Why does my FICO score not match?

Asked by: Mossie Adams II  |  Last update: April 26, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (61 votes)

Depending on which credit scoring model is used, your FICO® Credit Score is likely to vary from a credit score calculated using the VantageScore credit score model. In addition, both FICO and VantageScore each have a wide range of proprietary models that are used to assess creditworthiness for different types of loans.

Why is my FICO score so different from my other scores?

The accuracy of your score will depend on factors such as which FICO Score model is being used; the credit bureau your report is pulled from; and whether your credit reports have up-to-date information. Errors on your credit report could also affect the accuracy of your FICO score.

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.

How close is your FICO score to your actual credit score?

Basically, "credit score" and "FICO score" are all referring to the same thing. A FICO score is a type of credit scoring model. While different reporting agencies may weigh factors slightly differently, they are all essentially measuring the same thing.

Why is my FICO score so different from TransUnion?

The reason of the FICO scores, being different, is because, they're from two different Credit Bureaus (TransUnion, Equifax or Experian)... Each Credit Bureau has their own system of algorithms, that makes up a person's score...

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

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Do lenders look at FICO or TransUnion?

For the majority of lending decisions most lenders use your FICO score. Calculated by the data analytics company Fair Isaac Corporation, it's based on data from credit reports about your payment history, credit mix, length of credit history and other criteria.

Is 700 a good credit score?

A 700 credit score is considered a good score on the most common credit score range, which runs from 300 to 850. How does your score compare with others? You're within the good credit score range, which runs from 690 to 719.

How do I get my actual FICO score?

How to check your FICO Score in 5 different ways
  1. Utilize your bank or credit union. ...
  2. Seek guidance from credit and financial counselors. ...
  3. Review your credit card statements. ...
  4. Obtain a FICO Score from credit bureaus. ...
  5. Access your FICO Score from loan information.

Is FICO or Credit Karma more accurate?

Overall, Credit Karma may produce a different result than one or more of the three major credit bureaus directly. The slight differences in calculations between FICO and VantageScore can lead to significant variances in credit scores, making Credit Karma less accurate than most may appreciate.

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.

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?

This is because Credit Karma makes use of another credit scoring model compared to many lenders and possibly does not have access to all the data required to calculate your 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.

What if my FICO score is wrong?

If you discover errors on your credit report, gather any supporting documents and include them with a letter disputing the error. Then send it to: The credit reporting agency whose report you are disputing. The company that provided the incorrect information.

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.

What affects FICO score the most?

Factors That Determine Credit Scores
  1. Payment History: 35% Making debt payments on time every month benefits your credit scores more than any other single factor—and just one payment made 30 days late can do significant harm to your scores. ...
  2. Amounts Owed: 30% ...
  3. Length of Credit History: 15% ...
  4. Credit Mix: 10% ...
  5. New Credit: 10%

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.

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.

How do I get a 900 FICO Score?

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. And having a credit score of 850 is rare.

Does Chase use FICO or Vantage?

The 6 factors that impact your score. Different factors can go into determining your credit score. Chase Credit Journey® uses the VantageScore® 3.0 model, which calculates your score based on these 6 key score factors. Other models, like the Fair Isaac Corporation (FICO®), may use different factors.

Which FICO Score is used for a mortgage?

The most commonly used FICO Score in the mortgage-lending industry is the FICO Score 5. According to FICO, the majority of lenders pull credit histories from all three major credit reporting agencies as they evaluate mortgage applications. Mortgage lenders may also use FICO Score 2 or FICO Score 4 in their decisions.

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.

Can I get 50000 with 700 credit score?

A 700 credit score can help you in securing a Rs 50,000 Personal Loan with many benefits, such as: Lower interest rates. Higher loan amounts. Faster approval process.

How is a FICO score different from a credit score?

A FICO score is one type of credit score calculated by the Fair Isaac Corporation (FICO). FICO has multiple credit-scoring models that are used to calculate credit scores, including a variety of industry-specific models for mortgage lending, auto loans and more. FICO scores generally range from 300 to 850.