Which is more accurate Experian or Credit Karma?

Asked by: Lyric Collins  |  Last update: May 13, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (43 votes)

Experian vs. Credit Karma: Which is more accurate for your credit score? 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 score, and why you have more than one credit score to begin with.

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

score differences are common and the result of small variations of when info is reported and the weight of that info. Large gaps are usually caused by scoring model differences or what and when info is displayed. You might expect all credit scores to be the same or slightly around the same, but they usually aren't.

How far off is Credit Karma from your actual credit 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.

Is Experian the most accurate credit score?

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.

Which credit report is most accurate?

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.

Which Is More Accurate Experian or Credit Karma

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What's better, Credit Karma or Experian?

While Experian compiles your credit report and determines your credit score, Credit Karma simply shows your score and credit report information from TransUnion. Think of it this way — Credit Karma is like a newspaper that writes about the credit score TransUnion gives you. But we have no influence over your score.

Which credit bureau gives the highest 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.

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.

Can I trust Experian 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. You can check your credit report to ensure the information is accurate.

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 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.

Is Credit Karma higher or lower than actual score?

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.

How long do closed accounts stay on your credit report?

Accounts closed in good standing may stay on your credit report for up to 10 years, which generally helps your credit score. Those with adverse information may remain on your credit report for up to seven years.

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.

What is considered a good credit score?

For a score with a range of 300 to 850, a credit score of 670 to 739 is considered good. Credit scores of 740 and above are very good while 800 and higher are excellent.

Why did my Credit Karma score go down for no reason?

Credit scores can drop due to a variety of reasons, including late or missed payments, changes to your credit utilization rate, a change in your credit mix, closing older accounts (which may shorten your length of credit history overall), or applying for new credit accounts.

Is Experian 100% accurate?

The information on Experian credit reports is provided by so-called data furnishers, such as banks, credit unions and other financial institutions. The accuracy of Experian credit reports is only as good as this information, and the data providers sometimes make errors. Experian uses analytics to improve accuracy.

What is the highest credit score to buy a house?

There's no single, specific credit score that will automatically qualify you for a mortgage (though having the maximum score of 850 certainly never hurts). However, while lenders might not set precise qualifying numbers, they do have minimum credit score requirements.

How far off is Credit Karma from FICO?

However, its accuracy can vary based on several factors. Credit Karma uses VantageScore 3.0 from TransUnion and Equifax, which can differ from the FICO scores most lenders use. While it provides a useful estimate of your credit health, the scores on Credit Karma might be 20 to 25 points off from your actual FICO score.

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.

What is more accurate, Credit Karma or Experian?

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 hits your credit score the most?

Payment history has the biggest impact on your credit score, making up 35% of your FICO® score. Amounts owed, which includes your credit utilization ratio, comes in at a close second, accounting for 30% of your score. The higher your credit score, the more likely you are to qualify for certain types of credit.

What does the U stand for on a credit report?

What Does a “U” Stand for on a Credit Report? The “U” on your credit report stands for “unclassified,” meaning that the account hadn't been updated at the time the report was pulled. It's one of many status codes that can appear next to an account on your credit report.

Which item below is not a part of your credit score?

FICO® Scores consider a wide range of information on your credit report. However, they do not consider: Your race, color, religion, national origin, sex and marital status.