In a Nutshell
VantageScore 4.0 is a common credit scoring model that lenders may use to evaluate your credit. There are many credit scoring models and versions, but VantageScore 4.0 stands out for its use of trended data and machine learning.VantageScore 4.0 is a common credit scoring model produced in collaboration by the three main credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion).
VantageScore 4.0 uses machine learning and trended data to provide what it says is a completer and more accurate picture of your financial health.
This allows the model to score millions more people, including people with limited credit history, by analyzing patterns of behavior over time rather than just a snapshot.
We’ll review more about how VantageScore 4.0 works and how it compares to other credit scoring models, such as VantageScore 3.0. (The model Credit Karma uses to provide free credit scores you can check daily from Equifax and TransUnion.)
- How VantageScore 4.0 works
- Credit score factors: VantageScore 4.0 vs. VantageScore 3.0
- Who uses the VantageScore 4.0 model?
- How to check your VantageScore
- Next steps: How to monitor your credit
- FAQs about the VantageScore 4.0 scoring model
How VantageScore 4.0 works
Credit scoring models analyze information in your credit reports to generate a three-digit score, which helps lenders evaluate your financial behavior and the likelihood of you repaying debt.
There are many different credit scoring models, including several VantageScore models developed by VantageScore Solutions, a collaboration among the three main credit bureaus. FICO also provides dozens of different scoring versions that are commonly used during lending decisions.
One of VantageScore 4.0’s key differentiators is its use of trended data, which means it analyzes up to two years’ worth of patterns in credit behavior, not just a single point in time. This offers a more complete picture of your financial habits.
The model has also revised how certain negative entries are considered. Tax liens and civil judgments carry less weight than in previous models. And medical collection accounts are disregarded.
The model has revised how certain negative entries are considered. For example, medical debt and collections are excluded from VantageScore 4.0 credit score calculations.
But keep in mind that practicing good credit habits, such as making full, on-time payments, remains strongly influential when it comes to your credit scores, no matter which model.
VantageScore 4.0 vs. other scoring models
Both VantageScore 4.0 and many other models, such as VantageScore 3.0 — which is the scoring model you’ll see when checking your scores from Equifax and TransUnion on Credit Karma — share the same credit score ranges of 300 to 850. But VantageScore 4.0 has several unique characteristics.
VantageScore 4.0 is the first and only credit scoring model to use trended credit data from all three major credit reporting bureaus.
This allows it to look at your financial habits over time — like consistent payments or how you pay down debt — instead of just a single snapshot, giving lenders a more complete picture of your credit behavior.
VantageScore 4.0 also uses proprietary machine learning to develop credit scores for people with limited credit histories. This allows the model to score millions of people who typically wouldn’t get a score from other models, providing more data points for assessments for this group.
VantageScore 4plus
Building on VantageScore 4.0, VantageScore 4plus incorporates traditional credit data with information from linked bank accounts. This integration can offer financial institutions a more comprehensive assessment of a person’s credit health.
VantageScore 5.0
VantageScore 5.0 is trained on post-pandemic consumer loan data to capture more granular insights into real-time credit behaviors and historical trends — especially for consumers with limited, new or inactive credit histories.
Credit score factors: VantageScore 4.0 vs. VantageScore 3.0
While VantageScore 4.0 and VantageScore 3.0 use many of the same credit factors to generate your credit score, they assign different levels of importance to them. With VantageScore 4.0, you’ll see increased emphasis on payment history and new credit, with less weight given to overall balances.
| Credit factor | VantageScore 4.0 | VantageScore 3.0 |
|---|---|---|
| Payment history | 41% | 40% |
| Age and type of credit | 20% | 21% |
| Credit utilization | 20% | 20% |
| Balances | 6% | 11% |
| New credit | 11% | 5% |
| Available credit | 2% | 3% |
You have many unique credit scores based on dozens of credit-scoring models. You’ll likely see slightly different scores for each of them because each model weighs data differently. And keep in mind that not every lender reports your credit information to every credit bureau.
Who uses the VantageScore 4.0 model?
Many lenders and banks use the VantageScore 4.0 model to evaluate applications for financing such as auto loans, personal loans and credit cards.
The Federal Housing Finance Agency also is requiring VantageScore 4.0 for all mortgages sold to or guaranteed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac starting in the fourth quarter of 2025.
It’s worth noting that financial institutions may use multiple scoring models, or proprietary ones, including those from VantageScore and FICO. This helps lenders get a more complete understanding of your financial standing.
And keep in mind that lenders also typically consider other factors such as income, debt and employment history when evaluating your application.
How to check your VantageScore
While VantageScore 4.0 is a common scoring model used by lenders, it’s not necessarily the version you’ll see when checking your own credit scores.
Some websites or financial institutions do provide access to your VantageScore 4.0. If that’s not available, VantageScore says that checking your VantageScore 3.0 scores offers a similar snapshot of your credit health.
Credit Karma offers your free VantageScore 3.0 credit scores from Equifax and TransUnion.
Next steps: How to monitor your credit
It’s a good idea to keep an eye on your credit scores and credit reports regularly so you can quickly spot any errors or signs of fraud. You can regularly request a free copy of your credit report from each of the major credit bureaus at annualcreditreport.com. You may also want to consider credit monitoring services, such as Credit Karma’s free tool. These digital tools typically provide alerts about important changes to your credit reports, empowering you to detect suspicious activity, freeze your credit and report fraud sooner.
FAQs about the VantageScore 4.0 scoring model
VantageScore and FICO are distinct credit scoring models that use different methods to calculate scores, so your numbers will likely vary. While many lenders use a version of your VantageScore scores to evaluate your credit, many also use other scoring models such as FICO or their own proprietary methods.
A VantageScore of 700 is generally considered a good credit score. For VantageScore, credit scores from 661 to 780 (on a scale of 300 to 850) are in the “good” range. Keep in mind that you have many different credit scores, and each provides a slightly different snapshot of your financial health.
It’s common to see differences between your various FICO scores and your VantageScore scores because they use distinct scoring models and versions developed by different companies. Each model has its own proprietary algorithm, weighing aspects of your credit health, like payment history or credit utilization, differently. These differences can make some scores higher or lower than others. And keep in mind that not all lenders report your payments to each credit bureau, which can account for some larger fluctuations.