Why is my Equifax score lower than FICO?

Asked by: Miss Megane Kuphal Jr.  |  Last update: February 9, 2022
Score: 4.4/5 (61 votes)

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.

Is FICO score higher than Equifax?

What is the difference between credit scores from Equifax and credit scores from FICO? ... The Equifax credit score model uses a numerical range between 280 and 850, and FICO score models use a range between 300 and 850. In both cases, higher credit scores indicate lower credit risk.

Is FICO the most accurate credit score?

For over 25 years, FICO Scores have been the industry standard for determining a person's credit risk. Today, more than 90% of top lenders use FICO Scores to make faster, fairer, and more accurate lending decisions. Other credit scores can be very different from FICO Scores—sometimes by as much as 100 points!

Why is my FICO score higher than my credit score?

When the scores are significantly different across bureaus, it is likely the underlying data in the credit bureaus is different and thus driving that observed score difference. ... So, make sure the credit scores you are comparing are actual FICO Scores. The FICO scores should be accessed at the same time.

Why is Equifax score so different?

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.

Why Your Equifax Credit Score Is Lower Than Transunion

18 related questions found

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.

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 FICO score to buy a house?

It's recommended you have a credit score of 620 or higher when you apply for a conventional loan. If your score is below 620, lenders either won't be able to approve your loan or may be required to offer you a higher interest rate, which can result in higher monthly payments.

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 there a difference between credit score and FICO score?

FICO® Scores and credit scores can be the same thing—but FICO® also creates different products, and other companies create credit scores. You can think of a credit score as the general name for a computer model that analyzes consumer credit reports to determine a score.

Is Equifax A FICO score?

The FICO® Score provided is based on the FICO® Score 8 using Equifax data. Third parties may use a different FICO® Score or a different type of credit score to assess your creditworthiness.

Is Equifax more accurate 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.

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.

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.

What FICO model does Equifax use?

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)

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.

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.

How do I raise my Equifax score?

Steps to Improve Your Credit Scores
  1. Build Your Credit File. ...
  2. Don't Miss Payments. ...
  3. Catch Up On Past-Due Accounts. ...
  4. Pay Down Revolving Account Balances. ...
  5. Limit How Often You Apply for New Accounts.

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.

Is a FICO score of 8 good?

FICO 8 scores range between 300 and 850. A FICO score of at least 700 is considered a good score. There are also industry-specific versions of credit scores that businesses use. For example, the FICO Bankcard Score 8 is the most widely used score when you apply for a new credit card or a credit-limit increase.

What should my credit score be to buy a car?

The recommended credit score needed to buy a car is 660 and above. This will typically guarantee interest rates under 6%.

Why is my Equifax score higher 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.

Why is my FICO score lower than my credit score?

Maxing out credit cards, paying late, and applying for new credit haphazardly are all things that lower FICO scores. More banks and lenders use FICO to make credit decisions than any other scoring or reporting model.

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.