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If you’re applying for a loan and check your credit score online, you might see different numbers on different sites - one shows 720, another says 690, and yet another lists it as 705. Confused? You’re not alone! Many people wonder why their credit score varies across different websites.
The truth is, multiple factors influence credit scores, and different companies calculate them using slightly different formulas.
Let’s get to know all these in simple terms so you can understand why this happens.
What are the Types of Credit Scores?
A credit score is a three-digit number that represents your creditworthiness - essentially, how reliable you are when it comes to borrowing and repaying money. Lenders use this number to determine whether they should approve your loan or credit card application and what interest rates to offer you. A higher credit score means lower risk for lenders, which can lead to better financial opportunities for you.
There isn’t just one universal credit score. In fact, different models and agencies calculate credit scores in slightly different ways. So, what are the main types of credit scores you should know about? Let’s take a closer look at the most common ones:
- FICO 2/4/5 - Mortgage Scores
- Vantage 3 or 4 - Consumer Score
- FICO 8 or 9 - Consumer Score
1. FICO® 2/4/5 – Mortgage Scores
These are the credit scores most commonly used by mortgage lenders. Each number represents a specific version of the FICO score based on data from different credit bureaus:
- FICO 2 from Experian
- FICO 4 from TransUnion
- FICO 5 from Equifax
Mortgage lenders use all three to get a well-rounded view of your credit history. These scores focus heavily on factors like payment history, debt levels, and credit length, making them ideal for assessing long-term financial responsibility.
2. FICO Score 8 or 9 – Consumer Scores
These versions are commonly used by lenders for credit cards, personal loans, and auto loans—not mortgages.
- FICO 8 is the most widely used for everyday lending.
- FICO 9 is a newer version that handles medical debt more leniently and considers rental history (if reported).
These scores give consumers insight into their general credit health, but they may not reflect what a mortgage lender sees.
3. VantageScore 3 or 4 – Consumer Scores
Developed by the three major credit bureaus, VantageScore is often used by credit monitoring apps and free credit score services.
- VantageScore 3.0 and 4.0 both range from 300 to 850 and use similar factors as FICO (payment history, credit usage, etc.).
However, these scores are not typically used by mortgage lenders and can often differ significantly from your actual FICO mortgage scores.
A Credit Score Range Chart
Understanding where your credit score falls can help you gauge your financial standing. Here’s a general breakdown of credit score ranges:
What Are the 5 Factors That Affect Your Credit Score?
Understanding what impacts your credit score can help you maintain a strong financial standing. Here are the five key factors:
- Payment History (35%) – Your track record of making on-time payments is the biggest factor in determining your score.
- Credit Utilization (30%) – How much credit you use compared to your total available credit. Keeping this below 30% is ideal.
- Credit History Length (15%) – The longer you’ve had credit accounts open, the better it is for your score.
- Credit Mix (10%) – Having a variety of credit types (credit cards, mortgages, auto loans) can positively impact your score.
- New Credit Inquiries (10%) – Applying for too much credit at once can temporarily lower your score.
Why Are My Credit Scores Different on Different Sites?
There are a few reasons why your credit score might not be the same everywhere:
- Different Credit Bureaus – Your credit information is collected by three main bureaus: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. Not all lenders report to all three, so your score may vary depending on which bureau’s data a site is using.
- Different Scoring Models – Apart from FICO®, there are other scoring models, like Vantage Score. Different models weigh credit factors differently, resulting in score variations.
- Timing Differences – Your credit report is updated periodically. If one site pulls your score before an update and another pulls it after, you’ll see differences.
- Industry-Specific Scores – Some lenders use industry-specific scores. For example, an auto lender might use a credit score model designed for car loans, which may differ from the score you see on a general credit monitoring site.
- Customized Scoring Criteria – Some banks and lenders tweak scoring formulas based on their risk preferences, which can also lead to discrepancies.
The higher your score, the better the financial opportunities you’ll have. Aim for at least a “Good” credit score to enjoy lower interest rates and better loan terms.
How Do Mortgage Credit Scores Work?
When you apply for a mortgage, lenders don’t just look at one credit score. They check your scores from all three major credit bureaus - Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Since each bureau might give a slightly different score, lenders use a simple method: they toss out the highest and the lowest and go with the one in the middle. This “middle score” becomes your official credit score for the mortgage.
If two people are applying together, like a couple, the process adds one more step. Each person still gets a middle score, but the lender will use the lower one between the two. It might seem strict, but it helps lenders make safe and fair decisions. That’s why it’s smart to check your scores ahead of time and make sure both borrowers are in good shape before applying.
Instant Credit Boost with Altgage
If you need a quick credit score boost, Altgage can help. Altgage offers a rapid credit boost plan with an 80% success rate, helping you improve mortgage outcomes quickly. Best of all, it’s a free service! Some strategies for an instant boost include:
- Paying Down Credit Card Balances – Lowering your credit utilization ratio can quickly increase your score.
- Becoming an Authorized User – If someone with a high credit score adds you as an authorized user on their credit card, your score may see an instant lift.
- Checking for Credit Report Errors – If your score is lower than expected, an error on your credit report might be the reason. Disputing incorrect information can lead to an increase.
📈Pro Tip: How to Boost Your FICO Score Fast with Altgage
Altgage provides you with customized game plans based on real-time credit data, helping you make smart financial moves that result in fast, measurable score increases. Whether you're preparing for a mortgage application or simply want better financial leverage, these plans are designed to maximize your credit score potential with precision.
To proceed with a rescore, we require a balance letter from your creditors that includes the following:
- Your full name
- At least 4 consecutive digits of the acct number
- Your current balance
- Must be on official creditor letterhead or, if it's a statement, it must display the creditor's logo
- Must be dated within the last 30 days
- The letter must not include any payment contingency clauses. Ex: If payment is declined or returned for any reason, the letter will be null and void.
⚠️ Heads-up: This process typically takes 5 to 7 business days and is limited to one rescore per file, so it’s best to be strategic. Once your goal score is reached, further rescores through this process may not be allowed.
If your credit score differs across various sites, don’t panic! It’s completely normal due to different scoring models, credit bureaus, and timing variations. Instead of stressing over slight differences, focus on improving key credit factors, like making timely payments, keeping debt low, and managing accounts wisely. By doing so, you’ll maintain a strong credit profile no matter which site you check!
Now that you understand why your credit score varies, you can confidently manage your finances and work towards a higher, healthier score!
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