Lesson 2 · About 6 minutes
Credit Report vs. Credit Score
A credit report and a credit score are connected, but they are not the same. The report is the record. The score is a prediction calculated from information in a report at a particular time.
What a report may contain
Names, addresses, and other details used to match information to the correct person.
Lenders, account types, balances, limits, dates, and whether payments were reported on time or late.
Other report sections may show collection accounts, certain public records, and who reviewed the file.
A score is a summary—not a full explanation
Different scoring models can use report information differently. A score alone cannot confirm whether every account belongs to you or whether dates, balances, and payment history are accurate.
Report codes need their legend
Some reports use letters and numbers for account type or payment status. A code such as R9 or R09 may appear in certain formats, but labels and meanings can vary by bureau, lender, country, and report version. Use the legend printed on that exact report. Lesson 5 will walk through codes and a mock account line in depth.