Why are my credit scores different?

Woman wonders why credit scores differ between different agenciesImage: Woman wonders why credit scores differ between different agencies

In a Nutshell

You may have different credit scores because there are many different credit scores and scoring models. Credit bureaus may also have different information or information submitted at different times.
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You have many different credit scores because there are many different credit-scoring models. Each provides a slightly different snapshot of your financial health.

This can sometimes be confusing, but it’s normal for your credit scores to differ slightly — or even more noticeably based on the different information reported to the three main credit bureaus (and even the timing of when that information is reported).

Credit Karma provides free credit scores based on the VantageScore 3.0 credit scoring model from two of the main credit bureaus: Equifax and TransUnion.   

Below we’ll go into more detail about why your credit scores may be different, as well as the other factors lenders may consider when evaluating your application.



Why are my credit scores different?

There are a few reasons why you might get different credit scores from each of the three major credit-reporting agencies (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion). Here are some of the most common situations.

  1. Scores are calculated using different scoring models. Keep in mind, there are dozens of credit-scoring models out there that may calculate your score a little differently.
  2. Scores are calculated using different credit reports. Some lenders report to all three major credit agencies, but others report to only one or two. This means a credit agency may be missing information that helps or hurts your score.
  3. Scores are from different dates. Your scores might change at any time, so it’s important to consider when the information was reported. For example, your credit card balances may look different depending on when the information was reported to different bureaus.

We also recommend you periodically check your credit reports for errors, which could affect your scores. You can check your Equifax and TransUnion credit reports for free on Credit Karma, and your Experian report on AnnualCreditReport.com.

What is a FICO® score?

The Fair Isaac Corporation introduced the first general-purpose credit score in 1989. Known as the FICO Score, it filters through information in your credit reports to calculate your score.

FICO has dozens of scoring versions, including ones that are unique for credit cards, mortgages and auto lending decisions. FICO scoring models are widely used, but VantageScore also is used by many top banks and lenders.

Why do my FICO credit scores differ?

FICO periodically updates its credit-scoring models so there are multiple FICO score versions. Each of these models has a unique formula that places importance on different factors to cater to a variety of financial situations.

Credit card issuers, mortgage lenders or auto lenders may all look emphasize different elements of your credit history.

If you’ve had a car repossessed or missed a payment on an auto loan, for example, your FICO Auto Score may put extra weight on those factors. Your base FICO Score will likely also account for a missed car payment, but it may be weighted differently.

Remember that while your scores may vary, they’re all based on the information provided by the credit-reporting agencies. So focusing on what’s in your credit reports could help you build your credit across the board.

How is FICO different from VantageScore?

The other main scoring model you’ll see is VantageScore. The three major credit bureaus teamed up in 2006 to create the independently managed firm VantageScore Solutions.

Though the models go up to VantageScore 5.0, VantageScore 3.0, is still widely used and is the score that you can view for free via Credit Karma.

One advantage of the VantageScore 3.0 scoring model is that you may be able to generate a credit score with just one month of credit history, which makes it very helpful for those trying to establish credit quickly. 

FICO requires you to have at least one account opened for six months or more and at least one account reported to the credit bureaus within the previous six months to generate a credit score.

As you can see in the table below, VantageScore 3.0 has similar score factors as FICO® Score 8. For example, both emphasize payment history and how much of your credit you use.But keep in mind that lenders will typically consider other factors as well when evaluating your application such as employment history, income and even current economic factors.

Credit score factors: FICO vs. VantageScore

FICO® Score 8VantageScore 3.0
Payment history: 35%Payment history: 40%
Amounts owed: 30%Age and type of credit: 21%
Length of credit history: 15%Percentage of credit limit used: 20%
New credit: 10%Balance: 11%
Credit mix: 10%New credit: 5%
Available credit: 3%

Credit score ranges

Think of your credit scores as a report card that gauges what lenders might refer to as your “creditworthiness.” The most common scores range from 300 points to 850 points. In general, the higher your score, the better your chances of getting approved for credit cards or loans with more favorable terms, including lower interest rates and fees.

Credit score rangeVantageScore 3.0FICO
Excellent781–850800–850
Very goodN/A740–799
Good661–780670–739
Fair601–660580–669
Poor500–600< 580
Very poor< 500

Which credit score is most accurate?

There is no such thing as a “most accurate” credit score given the number of different credit scores and credit scoring models out there. Remember that each credit score is created using a unique scoring model that weighs certain credit factors differently.

No matter what score a lender uses, keeping your payments on-time, limiting opening new lines of credit, and trying to minimize debt when possible can help keep your credit in a solid place.


Next steps

It can be difficult to keep track of all your credit scores with so many different scoring models out there — not to mention how each score changes over time.

Credit Karma provides you with your free Vantage 3.0 score from TransUnion and Equifax. 

You can also check your Equifax and TransUnion credit reports on Credit Karma as often as you’d like without generating a hard inquiry that could potentially lower your scores.

Checking your reports regularly can help you monitor your credit and spot potential errors that may occur.

FAQs about why credit scores differ

How far off is Credit Karma from FICO?

The scoring model used for VantageScore 3.0, which is the score you see when logged into Credit Karma, has many similarities with FICO® Score 8. Both use a 300-to-850-point scale with an emphasis on payment history and credit utilization, but VantageScore 3.0 only requires a month of credit history to generate a score in comparison to at least six months required by FICO.

Why are my credit scores 100 points different?

Given how many scoring models are out there, it’s possible for credit scores to differ slightly. If you notice a larger difference like 100 points, you may want to check if a lender or credit card issuer is reporting your payments to each of the three credit bureaus. Not all lenders do. You also may want to check your three credit reports for errors and dispute errors as needed.

Why are my TransUnion and Equifax scores so different?

The VantageScore 3.0 scores visible on Credit Karma come from TransUnion and Equifax, two of the three major credit bureaus. Keep in mind that not every lender reports to both bureaus. It is also possible that the score you are seeing from one bureau has been updated more recently, which could lead to a difference in scores. It’s always a good idea to check both reports regularly for accuracy.


About the author: Tim Devaney is a personal finance writer and credit card expert at Credit Karma. He’s a longtime journalist who prides himself on being a good storyteller who can explain complex information in an easily digestible wa… Read more.