Different Types of Credit Scores
Currently, FICO Scores 8 and 9 are widely used among lenders. However, some financial institutions may still use an older scoring model if it works better with their existing business practices.
When it comes to car buying, a number of lenders use the FICO Score 8 and 9 or VantageScore 3.0. However, there is also an industry-specific score that many lenders use, known as the FICO Auto Score. Auto Scores range from 250 to 900 (compared to 300 to 850 for the base FICO score).
The newest version (as of this writing) is FICO® Auto Score 10, introduced in 2020. However, many auto lenders still use FICO® Auto Score 2, FICO® Auto Score 4, FICO® Auto Score 5, and FICO® Auto Score 8. Here is a list of which FICO® auto scores are most commonly used by auto lenders for each credit bureau.
FICO Score 5 and FICO Score 8 are both common credit scores. Mortgage and auto lenders often use FICO Score 5, while credit card issuers typically use FICO Score 8.
FICO scores 8 and 9 are commonly used for student loans, personal loans, medical loans, credit card lines and auto loans. However, there are industry-specific FICO versions for certain types of debt as well, including auto loans and credit cards.
VantageScore3. 0 and 4.0 have been used for most new auto loans and leases in previous years, but according to Experian, FICO Score 8 and 9 are used most often by dealerships. Additionally, you may be able to receive an auto score, which is specific to auto lenders.
While FICO 8 is the most widely used, newer versions of the score are available. For example, many lenders have upgraded to FICO 9. Unlike older versions, FICO 9 ignores paid third-party collections, places less weight on unpaid medical collections and factors in rental history when reported.
When purchasing a car, most car dealerships run your credit score to determine if you are eligible for a loan. These scores come from a variety of different credit bureaus (TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian) that collect data from creditors.
FICO Score 9 has been available to consumers since 2016. You can purchase it from FICO or possibly get it free from your credit card issuer, a lender or credit counselor through FICO's Open Access program, which allows lenders and credit counselors to share scores used in lending decisions.
The credit score required and other eligibility factors for buying a car vary by lender and loan terms. Still, you typically need a good credit score of 661 or higher to qualify for an auto loan. About 69% of retail vehicle financing is for borrowers with credit scores of 661 or higher, according to Experian.
Good credit makes it easier to qualify for a loan. Many lenders won't provide loans to borrowers with poor credit. If you have good, very good or excellent credit, you'll get better interest rates than someone with a lower credit score. That can save you money on financing costs over the life of your car loan.
FICO® and VantageScore® are the two most popular credit scoring models today. FICO and VantageScore credit scores are equally reliable and accurate, based on the specific scoring model that's being used. Tools are available that allow you to check and monitor your credit score for free, with no impact to your credit.
FICO® Score 9 from Experian®
Simple access via Wells Fargo Online, to help you know where you stand.
Leveraging FICO's state-of-the-art analytic capabilities and predictive technologies and TransUnion's rich repository of consumer credit information, the FICO Score 9 provides a more accurate assessment of a consumer's future risk of severe delinquency.
Unlike your traditional FICO score, car dealers — more accurately lending institutions that sell auto loans to dealerships — refer to another, less known score, called The FICO® 8 Auto Score, or its competitor CreditVision.
FICO® credit scores are the auto industry standard for determining a potential buyer's creditworthiness. Using a variety of factors, the company will give you a three digit score ranging from 300 (lowest possible) to 850 (highest possible).
It's also worth mentioning that lenders widely use the FICO 9 credit score in the U.S., but it's not the only option available. Some lenders may use other credit scoring models, such as VantageScore, a joint venture between the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion).
Though the FICO® Score 9 is an updated version of FICO® Score 8, the FICO® Score 8 is still the most widely used base score by lenders, meaning that, while you may have a better credit score from the FICO® Score 9 model, lenders are more likely to still use the previous version.
Credit reports and other FICO Score versions will be updated based on the type of subscription you have – monthly for FICO® Basic or FICO® Premier and quarterly for FICO® Advanced. They will also be updated if you purchase additional credit reports that aren't a part of your subscription.
The base FICO score is also called FICO Score 8 or 9. It's not designed specifically for auto loans, but many lenders use it. It's a number between 300 and 850, and a higher score means that a person is more likely to make loan payments on time.
A Chase auto loan may be a good choice if you're a Chase Private Client and can take advantage of the lender's interest rate discount. Chase's car-buying service can be useful because it provides access to a concierge service and special discounts.
According to Experian, here is a snapshot of what type of loan and rate you can expect based on your history: 781-850: Superprime loan at 3.65% (new) or 4.29% (used) 661-780: Prime loan at 4.68% (new) or 6.04% (used) 601-660: Nonprime loan at 7.65% (new) or 11.26% (used)