Why do I have two FICO scores?

Asked by: Prof. Teagan Jones MD  |  Last update: April 7, 2026
Score: 5/5 (37 votes)

Creditors don't always report to all three major credit bureaus. In addition, they may not always share the same consumer information with the credit bureaus at the same time, either. For example, you may have missed a payment at some point, and it was reported to one bureau, but not the other two.

Why am I getting two different FICO Scores?

The cause for the different FICO scores reported by the different bureaus is primarily the different data sources each bureau inputs into their licensed model. Furthermore, there are different versions of the FICO model that yield different results, even if fed the same data.

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.

Do lenders use FICO 8 or FICO 2?

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)

How rare is an 800 credit score?

Even better, just over 1 in 5 people (21.2%) have an exceptional FICO credit score of 800 or above, all but guaranteeing access to the best products and interest rates.

Why your credit scores are different from each other - How so many FICO, VantageScore scores happen

40 related questions found

Does anyone have a 900 credit score?

While older models of credit scores used to go as high as 900, you can no longer achieve a 900 credit score. The highest score you can receive today is 850. Anything above 800 is considered an excellent credit score.

What is the perfect FICO Score?

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.

What is a good FICO 2 score?

What is considered a good FICO® Score 2? Here's a simple breakdown of how your FICO® Scores range: 670 – 739: That's the “Good” range.

What FICO score do dealerships use?

Your FICO score is a representation of your credit worthiness. FICO offers specific products and solutions for car dealers and auto loans. Their product is called Auto Score 8. As you can see here from FICO's promotional materials, Auto Score 8 is meant to help dealers, “Improve accuracy and speed of decision making.

Does Credit Karma use FICO score 8?

On Credit Karma, you can get your free VantageScore® 3.0 credit scores from TransUnion and Equifax. These scores may not match up exactly with credit scores based on the FICO® Score 8 credit-scoring model, but they rely on many similar factors.

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.

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.

Do lenders use FICO or Vantage?

VantageScore vs.

FICO scores are the most widely used scores used by lenders to determine the creditworthiness of consumers. This means more institutions use FICO over any other scoring model to decide if someone should get a loan, mortgage, or any other credit product.

How do I fix my FICO Score 2?

Steps to improve your FICO Score
  1. Check your credit report for errors. Carefully review your credit report from all three credit reporting agencies for any incorrect information. ...
  2. Pay bills on time. ...
  3. Reduce the amount of debt you owe.

What is the most commonly used credit score?

FICO 8 is still the most widely used credit score today. If you apply for a credit card or personal loan, odds are that the lender will check your FICO 8 score. FICO 8 is unique in its treatment of factors such as credit utilization, late payments, and small-balance collection accounts.

How to get 800 credit score?

Making on-time payments to creditors, keeping your credit utilization low, having a long credit history, maintaining a good mix of credit types, and occasionally applying for new credit lines are the factors that can get you into the 800 credit score club.

What is an excellent 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.

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.

How do I raise my FICO 2 score?

  1. Check your credit reports and scores. Get a copy of your credit report from each major credit bureau (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion) through AnnualCreditReport.com. ...
  2. Pay all your bills on time. ...
  3. Reduce your credit card balances. ...
  4. Avoid opening new accounts. ...
  5. Get help from a responsible credit user.

What is an acceptable FICO score?

670 to 739: Good Credit Score

Lenders generally view those with credit scores of 670 and up as acceptable or lower-risk borrowers.

How rare is an 820 credit score?

Your score falls in the range of scores, from 800 to 850, that is considered Exceptional. Your FICO® Score and is well above the average credit score. Consumers with scores in this range may expect easy approvals when applying for new credit. 21% of all consumers have FICO® Scores in the Exceptional range.

How do I get a 900 credit score?

12 Ways To Get A 900 CIBIL Score
  1. Make All Payments On Time. Timely repayment of credit card bills as well as loan EMIs is vital. ...
  2. Maintain Low Credit Utilization Ratio. ...
  3. Build a Long Credit History. ...
  4. Limit Hard Inquiries. ...
  5. Review Credit Reports Regularly. ...
  6. Become an Authorised User. ...
  7. Mix Types of Credit. ...
  8. Increase Credit Limits.