An account, inquiry, or address is unfamiliar
Treat possible identity theft separately from an ordinary score change. Secure the affected accounts and credit files before using a standard dispute alone.
Open the identity-theft checklist Credit score change
My credit score dropped. What changed?
Start with the underlying reports and the score’s source—not a promised number of points. Confirm what changed, then choose the branch that matches the evidence.
Check the source records first
Use this page if: a score changed unexpectedly and you want to identify the likely report, account, or scoring-source difference before taking action.
First comparison
Check the dated source records
- 1. Note the score provider, model, bureau, and date shown in the app or notice.
- 2. Get the current reports and compare accounts, balances, limits, payment history, status, dates, and inquiries.
- 3. Act on a specific report fact; do not open, close, pay, or dispute an account solely to chase a predicted number of points.
Choose the closest evidence
What changed in the source records?
More than one branch may apply. Start with unfamiliar or inaccurate information before moving to accurate balances, payments, account age, or applications.
A report field appears wrong
Compare the balance, payment status, account ownership, dates, limits, and remarks with your own records, then choose the matching correction route.
Triage the report errorCard balances rose or a limit fell
Reported revolving balances and limits can change utilization. Work from the balances and limits shown on the report rather than a universal point estimate.
Review reported balancesA payment was reported late
First decide whether the late status is accurate. Correct a factual reporting error; if it is accurate, protect the next due dates and contact the creditor about realistic options.
Protect the next due datesA new inquiry or account appeared
Confirm that you authorized it and compare the date, lender, and account. A legitimate application can affect different score files and models differently.
Review new-credit effectsThe reports do not show an obvious change
The score source, model, bureau file, loan type, and calculation date may differ. Compare like with like before assuming that a report item changed.
Understand score differencesA score is not the final goal
Are you applying for something soon?
Applying to rent? A landlord may use a tenant-screening report in addition to a standard credit report. Open the goal plan Financing a car? Review reports and the application timeline before comparing offers or adding applications. Open the goal plan Preparing for a mortgage? Avoid rushed account changes and work backward from the lender’s documentation timeline. Open the goal plan
Sources for this diagnostic
- AnnualCreditReport.com — AnnualCreditReport.com
- CFPB credit report basics — Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
- CFPB credit score basics — Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
- myFICO score factors — myFICO