Credit scores and reports: understand the difference and check errors

A report is information; a score is an assessment

A credit report can show account history, balances, payment records, collections and inquiries. A scoring model uses report information to estimate the likelihood of repayment. Reviewing a number alone will not tell you whether an account balance or payment history is accurate.

You can have more than one score. Different models, versions, reporting companies, products and dates can produce different results. The score shown by an app or card issuer may differ from the one a lender uses. Record the provider, model if shown, report source and date before comparing numbers. A difference is a reason to check context, not proof of an error.

Use the official route for free reports

The FTC identifies AnnualCreditReport.com as the authorized website for free reports from Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. Start from the FTC source below and follow its official link. Free weekly online reports are available under the companies’ program; your report does not necessarily include a score. The statutory free-report right and this more frequent access are different.

Review the available reports because their contents may differ. Use the official site’s identity-verification process rather than entering Social Security numbers or documents into this guide. If online access does not work for you, the FTC explains phone and mail alternatives. Keep downloaded reports in a private location.

A score purchase is optional

Some banks, card issuers and other services provide a score without a separate charge. The CFPB also identifies certain nonprofit counseling services as possible sources. Check which model, report and date are provided; a free score still may not match a lender’s score.

Read the terms before accepting a trial, monitoring service or subscription. This guide does not require a paid score, a new credit account or a paid credit-repair service. An offer of a particular increase or guaranteed approval is not evidence that the underlying report will change.

Separate a factual error from an unwanted accurate entry

Check whether accounts belong to you and whether balances, payment status or duplicate entries are wrong. Identify the specific item, what you believe is incorrect, and the records supporting your position. An accurate negative item does not become inaccurate merely because it lowers a score.

The CFPB explains how to dispute an error with the credit reporting company and the company that supplied the information. Use their current official channels, retain a copy of your submission and send copies of supporting records rather than your only originals. Follow the response and any request for more information; this guide sets no universal investigation deadline or promised deletion. For suspected identity theft, the CFPB links to IdentityTheft.gov.

Treat utilization as one piece of the picture

Payment history, balances relative to available revolving credit, the length of history and applications can matter. Our utilization calculator compares entered card balances and limits; it does not recreate a scoring model. There is no percentage here that guarantees approval or a certain score change.

The CFPB explains that carrying an unpaid balance is not necessary to build or maintain credit. Paying interest merely to chase a score can add cost without serving your budget. Review essential expenses and payment obligations before deciding whether an extra payment is affordable.

Keep a small review record

• Record the report provider and date, the relevant account label and the exact disputed information; use a private file rather than this website.
• Keep the statement, payment record or other evidence that supports your explanation, along with submission and response dates.
• Recheck the relevant information after a response. A credit-report dispute, a collector’s debt-validation process and a response to a lawsuit are different procedures; one does not automatically complete the others.

Official sources

• CFPB — what a credit score representsSources checked: 2026-09-09
• FTC — official free credit reportsSources checked: 2026-09-09
• CFPB — ways to obtain your scoresSources checked: 2026-09-09
• CFPB — dispute errors in a credit reportSources checked: 2026-09-09
• CFPB — building and maintaining creditSources checked: 2026-09-09

Continue with a useful next step

• Compare card utilization
• Debt and credit glossary
• Read a credit card statement
• When debt moves to collections