Your credit report tells potential lenders how responsible you’ve been with credit in the past. When you apply for credit, lenders can request this document from one or more of the consumer reporting agencies (Experian®, Equifax® and TransUnion®) to help assess how risky it is to lend to you.

What can lenders see on your credit report?

Your credit report provides a detailed summary of your reported credit history. It includes your personal information and lists details on your past and current credit accounts. It also documents each time a lender requests your credit report, as well as instances where your accounts have been passed on to a collection agency. Financial issues that are part of the public record, such as bankruptcies and foreclosures, are included, too.

How to access your report

You can request a free copy of your credit report from each of three major credit reporting agencies – Equifax®, Experian®, and TransUnion® – once each year at AnnualCreditReport.com or call toll-free 1-877-322-8228. You’re also entitled to see your credit report within 60 days of being denied credit, or if you are on welfare, unemployed, or your report is inaccurate.

It’s a good idea to request a credit report from each of the three credit reporting agencies and to review them carefully, as each one may contain inconsistent information or inaccuracies. If you spot an error on one of your consumer reports, you should submit a dispute to the agency.

What does a credit score mean?

Your credit score is a numerical representation of your credit report that represents your creditworthiness. Scores can also be referred to as credit ratings, and sometimes as a FICO® Score, created by Fair Isaac Corporation, and typically range from 300 to 850.

FICO® Scores are comprised of five components that have associated weights:

  • Payment history: 35%
  • Amounts owed: 30%
  • Length of credit history: 15%
  • How many types of credit in use: 10%
  • Account inquiries: 10% 

Lenders use your credit score to help evaluate your credit risk – generally, the higher your credit score, the lower your risk may be to the lender. To learn more, view How your credit score is calculated.

Did you know? Wells Fargo offers eligible customers complimentary access to their FICO® Score — plus tools, tips, and much more. Learn how to access your FICO Score.

Responsibility is key

Above all, it’s important to use credit responsibly. A good credit history and credit score may be the difference between being able to purchase a home, buy a car, or pay for college. Proactively monitoring your credit report is a great way to help stay in control of your finances, and ultimately achieve your goals.

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