card and non-cardholders alike. Signing up for MyCredit Guide requires your personal information, including your Social Security Number (SSN).
From there, setting up your account involves the following:
- Choose your credit score goal.
- Receive personalized recommendations to help you reach your set credit goals.
- Track your progress with every login.
Amex states that the recommendations from Score Goals are crafted based on the “paths millions of others took to reach their credit goals.”
Optional CreditSecure
American Express also offers an optional credit and identity fraud monitoring tool called CreditSecure®. This service – previously $16.99 per month but now climbing to $19.99 monthly – helps protect you via identity monitoring tools, real-time alerts, and more. If your personal information is ever used without your consent, American Express’ dedicated fraud representatives are there to provide you with the support you need.
Enrolling in CreditSecure provides a monthly FICO® 8 score, monthly credit reports from all three bureaus (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion), dark web monitoring, and more. Here is a rundown of current CreditSecure features from Amex:
| Online Privacy Manager | Scans and monitors your personal information on 30+ people-finder sites and facilitates the removal of personal information | ||
| Social Media Monitoring | Alerts you if your social media content could contain privacy and reputational risks, along with recommendations for how to reduce your security risks | ||
| Identity Theft Insurance | Provides coverage for up to $1,000,000 for certain out-of-pocket expenses associated with restoring your stolen identity | ||
| Financial Account Takeover | Alerts you in the event of financial account fraud and activity on your checking, savings, IRA, and CD accounts | ||
| Dormant Account Alerts | Alerts you when an account on your Experian® credit report becomes active after a six-month history of zero balance | ||
How Do MyCredit Guide and Score Goals Compare to Other Credit Monitoring Services?
There are countless credit monitoring tools on the market today besides Score Goals. Some popular options include CreditWise from Capital One, Credit Karma, and MyFICO.
These services all offer many of the same features, including:
- Free credit score access
- Credit score simulators
- Free credit report access once per year
Amex’s Score Goals tool is another example of an already crowded marketplace. However, it offers value for those looking for more advice on repairing their credit score. A credit repair tool from Amex is a great way to gauge your score’s improvement – especially if a premium card, like the Amex Green Card or Gold Card, is a long-term goal.
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