This information is reported to Equifax by your lenders and creditors and includes the types of accounts (for example, a credit card, mortgage, student loan, or vehicle loan), the date those accounts were opened, your credit limit or loan amount, account balances, and your payment history.

What does your credit history say about you?

Your credit score is more than just a number. It represents how reliable a borrower you are and how well (or poorly) you manage your debt. Just like your SAT scores back in high school (which I prefer to never think about again), it will spark judgement.

What types of public record information may be in a credit report?

In the past, there were three types of public records that could appear on your credit report: bankruptcies, judgments and tax liens. The public record has to contain, at minimum, the consumer’s name, address, plus a Social Security number or date of birth.

What do I need to know about my credit report?

The next time you apply for a credit card, loan or mortgage, the lender will likely request access to your credit report. The information listed on your credit report summarizes how you manage credit, including payment history and account balances.

What does the summary section of a credit report show?

The credit summary section of your credit report summarizes information about the different types of accounts you have. This section lists the total number of accounts you have along with the balance. It also lists the number of current and delinquent accounts.

Is the credit score the same as the credit report?

While these reports are more or less the same, some lenders only report information to one or two of the bureaus instead of all three, so there can be some variation. Your credit score is a three-digit number that’s based on the information in your credit reports.

Who is responsible for maintaining your credit report?

Credit reporting agencies (CRAs) collect and maintain information for your credit reports. Each CRA manages its own records and might not have information about all your accounts. Even though there are differences between their reports, no agency is more important than the others.