Why is my Experian score higher than TransUnion?

Asked by: Emelia Deckow  |  Last update: February 9, 2022
Score: 4.9/5 (34 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.

Why is my Experian score 100 points higher than TransUnion?

If you have an installment loan that reports only to Experian, your Experian credit score may be very different Equifax and TransUnion. Delinquencies reported on a loan reported on one credit report, but not the others, is the most common reason why you'll see wide credit score discrepancies, like 100 points.

Is Experian better than TransUnion?

While both TransUnion and Experian have some similarities, Experian offers a more robust suite of consumer services. It also reveals your FICO Score 8—the score most lenders use—which can give you a better idea of what lenders see than the VantageScore that TransUnion provides.

Is Experian credit score 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.

Is Experian higher or lower than TransUnion?

The most popular credit score is the FICO score, which is the one used by most lenders. ... If a collection shows up on Experian, but not the other two bureaus, you Experian credit score will be lower than your TransUnion and Equifax scores.

Why Equifax, Experian, and Transunion Have Different Scores

15 related questions found

Why is my Experian score so much higher?

Credit scoring models consider information from your credit reports that falls into one of five categories: payment history, amounts owed, age of credit, new accounts/inquiries and credit mix. The better you manage credit in each of these categories, the higher your scores.

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.

Can Experian be trusted?

Experian is trusted by millions of consumers and businesses and is safe to use. Their free and premium services are readily available but with several layers of protection to shield your information from fraudsters.

Why is my Experian score different?

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 is Credit Karma score different than Experian?

While Experian compiles your credit report and determines your credit score, Credit Karma simply shows you credit scores and report information from Equifax and TransUnion. Think of it this way — Credit Karma is like a newspaper that writes about the credit scores other companies give you.

Which credit score 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. It is important to check a reputable, accurate credit score because there are more than 1,000 different types of credit scores floating around.

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.

Does using Experian lower credit score?

Dear KWS, Ordering your own credit report and credit score will not hurt your credit scores or have any effect on lending decisions.

Which of the 3 credit scores is usually the highest?

For both the VantageScore and base FICO® score models, the lowest score is 300 and the highest credit score is 850. But even if you have pretty good credit habits, don't be surprised if you check your scores and find that you're below 850. Perfect credit scores can seem to be inexplicably out of reach.

When buying a house which credit score is used?

The commonly used FICO® Scores for mortgage lending are: FICO® Score 2, or Experian/Fair Isaac Risk Model v2. FICO® Score 5, or Equifax Beacon 5. FICO® Score 4, or TransUnion FICO® Risk Score 04.

Why is my FICO score 100 points lower than Credit Karma?

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 VantageScore® 3.0 on Credit Karma will likely be different from your FICO Score that lenders often use.

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.

Does Experian ask SSN?

A Social Security number (SSN) is helpful when compiling your credit history because it is the only identifier uniquely assigned to each U.S. consumer. Experian will ask for it when you order your own credit report to help ensure that we provide you a complete and accurate report.

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.

Should I give my Social Security number to Experian?

Experian doesn't match information to a person's credit history using only the Social Security number. Experian matches information using all of the identification information provided by the lender, so the account will be accurately shown in your report, even if no Social Security number is provided.

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 credit bureau is most accurate in South Africa?

At the centre of the South African economy for more than 100 years, TransUnion Credit Bureau maintains data on 18 million consumers and 3.3 million businesses, keeping updated consumer payment profiles on more than 36 million consumers monthly.

Is 700 a good credit score to buy a house?

A conventional mortgage is often best for those with a credit score of 700 or higher. (Generally, the credit score requirement is 620 and above.) Benefits of a conventional loan include: Buy a house with as little as a 3% down payment.

What credit score do FHA lenders use?

FHA Loan Down Payments

Your credit score is a number ranging from 300 to 850 that's used to indicate your creditworthiness. An FHA loan requires a minimum 3.5% down payment for credit scores of 580 and higher. If you can make a 10% down payment, your credit score can be in the 500 – 579 range.

Does Experian do a hard pull?

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requires the credit bureaus (Experian, TransUnion and Equifax) to inform consumers when a creditor or other business entity performs a hard inquiry, or "hard pull," on your credit report. They do this by noting the inquiry in your credit file.