Why is My FICO® Score Different than Other Scores? (2024)

Help Home Online & Mobile Banking FICO® Scores Why is my FICO® Score different than other scores I’ve seen?

FAQ

Why is my FICO® Score different than other scores I’ve seen?

There are many different types of credit scores available to consumers and lenders. FICO® Scores are the credit scores used by most lenders, but different lenders may use different versions of FICO® Scores and some lenders (including Regions) may use different versions of FICO® Scores for different credit products, as discussed more fully here.

Additionally, FICO® Scores are based on credit report data from a particular consumer reporting agency, so differences in your credit reports between credit reporting agencies may create differences in your FICO® Scores. The FICO® Score being made available to you through this service is the score provided by TransUnion. Scores provided by Experian and/or Equifax will likely vary due to differences in the customer’s credit reports with those credit reporting agencies. When reviewing a score, take note of the score date, consumer reporting agency that provided the credit report for the score, and score type.

FICO is a registered trademark of Fair Isaac Corporation in the United States and other countries.

Regions Bank and Fair Isaac are not credit repair organizations as defined under federal or state law, including the Credit Repair Organizations Act. Regions Bank and Fair Isaac do not provide "credit repair" services or advice or assistance regarding "rebuilding" or "improving" your credit record, credit history or credit rating.

Why is My FICO® Score Different than Other Scores? (2024)

FAQs

Why is My FICO® Score Different than Other Scores? ›

FICO® Scores are the credit scores used by most lenders, but different lenders may use different versions of FICO® Scores and some lenders (including Regions

Regions
Regions Financial Corporation is a member of the S&P 500 Index and is one of the nation's largest full-service providers of consumer and commercial banking, wealth management and mortgage products and services. Regions serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas.
) may use different versions of FICO® Scores for different credit products, as discussed more fully here.

Which FICO score is more accurate? ›

Simply put, there is no “more accurate” score when it comes down to receiving your score from the major credit bureaus.

How close is the FICO score to the credit score? ›

Is "credit score" the same as "FICO® score"? Basically, "credit score" and "FICO® score" are all referring to the same thing. A FICO® score is a type of credit scoring model. While different reporting agencies may weigh factors slightly differently, they are all essentially measuring the same thing.

Why is my FICO score 100 points different? ›

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.

What is more important, FICO or credit score? ›

"For years, there has been a lot of confusion among consumers over which credit scores matter. While there are many types of credit scores, FICO Scores matter the most because the majority of lenders use these scores to decide whether to approve loan applicants and at what interest rates."

Which FICO do most lenders use? ›

While most lenders use the FICO Score 8, mortgage lenders use the following scores:
  • Experian: FICO Score 2, or Fair Isaac Risk Model v2.
  • Equifax: FICO Score 5, or Equifax Beacon 5.
  • TransUnion: FICO Score 4, or TransUnion FICO Risk Score 04.
Jan 18, 2024

How can I find my true credit score? ›

There are a few main ways to get your credit scores.
  1. Check your credit card or other loan statement. Many major credit card companies and other lenders provide credit scores for their customers. ...
  2. Talk to a nonprofit counselor. ...
  3. Use a credit score service.
Oct 19, 2023

What is my credit rating if my FICO score is 700? ›

Achieving a credit score of 700 officially places you in the good credit score category, although it does fall slightly below the average. In April 2021, the average FICO score was listed as 716 following a generally upward trend in average credit scores over the past 10 years.

Is a FICO score of 8 good or bad? ›

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.

How to boost FICO score? ›

6 easy tips to help raise your credit score
  1. Make your payments on time. ...
  2. Set up autopay or calendar reminders. ...
  3. Don't open too many accounts at once. ...
  4. Get credit for paying monthly utility and cell phone bills on time. ...
  5. Request a credit report and dispute any credit report errors. ...
  6. Pay attention to your credit utilization rate.

Why is my FICO score so different from my other scores? ›

FICO® Scores are the credit scores used by most lenders, but different lenders may use different versions of FICO® Scores and some lenders (including Regions) may use different versions of FICO® Scores for different credit products, as discussed more fully here.

What credit score is needed to buy a car? ›

The credit score required and other eligibility factors for buying a car vary by lender and loan terms. Still, you typically need a good credit score of 661 or higher to qualify for an auto loan. About 69% of retail vehicle financing is for borrowers with credit scores of 661 or higher, according to Experian.

Is Credit Karma or FICO more accurate? ›

Your Credit Karma score should be the same or close to your FICO Score, which is what any prospective lender will probably check. The range of your credit score (such as “good” or “very good”) is more important than the precise number, which will vary by source and edge up or down often.

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 mortgage payments.

Is a 900 credit score possible? ›

Highlights: While older models of credit scores used to go as high as 900, you can no longer achieve a 900 credit score. The highest score you can receive today is 850. Anything above 800 is considered an excellent credit score.

Do car dealerships use FICO? ›

The two big credit scoring models used by auto lenders are FICO® Auto Score and Vantage. We're going to take at look at FICO® since it has long been the auto industry standard.

Is FICO usually higher or lower than Credit Karma? ›

Your Credit Karma score should be the same or close to your FICO score, which is what any prospective lender will probably check. The range of your credit score (such as "good" or "very good") is more important than the precise number, which will vary by source and edge up or down often.

Why is my FICO score so much higher than my Equifax score? ›

Highlights: Although your credit scores may vary, the differences don't mean that any of the scores are inaccurate. Your credit scores might be different based on which credit reporting agency your lender uses.

Which FICO score is usually the lowest? ›

What is the lowest credit score possible? Most of the credit scores that lenders use in the United States, including most versions of the FICO Score, range from 300 to 850. Therefore, most financial professionals generally accept that 300 is the lowest credit score a consumer can have.

Is Experian or FICO more reliable? ›

There isn't one “more accurate” report. The most accurate report in any individual case is the one that has the most complete information. Creditors don't have to report to any of the credit bureaus, and they certainly aren't required to report to all of them. Some lenders only report to one or two of the bureaus.

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