Quick answer: A credit report is a record of credit-related information maintained by a consumer reporting company. A credit score is a separate calculation based on report information.
What can appear on a credit report?
Reports can include identifying information, credit accounts, balances and payment history, certain public-record information, and inquiries. Not every bureau necessarily has identical information.
Credit report vs. credit score
Your report is the underlying record; a score is a numerical assessment produced from credit-report data using a scoring model. Checking a report helps you understand the information behind the number.
What should you review?
- Accounts you do not recognize.
- Incorrect late payments or balances.
- Accounts that should be closed but appear open.
- Incorrect personal information that could signal mixed files.
- Unexpected hard inquiries.
Where can you get reports?
Use the federally authorized AnnualCreditReport.com service for access to reports from the nationwide credit bureaus. If information is wrong, follow the bureau and furnisher dispute processes and keep documentation.
Next steps
Read how credit scores work and hard vs. soft inquiries.
Sources and verification
For current consumer-credit information, use primary resources from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Federal Trade Commission, and federally authorized credit-report sources. Card-specific rates, fees, grace periods, and reporting practices should be verified with the issuer.
Reviewed September 25, 2026. General education only; not individualized financial, legal, or credit-repair advice.