Is my FICO score the same as Credit Karma?

Asked by: Prof. Vella Rippin  |  Last update: May 30, 2025
Score: 4.9/5 (9 votes)

Your Credit Karma score should be relatively close to your FICO score. The category your credit score falls into (such as "good" or "very good") is more important than the precise number, which will vary by source and can change from day to day.

Why is my FICO score different than Credit Karma?

Different Scoring Models: Credit Karma uses the VantageScore model, while FICO scores are calculated using their proprietary models. Each model has different algorithms and weightings for factors like payment history, credit utilization, and length of credit history.

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.

Is your FICO score and your credit score the same?

FICO® Scores are a type of credit score, but not all credit scores are FICO® Scores. Checking your FICO® Score may be more beneficial, as 90% of top lenders use FICO® Credit Scores. There are different versions of FICO® Credit Scores finetuned for different credit products (like home and car loans).

How far off is Credit Karma from your FICO score?

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.

FICO Score vs Credit Score vs Credit Karma (Why Are My Credit Scores So Different?)

42 related questions found

Is 700 a bad FICO score?

A credit score of 700 is generally considered good. Factors affecting credit scores include payment history, credit utilization, length of credit history, types of accounts, and recent activity.

Why is my FICO higher than my credit score?

Why is my FICO score higher than my other credit scores? Every credit-scoring model is different. And credit scores can change based on what credit report is used to inform the model. Those differences can make some scores higher or lower than others.

What is considered a good FICO score?

For credit scores that range from 300 to 850, a credit score in the mid to high 600s or above is generally considered good. A score in the high 700s or 800s is considered excellent. About a third of consumers have FICO Scores that fall between 600 and 750—and an additional 48% have a higher score.

How do I find out my FICO score?

You can check your FICO Score for free by accessing your credit report from one of the major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion) once per year. Some credit card issuers and financial institutions also offer their customers free access to FICO Scores.

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.

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.

How do I increase my FICO score?

Here are a couple of things you can do right away that can set you on the right path toward improving your FICO® Score:
  1. Pay your bills on time.
  2. Work on reducing large amounts of debt.
  3. Avoid opening multiple credit accounts at once.
  4. Check your credit report and dispute any errors.

Why is Credit Karma score so much higher?

The score you see on Credit Karma is provided and calculated independently by TransUnion. Other credit information providers may use different credit reference agencies. Some lenders report to all three major credit reference agencies, but others report to only one or two.

Do car dealerships use FICO?

The two big credit scoring models used by auto lenders are FICO® Auto Score and Vantage. We're going to take at look at FICO® since it has long been the auto industry standard.

Which credit score is most accurate?

FICO® and VantageScore® are the two most popular credit scoring models today. The credit scores they assign are equally reliable and accurate, based on the specific credit scoring model that's being used. Scores can and do fluctuate as new data is received.

What is the average person's FICO score?

See how we rate credit score services to help you make smart decisions with your money. The average credit score in the US is 717, according to a report from FICO.

What is a perfect credit score to buy a house?

About 70% of all mortgages are conventional loans, making it the most common type of mortgage. A FICO score of 620 or better is typically required for a conventional loan and, if your score is 760 or higher, you should qualify for the best interest rates.

Is FICO or Credit Karma more accurate?

Your VantageScore® 3.0 on Credit Karma will likely be different from your FICO Score that lenders often use. If you plan on applying for credit, make sure to check your FICO Score since there's a good chance lenders will use it to determine your creditworthiness.

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.

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.

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.

Can I buy a house with a 704 credit score?

The minimum credit score needed to buy a house can range from 500 to 700, but will ultimately depend on the type of mortgage loan you're applying for and your lender. While it's possible to get a mortgage with bad credit, you typically need good or exceptional credit to qualify for the best terms.

What is the fastest way to get a 700 credit score?

How to Get a 700 Credit Score
  1. Pay on Time, Every Time. Your payment history is the most important factor in determining your credit score. ...
  2. Pay Down Credit Card Balances. ...
  3. Avoid Unnecessary Debt. ...
  4. Dispute Inaccurate Credit Report Information. ...
  5. Avoid Closing Old Credit Cards.