The Key Difference Between Credit History and Credit Score

credit history vs credit score
Feature	Credit History	Credit Score
Definition	A detailed record of a borrower’s past borrowing and repayment behavior.	A numerical value summarizing the creditworthiness based on credit history.
Components	Includes information on loans, credit cards, repayment timeliness, defaults, and inquiries.	Calculated from credit history data using algorithms.
Purpose	Provides lenders with a full background of credit behavior.	Helps lenders quickly assess risk with a single number.
Format	Detailed written or electronic records.	A three-digit number typically ranging from 300 to 850.
Time Span	Can cover many years of credit activity.	Reflects the most recent credit history but updates regularly.
Use in Lending	Used to verify and analyze detailed credit behavior.	Used as a quick reference for loan approvals and interest rates.
Influence	Directly impacts the calculation of the credit score.	Influences loan terms, credit limits, and approval chances.
Accessibility	Accessible to borrowers via credit reports.	Often provided alongside credit reports or separately.
Impact on Borrowers	Helps understand detailed financial behavior over time.	Simplifies understanding of creditworthiness for users and lenders.