In a Nutshell
The Credit Karma app is available free to download for iOS and Android. Including the app, you can check your free credit scores, file your state and federal tax returns with Credit Karma Tax®, and explore financial relief options with the personalized Relief Roadmap.
Overall, we think it’s a smoother and more seamless experience than navigating Credit Karma’s desktop or mobile website.
The Credit Karma app is available free to download for iOS and Android, and it’s more than just a way to check your free credit scores on the go.
As Credit Karma has expanded its mission to help members make financial progress, the Credit Karma app has expanded personalized tools and features. The app empowers you to stay on top of your overall financial picture by checking your free credit scores — but that’s not all. Now you can also file your state and federal tax returns with Credit Karma Tax®, stash away cash with Credit Karma Savings, and more.
This article will cover how to download the Credit Karma app on your iOS or Android device. We’ll then take a deep dive into the features that set the app apart from Credit Karma’s desktop or mobile website. Spoiler alert: In general, we think using the app is the best way to get the most out of Credit Karma’s tools and features.
How to Download The Credit Karma App iOS/Android
The Credit Karma app is free to download on iOS/Android.
However, you’ll have to sign up being a member before utilizing it. Signing up to Credit Karma is free and takes need any credit card or payment information. Signing up and downloading the app won’t impact your credit, and Credit Karma takes security seriously.
Once you’re a member now, you can download the Credit Karma mobile app on a cooperative device. We’ll go into compatibility claims for iOS and Android devices below, but now’s a great time to mention that the Credit Karma app isn’t currently cooperative with Windows phones, tablets, and some high-resolution phones.
How to get the Credit Karma app for iOS
- Head over to the App Store and verify that your device is compatible with the Credit Karma app. As of June 2020, the app requires iOS 11.0 or later and is compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
- Click the icon to download.
- Once the app is installed, use your credentials to log in.
Get the Credit Karma app for iOS Download Now.
How to get the Credit Karma app for Android
- Head over to the Google Play store and verify that your device is compatible with the Credit Karma app. If you’re having trouble with your Android device, you can contact Credit Karma’s member support team for help.
- Click the “Install” button.
- Once the app is installed, use your credentials to log in.
Get the Credit Karma app for Android Download Now.
Now that you’ve successfully downloaded this app, let’s review some of the features and tools that make it worth the storage space on your phone.
Features unique to the Credit Karma app
More further, if you’re already a Credit Karma member, you may be missing out on certain features if you’re only working on the desktop or mobile site. Hither is some features only discovered in the Credit Karma app.
Multiple login options
Depending on your device, you may have as numerous as 3 options to log in on the mobile app.
- PIN
- Touch ID
- Face ID
To choose your favored login option, tap the 3 dots icon in the top right corner of the app, and then tap Settings to change your login settings.
If you have a compatible device, you’ll find options to set up Touch ID or Face ID in the menu (look directly below Change passcode). You can toggle Face ID or Touch ID on or off by tapping the circle on the right side.
In-app Alerts and Push Notifications
Push notifications and alerts can help you stay at the top of important changes to your accounts and credit profile to the two bureaus Credit Karma works among Equifax and TransUnion. All can also show you ways to make financial progress that you may not have before been aware of.
With the Credit Karma app installed on your device, you’ll have the choice to receive credit alerts if Credit Karma sees important changes to your credit reports from two of the three main consumer credit bureaus, Equifax and TransUnion.
Some of these changes may be expected — you paid off a recent credit card bill, for example — while others may require your immediate attention or action. In either case, Credit Karma’s free credit-monitoring tool helps you stay on top of your credit and spot unwelcome surprises early.
Personalized tools in the Credit Karma app
The Credit Karma app also allows access to all the personalized financial tools you’ll find on the desktop and mobile websites. Like the Relief Roadmap, many of these tools were designed first and foremost for the in-app experience. That’s why we think the app is the best way to make the most of Credit Karma’s most-helpful tools.
Personalized Approval Odds
Suppose you’re shopping for financial products like a credit card or personal loan. In that case, Credit Karma can help by suggesting offers based on your credit and personalized “Approval Odds” (money Credit Karma makes from partners may also be a factor in our recommendations).
Approval Odds serve as guidelines (nonguaranteed) of the likelihood that you’ll be approved for a particular financial product. No two credit profiles are the same, so your odds of approval might differ from those of other Credit Karma members. Scroll over the report icon next to the Approval Odds for each of your credit card recommendations, and you’ll see a pop-up message that explains how Credit Karma determines your unique Approval Odds.
Credit Karma looks at how your credit profile compares to other Credit Karma members approved for this product. Of course, there’s no so something as a sure thing, but knowing whether your Approval Odds are Excellent, Very Good, Good, Fair or Poor may help you narrow down your choices.
Curated tips to help you make financial progress
As you scroll through the app, you’ll see tips and curated advice to help you improve your credit and overall financial picture.
So in a section titled What you can do today, you might see tips or suggestions like …
- Pay down credit card debt among a personal loan
- Manage your car finances
- Learn more about the factors that can affect your home-buying power
You’ll also be able to explore recent updates to your credit reports. These updates are based on information from two of the leading credit bureaus, Equifax and TransUnion.
Relief Roadmap
Credit Karma’s financial Relief Roadmap is a new tool that can help you explore and understand the relief resources, programs, and financial services that may be available to you when you need them most.
After entering any personal information (like your household income and employment status), you’ll be presented with resources about government stimulus programs, unemployment benefits, debt relief opportunities, and loan options you may qualify for.
The Relief Roadmap updates as Credit Karma sees new resources, so we recommend checking the Credit Karma app regularly for the latest information.
Free ID monitoring
Credit Karma’s free ID monitoring tool can support you to spot potential identity theft.
If your information was shown in a data breach, the app might alert you to any exposed passwords so that you can take the necessary steps to help keep your personal information safe.
Credit Karma Tax®
Once you file your taxes with an app, you may never go back. With Credit Karma Tax®, you can file state and federal tax returns for free, also if you’re using deductions or credits.
Credit Karma Tax® supports the most famous IRS tax-filing forms, so several people should be ready to file with the app. Among its standout features is Audit Defense, a free service that can provide a tax-preparation professional to help you if the IRS or your state’s taxing authority audits your return.
It’s important to note that while the app can help lots of people file their state and federal taxes, Credit Karma Tax® isn’t for everybody. (That is true for tax apps in general.) Whether you’re an iPhone or Android user, take some time to research your options and find the one that offers the best fit based on your tax situation and preferences.
Credit Karma Savings
Credit Karma Savings means a high-yield savings account option to consider if you want to see more of your finances in one place. It takes only just minutes to open a savings account that earns a competitive interest rate. And once you’re set-up, you’ll have insight into your credit and savings all in one place.
Next steps
Whether you’re new to Credit Karma or want a cleaner, more personalized experience than the website can provide, we recommend downloading the Credit Karma app and giving it a try.
If you’re running into issues downloading or utilizing the mobile app, you may need to check the App Store or Google Play to make sure you’re up to date with the latest version. If the issue continues, try deleting the app and then reinstalling it.
