Credit reports & credit scores: Learn the difference

Credit scores are generated using information inside your credit report.

A credit report is a statement that shows personal information about you and how you use credit. It shows the number of credit accounts you have, account statuses (open, late, current, paid off, etc.), and payment history among other things.

A credit score is based on the information in your credit report and, using proprietary software, each credit bureau generates a three-digit number (score) that represents the likelihood that you will repay a debt. A higher score means you are more likely to repay a debt.

You have multiple credit reports, created by different credit bureaus which possibly have different financial information about you. You also have multiple credit scores, which may differ depending on the type of score (such as VantageScore^® and FICO^®) which credit bureau calculated your score, since they might have different information about you and use a different scoring model.

Credit reporting data:

A credit score is generated from data on file with a credit reporting agency, like one of the three major bureaus Equifax, Experian, TransUnion, or other credit reporting agency. Each may have slightly different data since companies that report data do not all report to all of the agencies. For example, Oportun reports customer accounts and payment histories to two of the three major bureaus, TransUnion and Equifax.

Timing:

Scores are not fixed and can vary over time, depending on:

• When data is updated at the credit reporting agency
• When your score is actually calculated, since the score formula is updated regularly

You may consider checking your credit reports before you apply for a loan to make sure that the information it is accurate. Errors on your credit report can affect your credit score, which in turn can affect your ability to get a loan or the loan’s terms. Learn how to get a free credit report.

The information in this site, including any third-party content and opinions, is for educational purposes only and should not be relied upon as legal, tax, or financial advice or to indicate the availability or suitability of any Oportun product or service to your unique circumstances. Contact your independent financial advisor for advice on your personal situation.


Credit cards through Oportun subject to credit approval. Terms may vary and are subject to change. The Oportun® Visa® Credit Card is issued by WebBank. The Oportun Credit Card is open to all consumers, except for residents in CO, DC, IA, MD, WI, and WV. See the Oportun Cardholder Agreement or the Oportun Cash Back Cardholder Agreement for details, including applicable fees.


Personal loans through Oportun subject to credit approval. Terms may vary by applicant and state and are subject to change. If you refinance, you may pay interest over a longer period of time or at a higher rate and the overall cost of your loan may be higher. Loans in NM and WI are originated by Oportun, Inc. California loans made pursuant to a California Financing Law license. NV loans originated by Oportun, LLC. In AL, AK, AR, AZ, CA, DE, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA and WY loans are originated by Pathward®, N.A.. Terms, conditions, and state restrictions apply.