Do car dealerships look at TransUnion or Equifax?

Asked by: Evelyn Schmeler  |  Last update: August 8, 2022
Score: 5/5 (55 votes)

While Experian and Equifax are the most popular bureaus among auto lenders and car dealers, TransUnion can also be used for auto loan decisions. And the truth is, the credit bureau lenders use when evaluating your auto loan application probably will not influence their decision too much.

Which credit report do car dealers use?

Auto dealerships use the FICO credit bureau, which stands for Fair Isaac Corporation. They also use the FICO Auto Credit Score, which has a range of 250 to 900. This may mean that an auto dealer has a different credit score for you than the one you see on your personal credit report.

Do car companies use TransUnion or Equifax?

In conclusion, auto lenders use Equifax and Experian the most, while TransUnion is less used for auto loan credit checks, at least in some parts of the US.

Do car dealerships look at Equifax?

Each model only looks at the information in one of your credit reports from Experian, Equifax or TransUnion to determine your score. A higher score is best because it indicates you are less likely to miss a loan payment.

Do lenders look at TransUnion or Equifax?

An Equifax credit score isn't used by lenders or creditors to assess a consumers' creditworthiness. Instead, many lenders use FICO Scores® to help determine a potential borrower's creditworthiness. FICO uses credit scores from the three reporting agencies, including Equifax and Transunion, to determine their score.

What Credit Score Do Car Dealers Use?

20 related questions found

Do car lots use TransUnion?

While Experian and Equifax are the most popular bureaus among auto lenders and car dealers, TransUnion can also be used for auto loan decisions.

Who uses Equifax for car loans?

PenFed Credit Union is the only loan company that uses only your Equifax credit data. In most cases, you won't be able to determine beforehand which credit bureaus your lender will use. In some cases, lenders will pull your credit report from two or even all three major credit bureaus.

Is Equifax more important than TransUnion?

Is TransUnion more important than Equifax? The short answer is no. Both TransUnion and Equifax are reliable credit reporting agencies that compile reports and calculate your credit scores using different scoring models.

Which credit score is more accurate Equifax or TransUnion?

Neither score is more or less accurate than the other; they're only being calculated from slightly differing sources. Your Equifax credit score is more likely to appear lower than your TransUnion one because of the reporting differences, but a “fair” score from TransUnion is typically “fair” across the board.

Why is Equifax higher than TransUnion?

The lower Equifax number is a common concern for many people. The reason that this score is lower than your TransUnion score is based on the fact that TransUnion adds personal information and employment data that is weighted into their model.

What is the lowest credit score to buy a car?

There is no set credit score you need to get an auto loan. If you have a credit score above 660, you will likely qualify for an auto loan at a rate below 10% APR. If you have bad credit or no credit, you could still qualify for a car loan, but you should expect to pay more.

Can I get a car loan with a credit score of 600?

Unless you have the cash, that means you need an auto loan. It's essential to be knowledgeable about how your auto loan process will be different than someone with a higher score. You might not have the same options, but you can still get an auto loan with a 600 credit score.

What credit score is needed for a 2021 car?

The recommended credit score needed to buy a car is 660 and above. This will typically guarantee interest rates under 6%.

Is 640 a good credit score to buy a car?

Answer provided by. While your friend is right that your credit score is considered fair, that doesn't mean securing an auto loan is impossible! With a 640 credit score, a new car loan interest rate hovers around 6.5% and a used car loan sits at about 10.5%. A credit score of 640 is below the national average of 710.

Is 680 a good credit score to buy a car?

The good news is that getting a car loan with a 680 credit score should be no problem. In general, standard lenders prefer applicants to have a credit score of at least 661, so having a credit score of 680 puts you in a favorable position.

Why do I have an Equifax score but not TransUnion?

Because there are varied scoring models, you'll likely have different scores from different providers. Lenders use many different types of credit scores to make lending decisions. The score you see when you check it may not be the same as the one used by your lender.

Why is there a 100 point difference between TransUnion and Equifax?

This is because there are 3 credit bureaus and dozens of different scoring models. Differences in which report is pulled, which scoring model is used, and what information is reported to whom and when, can all have an impact on the credit score you are viewing.

What is a good TransUnion score?

A good score with TransUnion and VantageScore® 3.0 is between 720 and 780. As your score climbs through and above this range, you can benefit from the increased freedom and flexibility healthy credit brings. Some people want to achieve a score of 850, the highest credit score possible.

What is a good Equifax credit score?

Although ranges vary depending on the credit scoring model, generally credit scores from 580 to 669 are considered fair; 670 to 739 are considered good; 740 to 799 are considered very good; and 800 and up are considered excellent.

Which credit agency is used the most?

Experian is the largest credit bureau in the United States. Still, it's not the only entity that houses consumer financial data. Equifax and TransUnion are the other major credit reporting agencies lenders, and creditors turn to for credit reports and scores used to make lending decisions.

Do they use Equifax for a car loan?

Equifax and Experian are the most commonly used credit bureaus by auto lenders. They offer services that are directed specifically at the auto industry, and each gets a portion of their revenue from the industry.

Why is my credit score lower at the car dealer?

Since all credit-scoring companies have slightly different models, and use different inputs and formulas to determine your score, this can cause variations in credit scores. Finally, the dealer could have been using an “industry option” score, which is a credit score based primarily on your past auto finance history.

What credit score is needed to buy a car without a cosigner?

Although a 650 credit score is desirable for any loan, first time car loans may require a score of 680 or higher to waive any co-signer requirements.

What auto finance company uses TransUnion?

Get Car Financing. Even with poor credit.

When determining if a lender qualifies for a loan, GMAC uses TransUnion to check a lenders credit report. This agency (along with Experian and Equifax) generates your credit score that lenders use to determine you are reliable enough to give a loan too.