FICO vs VantageScore
Why you have different scores
You have multiple credit scores and they aren't the same. Most free credit apps show VantageScore. Most real lenders pull FICO.
Both scores use the same underlying data (your credit reports) but weight the factors differently. That's why Credit Karma says 720 while your lender tells you 690.
Focus on FICO. That's what 90% of lenders use.
Key points
- FICO is the industry standard. Used by about 90% of major lenders. Ranges 300 to 850. This is the score that matters for mortgages or business loans.
- VantageScore is the free version. Credit Karma, Credit Sesame, and similar apps. Same 300 to 850 range, different weights.
- The gap is usually 10 to 40 points. VantageScore tends to be more generous. Don't celebrate a 720 if your FICO is actually 685.
- Get your real FICO free. Discover, Chase, and Citi show it in your online account. Use that, not the Credit Karma number.
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