Credit Sesame vs. Credit Karma: Best Credit Score App?

If you are currently struggling with a poor credit score, getting a handle on your financial status, and improving your credit history can seem a daunting, if not impossible task.

However, luckily there are some credit score apps available that can help you get started and track your progress. In the article below, we will discuss Credit Sesame vs Credit Karma, two of the most popular credit score platforms.

Both of these options offer free options where you can check your Credit Sesame or Credit Karma score, monitor your credit, and track your progress. But which of these is the best choice for you? In our reviews about Credit Karma and Credit Sesame, we will break down everything you need to know.

Credit Sesame vs Credit Karma – Features of their Free Credit Score Services

Before we delve into the security and credit score reporting details, you need to know what’s on offer. Here are the reviews about Credit Karma and Credit Sesame features available in the free plans each platform offers.

What is Credit Sesame’s Free Plan Like?

This credit score platform gives you a lot of information and services in the free plan which will help you to start to improve your financial record. These are:

· TransUnion Credit Score and credit Sesame score updates each month.

· Tailored tips to help you improve your credit health and raise your credit score.

· Access to free financial education resources and online tools.

· Up to $1,000,000 identity theft insurance.

· Fraud Resolution Service if you are victimized by fraud.

· Customized product recommendations which can help you to improve your financial status and spending.

What is Included in the Credit Karma Score Free Membership?

Credit Karma also offers frequent updates and services which can help you to gain control of your credit health and start improving your score. These include:

· Daily and Weekly Credit Karma Score updates based on Equifax and TransUnion information.

· Frequent credit report updates from TransUnion and Equifax.

· An Unclaimed Money Feature that allows you to identify government programs that can benefit you financially.

· Monitoring alerts based on TransUnion credit information.

· Dark Web Identity monitoring which will notify you if your personal information is discovered.

· Customized recommendations for products that may help you save money.

How Accurate is Credit Sesame and Credit Karma?

The first thing you will need to know is how reliable are these credit score services. If you are going to carefully plan and track your credit history and status, you need to know the information being provided is accurate. Both financial apps use reports from US credit bureau reports to give you accurate information about your financial status.

But as you will see below, the two apps draw from different credit bureaus to get their information.

Credit Sesame vs Credit Karma – What Are The Differences?

Although both of these credit score apps will help you to improve your status, they have distinctive features. The best option will depend upon what you need:

Credit Reports

Your Credit Karma score provides free TransUnion and Equifax credit reports to members. Credit Sesame customers also offer a free credit report based on your TransUnion credit history. However, if you enroll in the paid premium plan, you will also be able to access Equifax, and Experian reports using the platform.

Credit Karma scores will give you updates on both TransUnion and Equifax VantageScore 3.0. Whereas Credit Sesame free plan members can access solely TransUnion updates.

App Safety and Security

Credit Sesame free members will be protected by up to $1,000,000 in identity theft insurance. And you will also be able to access the services of an identity restoration expert if you become a victim of fraud.

Credit Karma doesn’t offer identity theft insurance. But you will be able to monitor your identity and will be notified if your details are found on the dark web. If this does occur Credit Karma will provide you with expert guidance on how to move forward.

Using These Apps to Build Your Credit

Credit Sesame allows you to use a Sesame Cash feature. This gives you 15% cash back with certain retailers and also helps you to build credit with your everyday purchases. You can even access up to $100 credit if you manage to improve your credit score (terms and conditions apply.)

Although Credit Karma doesn’t offer members a similar tool, you will get frequent recommendations and access to resources to help you improve your Credit Karma Score.

Credit Sesame vs Credit Karma – What is Available in the Paid Plans?

If you think you might need a bit more detail and support in your credit-building journey, then you should consider investing in a paid plan with one of the apps. Here is a breakdown of the different membership levels available:

It's worth noting that Credit Karma also offers a premium service tier in 2024, though it wasn't available at the time of the initial launch. This premium tier provides features like identity theft protection, which some users may find valuable. However, Credit Karma's free plan remains quite comprehensive, so it may still be a good option for users who prioritize completely free credit score monitoring and reporting.

The Different Credit Sesame Plans:

Advanced Credit Sesame Plan - $9.95 per month.

• One daily credit bureau score update.
• Three credit reports and updates a month.

Pro Credit Level - $15.95 each month

• All the features of the Advanced Credit option.
• Three Credit-Bureau monitoring services.
• 24/7 access to fraud resolution services.

Platinum Protection Plan - $19.95 per month.

· Includes all of the features of the previous levels.

· Social Security Number monitoring.

· Monitoring of public records.

· Lost wallet protection.

Takeaway: Credit Sesame vs Credit Karma – Which Is the Best Credit Score App?

Both the Credit Sesame and Credit Karma score apps can help you to track and improve your credit status in real time with regular reporting from the credit bureaus. However, in terms of detailed features and financial security, the options available with Credit Sesame have a slight edge.

However, because both of these credit score apps have free plans – the best way to decide may be to try them both. You can see what features and information help you, and then decide between Credit Sesame vs Credit Karma for yourself!