Reports & score notices
What should I look for on my credit information?
Use an annotated example to identify the fields worth checking.
Begin with the source and date.
Check which bureau supplied the information, when the report was obtained, and which model produced any score. Your report and score disclosure serve different purposes. CFPB: reports and scores ↗
Review one account at a time.
Check whether you recognize the account and whether its balance, status and dates match your records. If something appears wrong, keep the supporting records and use the free dispute resources.
Use the example below.
The simplified fields illustrate questions to ask. They are invented for learning and do not reproduce a CTI report or a score disclosure form.
Understand the report a lender needs.
A credit report you buy for yourself cannot be used by a lender; the lender must pull a new report. Your own copy remains useful for checking your history and preparing questions.
- Score identification
- [Scoring model] · [Bureau] · [Score date]
Compare all three identifiers with the lender’s requirements. - Account status
- [Account status] · [Balance]
Balance and status answer different questions. Check both. - Last reported
- [Last reported date]
This identifies an update; it is different from original delinquency. - Original delinquency
- [Original delinquency date]
Use the original timeline when checking reporting age.
These fields do not establish a score impact or mortgage decision.
Read the information behind the score and keep a record of the questions it raises.
A question to take with you
Which field is affecting the review, and what documentation would establish whether it is accurate?