When you’re working to get out of credit card debt, build better habits, or simply feel more in control of your finances, knowing what’s in your credit report is key.
In this post, I’ll walk you through what is a credit report, what is the difference between a credit report and credit score, and where can you can get your credit reports—plus what to do if you find mistakes and why it’s so important to check them at least once a year.
What Is a Credit Report?
A credit report is a detailed record of your borrowing and repayment history. It’s compiled by credit bureaus—Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion—and includes information like:
- Credit cards, mortgages, car loans, and other accounts
- Your payment history (on time or late)
- Credit limits and balances
- Collections, bankruptcies, and public records
- Inquiries (who has looked at your credit)
Think of your credit report as your financial report card—but unlike school, no one’s going to tell you to check it. That part is up to you.
Personally, I check mine every year, and I encourage readers to do the same. You might be surprised at what you find—errors, outdated info, or even signs of identity theft.
What Is the Difference Between a Credit Report and Credit Score?
Here’s where it gets a little confusing, but stay with me—this part is important.
- Your credit report is the raw data: all the details about your credit accounts and payment history.
- Your credit score is a three-digit number based on that data, ranging from 300 to 850.
So, what is the difference between a credit report and credit score? Your report is like the script of a movie, and your score is the Rotten Tomatoes rating. Different scoring models (like FICO or VantageScore) can give you slightly different scores, but they all come from the same data.
You can make changes to your credit report, but you can’t directly change your credit score. Fix the report, and the score will follow.
Where Can I Get My Credit Reports?
You can get your free credit reports at AnnualCreditReport.com. This is the only official site authorized by federal law to provide free reports from all three credit bureaus.
Here’s what you get for free:
- One report from each bureau every 12 months
- Additional free reports if you’ve been denied credit, are unemployed, or are a victim of fraud
Here’s what’s not free:
- Your actual credit score (some bureaus charge to show it)
- Ongoing credit monitoring or alerts
Quick tip: Instead of pulling all three at once, stagger them—check one every four months. That way, you’re keeping tabs on your credit throughout the year without paying a cent.
What to Do If You Find a Mistake
Mistakes on your credit report aren’t just annoying—they can hurt your credit and cost you money in interest or missed opportunities.
If you see an error:
Dispute it directly with the credit bureau that has the mistake. Each bureau has an online dispute form:
Be clear about what’s wrong, include any documents that support your case, and request a correction.
Follow up. They usually have 30 days to respond, and you deserve an accurate report.
Final Thoughts
Your credit report isn’t just something lenders care about—it’s something you should care about. By understanding what’s in your report, keeping it accurate, and reviewing it regularly, you’re taking real control over your financial future.
Remember:
- Know what is a credit report
- Understand what is the difference between a credit report and credit score
- Use AnnualCreditReport.com as your free go-to answer to “where can I get my credit reports?”
You don’t have to be a financial expert. You just have to be intentional. And checking your credit report is one small step that builds smart money habits.