What is a credit report?
Credit report: A credit report is a record of your credit accounts and payment history kept by a credit bureau. Lenders review it when you apply for credit.
The three nationwide credit bureaus are Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. Each keeps its own report, so the details can differ slightly between them.
A report typically lists your accounts, balances, payment history, recent inquiries and certain public records. You can request free copies of your reports and dispute information you believe is wrong.
When you compare offers
Reviewing your reports before you apply lets you correct errors that could affect the offers lenders make.
Related guides
- How Your Credit Score Can Affect the Offers You See
Why the offers you see through a marketplace may vary with your credit score, and how prequalification tools try to show relevant options.
- Prequalification: Soft vs. Hard Credit Pulls
What a soft credit pull is, how it differs from a hard inquiry, and why checking offers through a marketplace like Lendara may not affect your credit score.
This glossary is for general educational purposes and isn't financial, legal or insurance advice. Lendara is not a lender and does not make credit decisions. Lendara is a free online marketplace that connects you with participating lenders and providers, who set their own eligibility rules, rates, fees and terms. Lendara may receive compensation from partners, which may affect which offers appear and their order.