I have been approved for a refi on my car but the loan office said "I can't tell you what your score is because it's against the law." Is it really? When I applied for my mortgage the broker gave me a freaking copy of the merged report to take home. I wanted to know my score because I wanted a lower apr, but she would only tell me "you are at the lowest we can offer you." She did say that a score on of 670 on EXP (which they used) would get me a lower rate, and obviously I am not there. Any thoughts?
FCRA is completely silent about lenders disclosing the scores to the consumers. When it does talk about the scores, it is in the context of CRAs providing reports to the consumer. Their contract with the CRA might be the factor that's preventing them from disclosing the score to you. CRAs are known to gang up against lenders who reveal the consumers scores ... example E-LOAN. The lender must, by law, reveal the name of the CRA they pulled your report from. In this case, since it's an adverse action against you (not getting the interest rate you are expecting), you are entitled to a free report from that particular CRA. But again, if you want your FICO score, you must pay $$
You may want to get a quote from another lender. Is this a bank or credit union that you have a business relationship with, or some sub-prime lender? Do you trust that they are actually quoting you a rate that is in line with your score, and how can you know if they are not up front about it, or don't have an alternate quote?
FCRA does not prevent them from disclosing score to you. It may allow them to not disclose it to you. FCRA specifically prohibits CRAs from prohibiting lenders disclosure of credit reports to you. Ask to see the credit report they pulled, "to check for accuracy". If they give you the same BS, get a quote from another lender.
What state are you in? State law might help you out. For example, in California, lenders are required to tell you your scores if you ask.
