Why is Equifax score so different?

Asked by: Marlee O'Conner  |  Last update: February 9, 2022
Score: 4.2/5 (46 votes)

Your score differs based on the information provided to each bureau, explained more next. Information provided to the credit bureaus: The credit bureaus may not receive all of the same information about your credit accounts. Surprisingly, lenders aren't required to report to all or any of the three bureaus.

Which credit report is most accurate?

The most accurate credit scores are the latest versions of the FICO Score and VantageScore credit-scoring models: FICO Score 8 and VantageScore 3.0.

Why is my credit score different on Equifax?

This is because individual consumer reporting agencies, credit scoring companies, lenders and creditors may use slightly different formulas to calculate your credit scores. They might also weigh your information differently depending on the type of credit account for which you've applied.

Why are my TransUnion and Equifax scores so different?

The credit bureaus may have different information.

And a lender may report updates to different bureaus at different times. So, it's possible that Equifax and TransUnion could have different credit information on your reports, which could lead to your TransUnion score differing from your Equifax score.

Why do I have 2 different Equifax scores?

If those reports differ, a credit score based on one report may not be identical to a score based on another. Another reason the scores differ might be because there's more than one credit scoring model, and there's no guarantee the one you're using to check your own credit is the same one your lender relies on.

Why Equifax, Experian, and Transunion Have Different Scores

39 related questions found

What is a good Equifax score?

Although ranges vary depending on the credit scoring model, generally credit scores from 580 to 669 are considered fair; 670 to 739 are considered good; 740 to 799 are considered very good; and 800 and up are considered excellent.

Is Equifax usually the lowest score?

Your Equifax score is lower than the other scores because there is a slight difference in what is reported to each credit agency and each one uses a slightly different method to score your system.

Do banks look at TransUnion or Equifax?

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) FICO® Score 5 (Equifax) FICO® Score 4 (TransUnion)

Is Equifax more important than TransUnion?

Is TransUnion more important than Equifax? The short answer is no. Both TransUnion and Equifax are reliable credit reporting agencies that compile reports and calculate your credit scores using different scoring models.

What is the highest Equifax credit score?

The Equifax Credit Score ranges from 280-850. It is calculated using information in your Equifax credit report. The Equifax credit score is an educational credit score designed to give you an idea of where your credit stands.

Does using Equifax lower credit score?

While pulling your Equifax credit report, or a credit score based on the information in it, will generally result in a soft inquiry, it will not affect your credit scores. If you see information on your credit report that appears to be inaccurate or incomplete, you can contact Equifax for free and we will look into it.

Which credit score is the hardest?

The highest credit score you can have on the most widely used scales is an 850. For common versions of FICO and VantageScore, the scale ranges from 300 to 850 and lenders typically consider anything above 720 excellent credit.

Why are my 2 credit scores so different?

If you've ever checked your credit score on different websites, you may notice they vary. ... Most credit scores weigh the same factors, such as payment history, utilization rate, length of credit history, number of new inquiries and variety of credit products.

Why is Credit Karma so far off?

Credit Karma receives information from two of the top three credit reporting agencies. This indicates that Credit Karma is likely off by the number of points as the lack of information they have from Experian, the third provider that does not report to Credit Karma.

Why is my Equifax score lower than Experian?

This is due to a variety of factors, such as the many different credit score brands, score variations and score generations in commercial use at any given time. These factors are likely to yield different credit scores, even if your credit reports are identical across the three credit bureaus—which is also unusual.

What banks pull Equifax only?

PenFed Credit Union is the only loan company that uses only your Equifax credit data. In most cases, you won't be able to determine beforehand which credit bureaus your lender will use. In some cases, lenders will pull your credit report from two or even all three major credit bureaus.

Which credit score is used the most?

The most widely used credit scoring model is the FICO 8, which is used by the three largest credit bureaus, Equifax, Experian, & TransUnion (The Big Three). Scores range from 300 (very poor) to 850 (exceptional). When your score is high you have better opportunity for lower lending rates.

How do I raise my Equifax?

  1. How To Raise Your Credit Score Fast. Find Out When Your Issuer Reports Payment History. ...
  2. Find Out When Your Issuer Reports Payment History. Call your credit card issuer and ask when your balance gets reported to the credit bureaus. ...
  3. Pay Down Debt Strategically. ...
  4. Pay Twice a Month. ...
  5. Raise Your Credit Limits. ...
  6. Mix It Up. ...
  7. Bottom Line.

Which of the 3 credit scores is usually the lowest?

The FICO® Score , which is the most widely used scoring model, falls in a range that goes up to 850. The lowest credit score in this range is 300. But the reality is that almost nobody has a score that low. For the most part, a score below 580 is considered "bad credit." The average FICO® Score in the U.S. is 704.

What is a good credit score 2020?

For a score with a range between 300 and 850, a credit score of 700 or above is generally considered good. A score of 800 or above on the same range is considered to be excellent. Most consumers have credit scores that fall between 600 and 750.

How much can I borrow with a 800 credit score?

The average mortgage loan amount for consumers with Exceptional credit scores is $208,977. People with FICO® Scores of 800 have an average auto-loan debt of $18,764.

How much do I need to make to buy a 300k house?

This means that to afford a $300,000 house, you'd need $60,000.

How much can you borrow with 720 credit score?

With fixed-rate conventional loans: If you have a credit score of 720 or higher and a down payment of 25% or more, you don't need any cash reserves and your DTI ratio can be as high as 45%; but if your credit score is 620 to 639 and you have a down payment of 5% to 25%, you would need to have at least two months of ...

Is 683 a Good credit score?

A FICO® Score of 683 falls within a span of scores, from 670 to 739, that are categorized as Good. ... 21% of U.S. consumers' FICO® Scores are in the Good range. Approximately 9% of consumers with Good FICO® Scores are likely to become seriously delinquent in the future.