Does Credit Karma use Vantage or FICO?

Asked by: Prof. Joanne Wunsch  |  Last update: October 6, 2025
Score: 4.8/5 (73 votes)

Credit Karma's credit scores are VantageScores, a competitor to the more widely used FICO scores. Those scores are based on the information in your credit reports from Equifax and TransUnion, two of the three major credit bureaus. Your Credit Karma score should be relatively close to your FICO score.

Does Credit Karma show FICO or Vantage?

If you are viewing your score on Credit Karma, the score you see is VantageScore® 3.0. While VantageScore® credit scores aren't used as widely as FICO® scores for credit decisions, they can still give you a good idea of where your credit stands.

How far off is Credit Karma from FICO?

They may differ by 20 to 25 points, and in some cases even more. When Credit Karma users see their credit score details, they are viewing a VantageScore, not the FICO score that the majority of lenders use. A VantageScore has the same credit score range as FICO, and uses some of the same information as a FICO score.

Which score is usually higher Vantage or FICO?

VantageScore's credit scores aren't necessarily higher than FICO's scores. VantageScore and FICO scores may differ, because they use different scoring models. Scores are also dependent on the information used to calculate them and when they're calculated.

Do lenders look at FICO or Vantage?

This means more institutions use FICO over any other scoring model to decide if someone should get a loan, mortgage, or any other credit product. Most lenders require consumers to meet minimum FICO scores before advancing any credit.

FICO vs Credit Karma (vantage scores)

35 related questions found

Why is my VantageScore 100 points lower than FICO?

Have you seen both of your scores and questioned, “Why is my VantageScore® different than my FICO® Score?” It's because there are differences in how each company weighs categories and information within their own scoring models. This can result in slightly different scores.

Do car dealers use FICO or Vantage?

Auto loan lenders generally check an applicant's FICO Auto Score, which ranges from 250 to 900, or their VantageScore, which ranges from 300 to 800. These scores reflect an applicant's general borrower risk profile, and they help lenders predict how likely a borrower is to repay their auto loan on time.

Why is my FICO score 100 points lower than Credit Karma?

This is because Credit Karma makes use of another credit scoring model compared to many lenders and possibly does not have access to all the data required to calculate your credit score.

Does Chase use FICO or Vantage?

The 6 factors that impact your score. Different factors can go into determining your credit score. Chase Credit Journey® uses the VantageScore® 3.0 model, which calculates your score based on these 6 key score factors. Other models, like the Fair Isaac Corporation (FICO®), may use different factors.

Which score is closest to FICO?

VantageScore. The VantageScore model—specifically Version 3.0 which is the most widely used—considers similar factors to the FICO score model.

Can you trust Credit Karma scores?

Experian vs. Credit Karma: Which is more accurate for your credit scores? You may be surprised to know that the simple answer is that both are accurate. Read on to find out what's different between the two companies, how they get your credit scores, and why you have more than one credit score to begin with.

What credit score is needed to buy a car?

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. Meanwhile, low-credit borrowers with scores of 600 or lower accounted for only 14% of auto loans.

Who uses VantageScore 3?

VantageScore is one of the credit scoring models that are widely used by lenders. Many lenders, including banks and mortgage providers, use VantageScore 3.0 to help determine approvals, loan terms and more.

Is 650 a good credit score?

A FICO® Score of 650 places you within a population of consumers whose credit may be seen as Fair. Your 650 FICO® Score is lower than the average U.S. credit score. Statistically speaking, 28% of consumers with credit scores in the Fair range are likely to become seriously delinquent in the future.

Why is my Experian score so much lower than Credit Karma?

So if Experian has access to different information about your credit than Equifax or TransUnion, your scores from each of the CRAs might also be different. And even if the three major CRAs may have the same information, each CRA has proprietary algorithms that might score you differently.

Does Amex use FICO or Vantage?

Enroll below to create your MyCredit Guide account. Credit score calculated based on the FICO® Score 8 model and is provided for educational purposes.

How do I get my actual credit score?

Here are a few ways:
  1. Check your credit card, financial institution or loan statement. ...
  2. Purchase credit scores directly from one of the three major credit bureaus or other provider, such as FICO.
  3. Use a credit score service or free credit scoring site.

What affects your credit score the most?

Your payment history is one of the most important credit scoring factors and can have the biggest impact on your scores. Having a long history of on-time payments is best for your credit scores, while missing a payment could hurt them. The effects of missing payments can also increase the longer a bill goes unpaid.

Do banks check FICO or Vantage?

For the majority of lending decisions most lenders use your FICO score.

Is FICO usually higher than Credit Karma?

Credit Karma's credit scores are VantageScores, a competitor to the more widely used FICO scores. Those scores are based on the information in your credit reports from Equifax and TransUnion, two of the three major credit bureaus. Your Credit Karma score should be relatively close to your FICO score.

What is the most accurate credit score?

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.

Is 700 a good credit score?

A 700 credit score is considered a good score on the most common credit score range, which runs from 300 to 850. How does your score compare with others? You're within the good credit score range, which runs from 690 to 719.

What is a good credit score to buy a car?

Key Takeaways. Your credit score is a major factor in whether you'll be approved for a car loan. Some lenders use specialized credit scores, such as a FICO Auto Score. In general, you'll need at least prime credit, meaning a credit score of 661 or up, to get a loan at a good interest rate.

Does discover use FICO or Vantage?

The score Discover provides may be different than other scores you see for several reasons: Discover provides your FICO® Score 8, which is one of the company's most widely used scoring models, according to FICO. Lenders use several different kinds of FICO® Scores, depending on the type of loan they provide.

Who checks Vantage credit score?

Nonfinancial institutions such as consumer websites, utility companies and government entities used VantageScore for credit screening checks before a rental or purchase or to share directly with consumers. VantageScores are used by: Credit card issuers. Personal and installment loan companies.