With multiple options available, you may be wondering which of these sources is the most accurate. Simply put, there is no “more accurate” score when it comes down to receiving your score from the major credit bureaus. In this article, you will learn: Different types of credit scores.
A FICO score is a credit score from FICO. And while the credit-scoring company has multiple scoring models of its own, FICO scores generally range from 300 to 850—with higher scores being better than lower ones. If you want to check or track your credit, you can access free credit reports at AnnualCreditReport.com.
TransUnion has a unique way of scoring your credit, which means your TransUnion score may end up being more than your FICO score.
Of the three main credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion), no particular bureau is considered better than another. A lender may rely on a report from one bureau or all three bureaus when deciding whether to approve a loan.
One credit bureau isn't more accurate than another, rather, they may simply have different methods of calculating your credit score. It's important to note that all three bureaus are used widely in the U.S. None of them are more “important” than the others.
According to Darrin English, a senior community development loan officer at Quontic Bank, mortgage lenders request your FICO scores from all three bureaus — Equifax, Transunion and Experian. But they only use one when making their final decision. If all of your scores are the same, the choice is simple.
Since the information on your credit reports at each bureau can differ, your Equifax credit score and FICO score can differ depending on which credit report is used to calculate the score. The Equifax credit score model uses a numerical range between 280 and 850, and FICO score models use a range between 300 and 850.
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.
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. As a result, the same scoring model could give you different credit scores based on each of your three credit reports.
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.
And when it comes to credit, 850 is the highest the FICO® Score☉ scale goes. For more and more U.S. consumers, practice is making perfect. According to recent Experian data, 1.54% of consumers have a "perfect" FICO® Score of 850. That's up from 1.31% two years earlier.
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.
There is no single credit score that's considered the most accurate. The truth is, there are several types of credit scores available to lenders—and many versions of each of those scores. Scores are calculated based on many of the same factors.
The average credit score for Americans is 717 according to FICO, while a fair credit score ranges from 580 to 669. Having a fair credit score can limit your financial opportunities, like getting approved for the best credit cards and loan terms.
Less than 2% of Americans have a perfect credit score.
A perfect FICO credit score is 850, but experts tell CNBC Select you don't need to hit that target to qualify for the best credit cards, loans or interest rates.
Neither your TransUnion or Equifax score is more or less accurate than the other. They're just calculated from slightly differing sources. Your Equifax credit score is likely lower due to reporting differences.
Very good (740 to 799): Very good credit scores reflect frequent positive credit behaviors. Lenders are likely to approve borrowers in this range. Good (670 to 739): Lenders may think twice before offering new credit to individuals in this range.
Mortgage lenders will use Experian FICO 2, TransUnion FICO 4, and Equifax FICO 5. These are commonly called your mortgage scores and they will use the middle score for lending decisions.
You can buy a $300,000 house with only $9,000 down when using a conventional mortgage, which is the lowest down payment permitted, unless you qualify for a zero-down-payment VA or USDA loan. Different lenders have different rules, but typically they require a 620 credit score for conventional loan approval.
The primary credit scoring models are FICO® and VantageScore®, and both are equally accurate. Although both are accurate, most lenders are looking at your FICO score when you apply for a loan.
Auto lenders use a special reporting system called FICO® Auto Score when determining the creditworthiness of a potential customer. The three credit reporting bureaus that contribute information to your FICO® Auto Score are TransUnion®, Equifax® and Experian™.