Some words of wisdom about credit and your credit score
Each of the three bureaus do the same thing, really. They collect and analyze your credit data to determine a credit (FICO) score for you. When you apply for credit now or in the future, one or more of these companies reports your score to the company/department store that requests it. Keep in mind that negative effects stay on your credit report for 7 years. They will eventually come off.
You are entitled to one (1) free credit report from each credit bureau per year. It is IMPERATIVE that you maintain your credit. Click this to be brought to annualcreditreport.com.