Quick answer: A credit report contains account and credit-history information; a credit score is a model-generated number based on information used by that scoring model.
Your report is the underlying record
Credit reports can contain identifying information, credit accounts, payment history, balances, inquiries, and certain public-record or collection information depending on applicable reporting rules.
Your score is calculated
A score is produced by a scoring model using eligible information. You can have multiple scores because lenders and services may use different models, versions, and bureau data.
Why checking both matters
Reviewing reports helps identify inaccurate or unfamiliar information. A score can summarize risk as interpreted by a model, but it does not replace reviewing the underlying report.
Review the Credit Report Guide →
Methodology and limitations
This page explains general decision factors and does not predict an individual credit-score change, investment result, tax outcome, or ideal cash target. Account terms, scoring models, tax rules, and household circumstances vary and can change.
Reviewed September 26, 2026. General financial education only; not individualized financial, tax, legal, investment, or credit advice.