Is FICO auto score different than FICO score?

Asked by: Candido Miller  |  Last update: February 3, 2026
Score: 4.6/5 (41 votes)

FICO auto scores and base FICO scores use the same information from individuals' credit reports but, as mentioned, the auto score model applies different weightings. For example, your history of auto loan payments will matter more in the calculation of your FICO auto score.

Is Experian FICO's auto score accurate?

Is Experian the Most Accurate Credit Score? Credit scores from the three main bureaus (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion) are considered accurate. The accuracy of the scores depends on the accuracy of the information provided to them by lenders and creditors.

Which FICO score do auto lenders use?

The two big credit scoring models used by auto lenders are FICO® Auto Score and Vantage.

Why do I have two different FICO scores?

Additionally, FICO® Scores are based on credit report data from a particular consumer reporting agency, so differences in your credit reports between credit reporting agencies may create differences in your FICO® Scores.

Which FICO score is more accurate?

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.

What is a good FICO auto score?

43 related questions found

What is the riskiest FICO score?

Credit score ranges—what are they?
  • 800 to 850: Excellent Credit Score. Individuals in this range are considered to be low-risk borrowers. ...
  • 740 to 799: Very Good Credit Score. ...
  • 670 to 739: Good Credit Score. ...
  • 580 to 669: Fair Credit Score. ...
  • 300 to 579: Poor Credit Score.

Why is my FICO score 100 points lower than credit karma?

Your FICO Score is a credit score. But if your FICO score is different from another of your credit scores, it may be that the score you're viewing was calculated using one of the other scoring models that exist.

What is the difference between a FICO score and a FICO auto score?

FICO auto scores and base FICO scores use the same information from individuals' credit reports but, as mentioned, the auto score model applies different weightings. For example, your history of auto loan payments will matter more in the calculation of your FICO auto score.

Which FICO score do lenders use?

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) FICO® Score 4 (TransUnion)

Is a 900 credit score possible?

What is the highest credit score possible? To start off: No, it's not possible to have a 900 credit score in the United States. In some countries that use other models, like Canada, people could have a score of 900. The current scoring models in the U.S. have a maximum of 850.

Do car dealerships use FICO or Experian?

Most car dealerships use the FICO Score 8 scale to determine your eligibility for a loan. The FICO score is the most widely used because it is considered to be the most accurate assessment of your credit standing. It takes the scores of all three major credit bureaus to create a FICO score.

How to increase auto FICO score?

Paying all of your bills on time could pay off in the form of a better credit score. Your payment history is the most important factor in calculating your credit score, representing 35% of your FICO® Score . If your score is suffering due to late payments, begin by paying any past-due bills.

What is the best FICO auto score?

What's a Good FICO Score? In general, a good credit score is a score of 670 or above. If you have good credit, you have the best chance of getting favorable loan terms. To get the lowest interest rates and the best loan terms possible, you'll want to aim for a credit score in the excellent category (720 to 850).

Why is my Experian score so much higher than FICO?

Your credit reports from Experian, TransUnion and Equifax could have different information because creditors can choose which bureau(s) they want to report to, as well as what they report and when.

Is a FICO score of 8 good or bad?

Lenders use it to help determine whether to approve someone for a loan or a mortgage and assess how much interest they might be charged. The FICO Score 8 can range from 300 to 850, with anything over 700 usually considered good credit health.

Who gives the most accurate FICO Score?

Simply put, there is no “more accurate” score when it comes down to receiving your score from the major credit bureaus.

What is FICO auto score 8?

FICO Score 8 is a credit-scoring model lenders can use to make lending decisions. FICO calls FICO 8 a base score because it's designed to predict whether a person will repay debt obligations. FICO has other base scores along with industry-specific scores that are more tailored to certain loans.

What FICO Score is needed to buy a house?

The minimum credit score needed for most mortgages is typically around 620. However, government-backed mortgages like Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans typically have lower credit requirements than conventional fixed-rate loans and adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs).

Which score is closest to FICO?

VantageScore is the result of a collaboration between the three nationwide credit bureaus – Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. Both FICO and VantageScore assign higher credit scores to consumers deemed as lower-risk borrowers, and both currently range from 300 to 850.

What is the average FICO auto score?

In the first quarter of 2024, the average credit score for new vehicle buyers was 755 and for used car buyers it was 686. A credit score of at least 661, however, should qualify you for a traditional car loan at a lower interest rate.

Do car dealerships use Equifax or TransUnion?

Auto lenders may rely more on Equifax and Experian for credit report insights, but TransUnion also sells consumer data to a number of automotive lenders. Credit scoring models such as FICO® Auto Score 9 generate a credit score based on the debt and payment information in a consumer's credit report.

Do car dealerships use FICO?

There are several agencies that calculate your credit score. Car dealerships can use any of these credit reporting agencies. However, the most commonly used by car dealers is FICO. Fair Issac Corporation developed FICO Auto Scores to determine someone's creditworthiness for auto financing.

Which is better, FICO score or credit score?

"For years, there has been a lot of confusion among consumers over which credit scores matter. While there are many types of credit scores, FICO Scores matter the most because the majority of lenders use these scores to decide whether to approve loan applicants and at what interest rates."

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.