Why is my Equifax score lower than Experian?

Asked by: Estella Nicolas  |  Last update: February 9, 2022
Score: 4.3/5 (62 votes)

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.

Which is more accurate Experian or Equifax?

2 Experian has a slight edge over Equifax because it tends to track recent credit searches more thoroughly. Experian breaks down a credit report into sections, which include the following: Personal information including past addresses. Employment.

Why is Equifax the lowest score?

The reason that your Equifax score is lower than your TransUnion score is based on the fact that TransUnion adds personal information and employment data that is weighted into their model. The other two only report the name of your employer and do not add any weight to that fact.

Is Equifax lower or higher than Experian?

The main difference is Experian grades it between 0 – 1000, while Equifax grades the score between 0 – 1200. This means that there is not only a clear 200 point difference between these two bureaus but the “perfect scores” are also different, which is 1000 as reported by Experian and 1200 as reported by Equifax.

Which credit reporting agency is most accurate?

FICO scores are used in over 90% of lending decisions making the FICO® Basic, Advanced and Premier services the most accurate for credit score updates.

Why Equifax, Experian, and Transunion Have Different Scores

41 related questions found

Is Equifax score accurate?

Equifax: Which is most accurate? No credit score from any one of the credit bureaus is more valuable or more accurate than another. It's possible that a lender may gravitate toward one score over another, but that doesn't necessarily mean that score is better.

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.

Why is my credit score so different between Equifax and 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.

Is Experian usually the lowest score?

Credit scores help lenders evaluate whether they want to do business with you. 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.

Do lenders use Experian 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)

How can I increase my Equifax score?

  1. Pay credit card balances strategically. ...
  2. Ask for higher credit limits. ...
  3. Become an authorized user. ...
  4. Pay bills on time. ...
  5. Dispute credit report errors. ...
  6. Deal with collections accounts. ...
  7. Use a secured credit card. ...
  8. Get credit for rent and utility payments.

Why is my Equifax score lower than credit karma?

Why are my credit scores from Credit Karma different from scores I got somewhere else? We pull your VantageScore 3.0 credit scores directly from TransUnion and Equifax. ... One big reason why you may have different scores is that the three credit bureaus may have differing information about you.

Can you dispute a credit score drop?

Filing a Dispute

If it seems like more involved error, contact the three major credit bureaus directly file a dispute. Technically, you have two options when filing a dispute: you can contact either the credit bureau, or you can contact the data furnisher (the company that provides information to each bureau).

Which credit bureau usually has the lowest score?

The credit bureau that gives the lowest FICO or Vantage score tends to be the one that lenders use the most in your geographic area. Lenders typically slice the pie (between Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) at the three-digit zip code level.

Which credit score is most important?

Your Credit Score Is The Most Important Score You Should Know
  • Payment History – this is the most important and accounts for 35% of your FICO 8 Score. ...
  • Credit Usage – the amount of credit you are using accounts for 30% of your credit score. ...
  • Length of Credit History – A long credit history accounts for 15% of your Score.

What is the most accurate credit score app?

5 Best Credit Score Monitoring Apps of 2022
  1. Credit Karma. CreditKarma. According to users, Credit Karma's scores are close to their actual FICO scores. ...
  2. Credit Sesame. Credit Sesame. Free identity theft protection and financial advice at your fingertips. ...
  3. Mint. Mint. ...
  4. CreditWise by Capital One. CreditWise. ...
  5. myFICO. myFICO.

Are Experian scores accurate?

Is Experian Accurate? Credit scores from the credit bureaus are only as accurate as the information provided to the bureau. ... If it is, your Experian credit scores are accurate. If your credit report is not accurate, you'll want to look into your credit repair options.

Which is better Experian TransUnion or Equifax?

Based on our analysis, Experian provides the best service for the money. The actual service level is comparable with Equifax, but the subscription price is $10 per month lower than Equifax. That applied to both individuals and family plans. TransUnion is bringing up the rear among the three.

Is Experian the highest credit score?

Most credit scoring systems use a scale that ranges from 300 to 850. There are, however, some credit scoring models that go up to 900 or 950, including industry-specific scores used by certain institutions. Working your way up to an 850 credit score might sound appealing, but it isn't necessary.

Which is more important Equifax or 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.

How often does Equifax update?

Your Equifax credit report is checked as often as every 7 days. Depending on several factors, such as your credit activity and what lenders report to the credit bureaus, you may see a score change and updates at different frequencies.

Why is my FICO score so much lower than my TransUnion and Equifax?

This is mainly because of two reasons: For one, lenders may pull your credit from different credit bureaus, whether it is Experian, Equifax or TransUnion. Your score can then differ based on what bureau your credit report is pulled from since they don't all receive the same information about your credit accounts.

What is a bad Equifax credit score?

Credit score ranges vary based on the credit scoring model used, but are generally similar to the following: 300-579: Poor. 580-669: Fair. 670-739: Good.

Why is Equifax higher?

They are: payment history, amounts owed, length of credit history, new accounts and types of credit. But there have been changes in the number of points assigned to the various calculations within these categories. Those formula tweaks are injected into an increasing number of scores.

Is 893 a good credit score?

An 893 credit score is excellent. Before you can do anything to increase your 893 credit score, you need to identify what part of it needs to be improved, plain and simple. And in order to identify what needs to be improved, you should probably be aware of all the things that count and don't count towards your score.