I've seen the commercials, but for the first time this month, when I logged online to pay my Discover bill, I was given the option to view my FICO score for free. So, of course I took advantage.

And FWIW - it changed since the weekend (only by one point, so I'm not sure how often they "update" it)...

How is Discover allowed to do this?

They do it under the "review" permissible purpose. If your credit score would suddenly drop, they would re-price your card. Disclosing it to the account holder would not be prohibited, unless the CRA prohibits them from disclosing it.

Cordray evidently thinks this is a good idea:

http://www.consumerfinance.gov/newsroom/...e-to-consumers/

ICBA responded.