For example, lenders who make offers to loan shoppers on the LendingTree platform do so using a score from TransUnion, which is modeled on the FICO score (although mortgage lenders may later include FICO scores is the full underwriting file because Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and FHA require those scores).
Your credit score will vary depending on which of the three credit bureaus – Equifax, Experian and TransUnion – is used. To simplify this confusion, the three main credit bureaus partnered together to create the VantageScore. LendingTree provides you with the most recent version of this credit score: VantageScore 3.
Mortgage lenders who offer conventional mortgages are required to use a FICO Score when they underwrite your loan application for approval. The specific scores used by each bureau are as follows: Experian: FICO® Score 2, or Experian/Fair Isaac Risk Model v2. TransUnion: FICO® Score 4, or TransUnion FICO® Risk Score 04.
Just like other loans or credit cards, mortgage prequalification doesn't hurt your scores since it's also based on a soft inquiry.
LendingTree is 100%, certified legit. LendingTree will connect you with lenders, and the service is completely free. One of the main criticisms of LendingTree is the potential for “hard pulls” on your credit by lenders.
Some lenders provide same-day funding once you're approved, while others may require three to five business days — or longer — before you get your money. It may also depend on factors including the time of day and day of the week that you accept the loan.
FICO Scores are trusted to be a fair and reliable measure of whether a person will pay back their loan on time. By consistently using FICO Scores, lenders take on less risk, and you get faster and fairer access to the credit you need and can manage.
LendingTree's inquiry does not count towards your credit score nor does it show up on your credit report to anyone but you. Each Lender has their own policy about pulling your credit. Some may pull your credit before they make you a loan offer; others may pull your credit after you have accepted their offer.
As a lender marketplace, LendingTree is a great option if you want to compare rates from different lenders without having to submit a bunch of individual applications. However, you'll have to navigate the individual fees and requirements of each recommended lender in order to find the best one for you.
Inquiries for pre-approved offers do not affect your credit score unless you follow through and apply for the credit. If you read the fine print on the offer, you'll find it's not really "pre-approved." Anyone who receives an offer still must fill out an application before being granted credit.
It's recommended you have a credit score of 620 or higher when you apply for a conventional loan. If your score is below 620, lenders either won't be able to approve your loan or may be required to offer you a higher interest rate, which can result in higher monthly payments.
The scoring model used in mortgage applications
While the FICO® 8 model is the most widely used scoring model for general lending decisions, banks use the following FICO scores when you apply for a mortgage: FICO® Score 2 (Experian) FICO® Score 5 (Equifax)
Consequently, when lenders check your FICO credit score, whether based on credit report data from Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion, they will likely use the FICO 8 scoring model. FICO 8 scores range between 300 and 850. A FICO score of at least 700 is considered a good 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.
You will likely need a credit score of at least 660 for a $20,000 personal loan. Most lenders that offer personal loans of $20,000 or more require fair credit or better for approval, along with enough income to afford the monthly payments.
You will likely need a credit score of at least 580 for a $2,500 personal loan. Most lenders that offer personal loans of $2,500 or more require bad credit or better for approval, along with enough income to afford the monthly payments.
LendingTree can help you find personal loan lenders who provide loans from $1,000 to $50,000 and rates as low as 2.49% APR.
If your loan is approved, you may be able to receive same day loan funding, depending on your state of residence; otherwise, funds are deposited within two to three business days.
Even if you use the letter as part of an offer, you are still free to get your loan elsewhere if you find a better deal. Use the pre-approval process to compare rates and lenders. And don't worry about multiple credit pulls damaging your credit score.
What Does it Mean to be Pre-Qualified? Being pre-qualified means a lender has decided you will likely be approved for a loan up to a certain amount, based on your current financial situation. To get pre-qualified, you simply tell a lender your level of income, assets, and debt.
With a prequalification, you won't have to provide as much information about your finances, and your lender won't pull your credit. Without your credit report, your lender can only give you estimates. This means the approval amount, loan program and interest rate might change as the lender gets more information.
The first place you should check for your free FICO Score is with your credit card issuer. Many card issuers provide their cardholders with free access to their credit score. While there's a good chance you'll have access to your credit score, the key is whether it's your FICO Score or VantageScore.
FICO Score 9 (also known as FICO 9 and FICO 9.0) is the latest edition of the widely regarded credit scoring models. It means good things for your credit score, although it is rolling out very slowly.
Your score differs based on the information provided to each bureau, explained more next. Information provided to the credit bureaus: The credit bureaus may not receive all of the same information about your credit accounts. Surprisingly, lenders aren't required to report to all or any of the three bureaus.