Credit report
A record of your credit history maintained by the three U.S. credit bureaus. You're entitled to one free copy per year from each bureau.
Full definition
A credit report is the underlying record of your credit history, maintained by the three nationwide credit reporting agencies (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion). It lists open and closed credit accounts, payment history, public records, and recent inquiries. Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, you're entitled to one free copy per bureau every 12 months at AnnualCreditReport.com, the only federally authorised source.
- Written by
- Get Advance Loan Editorial Team
- Reviewed by
- Compliance Review
- Published
- January 15, 2026
- Last reviewed
- May 22, 2026
- Credit scoreA three-digit number (typically 300 to 850) summarising your credit history. Lenders use it to predict the likelihood you'll repay.
- FICO scoreFICO is the credit-scoring model used in roughly 90% of U.S. lending decisions. Scores range from 300 to 850.
- VantageScoreVantageScore is a competing credit-scoring model jointly developed by the three major credit bureaus. Also runs 300 to 850.
- Soft credit inquiryA credit check that does not affect your credit score. Used for pre-qualification and rate-shopping.
- Hard credit inquiryA credit check that may lower your credit score a few points and remains on your credit report for up to 24 months.
- Debt-to-income ratio (DTI)Your monthly debt payments divided by your gross monthly income. Lenders use DTI to assess how much new debt you can afford.
Ready to apply this knowledge?
Compare personal loan offers in two minutes. Soft credit check only, no impact to your score.
Begin your request