Credit report
Names and abbreviations on this page
CFPB — Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. United States regulator for consumer financial products.
What it means
A credit report records information about credit accounts and payment history, along with identifying and other reported information. A credit score is a separate numerical assessment based on a model. Different reporting companies may hold different information.
Related skills
Review recordsCheck names, account ownership, balances and payment history.
Identify errorsCompare questionable entries with your own documents.
Keep evidenceRetain copies of disputes and responses.
An everyday example
Before a planned housing application, review the relevant reports through an official route. If an account is unfamiliar, investigate it rather than assuming it is yours or paying a stranger to remove it.
What to check
An accurate report does not guarantee approval. Use official reporting and dispute information; protect identification documents and account numbers.