Credit Report vs Credit Score
Report vs score
Your credit report is the underlying file at each bureau (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) listing your accounts, balances, payment history, and inquiries. Your credit score is a number (commonly 300 to 850) that a model calculates from that report. The report is the data; the score is the summary. Errors on the report can drag down the score, so checking both matters.
Where to get them free
You are entitled to free credit reports from all three bureaus weekly at AnnualCreditReport.com, the official site. Many banks and card issuers also show a free FICO or VantageScore on your statement or app. Review your reports for errors and dispute anything wrong, since fixing mistakes is one of the few fast ways to help a score.
Freezing your credit
A credit freeze locks your reports so no one can open new credit in your name, and it is free to place and lift at each bureau. It is the strongest protection against new-account fraud and does not affect your score or existing accounts; you just thaw it briefly when you apply. See how credit scores work and fraud protection.
Frequently asked questions
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