Your Credit Report

ngpf.org Last Updated: 11/10/26

High School Personal Finance: Semester Course

Learning Objectives

Students will be able to…

Summarize the content and purpose of a credit report

Explain where to access their credit report

Analyze a credit report

Explain how to address errors on a credit report

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Intro

What percentage of young people (18-24) know their credit score?

ngpf.org 5/2/25

Q:

MANAGING CREDIT

QUESTION OF THE DAY

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A:

QUESTION OF THE DAY

Source: Experian

MANAGING CREDIT

54%

FOLLOW-UP QUESTIONS

1. Have you ever checked your credit score? Why or why not?
2. Why do you think fewer young people know their credit score, compared to other age groups?
3. Lenders use credit scores to decide whether to loan you money. Why might it be helpful to know your credit score?

Learn It

Understanding Your Credit Report

Your credit report provides others with a snapshot of your credit history. So, what exactly goes into a credit report?

VIDEO: Understanding Your Credit Report

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Understanding Your Credit Report

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Why do lenders look at credit reports?

1. To determine the size of your household
2. To provide them with details about your savings account
3. To decide whether you are a qualified or risky candidate for credit
4. To edit your credit score

Understanding Your Credit Report

Why should you review your credit report regularly?

Sentence Starter: You should review your credit report regularly, because…

Getting Your Credit Report

A common misconception is that using a free online credit report service will lower your credit score. Fortunately, that’s not true!

VIDEO: Get Your Free Credit Report

Getting Your Credit Report: Your Score

True or False: Gaining access to your credit report will also let you know what your credit score is.

a. True

b. False

Getting Your Credit Report: What You Need

What information do you need to have ready to request your credit report?

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Sentence Starter: To request my credit report, I will need…

Do It

Activity: FINE PRINT: Credit Report

Your credit report contains a lot of information about your credit history. Having a clear understanding of what it contains can help you make better credit decisions.

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WORKSHEET: FINE PRINT: Credit Report

Learn It

Understanding Credit Reports and Disputing Errors

What happens when you find an error on your credit report? Thankfully, there are steps you can take to correct any mistakes you find.

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ARTICLE: How Do I Dispute An Error On My Credit Report?

Credit Reports and Disputing Errors

What are the three credit reporting agencies you would possibly need to contact to report an error on your credit report?

Sentence Starter: The three credit reporting agencies I might contact to report an error are...

Disputing Errors on a Credit Report

List the information you should be prepared to provide to a credit reporting agency to dispute an error on your credit report.

Sentence Starter: When disputing an error on my credit report, I should be prepared to provide...

Exit Ticket

Exit Ticket 1: Your Credit Report

All of the following appear on your credit report, EXCEPT…

1. Your checking account balance
2. Student loan payment history
3. Balance owed on a car loan
4. Number of active credit accounts

Exit Ticket 2: Your Credit Report

What is the recommended way to access your free credit report?

1. Through the Federal Trade Commission
2. Through your state’s Department of Financial Services
3. Through the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
4. Through Annual Credit Report

Exit Ticket 3: Your Credit Report

What should you do if you find errors in your credit report?

1. Close the affected credit account(s)
2. Contact the credit reporting agency and the company that provided the information
3. Call the police to notify them of potential fraud
4. Report the error on your taxes