GOBankingRates works with many financial advertisers to showcase their products and services to our audiences.
These brands compensate us to advertise their products in ads across our site.
This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site.
Commitment to Our Readers
GOBankingRates' editorial team is committed to bringing you unbiased reviews and information.
you might read more about oureditorial guidelinesand our products and servicesreview methodology.
But how is that different from your credit report?
Find out how to understand the difference between your credit report vs. credit score.
What Is a Credit Report?
Acredit reportis a full record of yourcredit history.
It details each and every account youve opened.
It also includes the following information:
What Is a Credit Score?
It ranges from 300 to 850.
If your number is higher, it indicates better credit.
Think of your credit score as your financial grade.
The credit report is the report card that explains that grade.
This table shows how they compare:
Who Creates Credit Reports and Scores?
You may be familiar withExperian,TransUnion and Equifax,the three companies that generate credit reports.
The credit scores come from companies like theFair Isaac Corporation(FICO).
Most lenders use the FICO score.
This number is often shown in free credit apps.
You have more than one credit score because each bureau may have slightly different information about you.
When Do Lenders Look at Your Credit Report vs. Credit Score?
In what instances do lenders look at both your credit report and credit score?
And when do they look at one over the other?
Its important to review your credit report and credit score.
Checking your credit report and credit score will be considered a soft inquiry and impact you adversely.
Your credit score is based on your report, and you should regularly review it for errors.
This is the only way to protect your score.
Want to dive deeper?Explore our expert credit guides here.
FAQs About Credit Report vs Credit Score
Information is accurate as of March 20, 2025. you might learn more about GOBankingRates processes and standards in oureditorial policy.
Share This Article:
