In the past, free credit scores were rare. You generally had to sign up for a "trial" service (and provide a credit card) or get scores from a cooperative lender.
Starting in 2011, new regulations require lenders to provide free credit scores under certain circumstances. If your credit score is used against you (under a risk based pricing program, for example), lenders have to provide a notice that includes your score. In some cases, lenders will provide free credit scores to all applicants just to keep things simple.
This is good news for people who suffer because of their credit. While you've been able to get free credit reports for years, those reports can be overwhelming. Scores give you the answer -- not the logic behind it. Credit reports are still extremely important because scores are calculated with the information in your report, but a free credit score makes it easier for you to know where you stand.
[via Free credit scores, at last]
Further reading:
You can also get a free credit score, no strings attached, at sites like Quizzle.com. Never enter your credit card number for a freebie. If your credit card digits are required, it’s probably not free.