Why Do I Not Have a Credit Score on My Credit?

Credit Report

A credit report is a history of your debt accounts in a statement format. It shows each creditor name, account number, the balance due, payment history and all relevant dates associated with the account among other details. Public records, like any filed bankruptcies, also show on the report. The report commonly shows a listing of negative account information (like late payments) that you may want to address. The credit report also shows inquiries made by companies who check your history to make credit-related decisions.

What Is a Credit Score?

In addition to your credit history, you can retrieve a credit score or rating. The credit score is the three-digit number that creditors usually look at first to determine credit worthiness. You have three different scores based on data from each reporting agency (TransUnion, Equifax and Experian). The scores update regularly as information on the credit report changes.

Why Isn't the Score on the Report?

Though the credit score is based on your credit history, you won't normally find those three digits listed on the report itself. Each individual credit bureau commonly offers the credit report and credit score as a separate product that you can retrieve when you wish. Each of the credit bureaus are required to provide one free report per year, or after a consumer is denied credit.

Getting Your Credit Score

You have a number of options for getting your credit score. You can order it from one or all of the three credit bureaus at their websites. You can also order from third-party websites that provide credit-related services to consumers. A few websites also allow you to sign up for an account and receive credit score updates online for free or a fee.