Learn the key factors affecting your scores and how to interpret the differences accurately

Your credit scores might be different due to the scoring model, credit bureau data, score version, and timing. Discover why variations occur and how they impact you. used or the errors on your credit report.

If you’ve ever checked your credit score and noticed inconsistencies, learn why they happen, what affects your scores, and how to interpret the differences. And you’re left wondering,

Why are my credit scores different across different sites?

Luckily, a slight difference in scores typically doesn’t have a huge impact on qualifying for new lines of credit. The important thing is that the same general information is evaluated across all credit agencies. 

In this guide, learn why your credit scores may differ, when to worry about discrepancies, and which scores lenders prioritize when making decisions.

Why are my credit scores different?

When checking your credit score, different sites may show different scores. Learn why this happens and how various factors impact your credit score results. For example, some third-party sites report scores from TransUnion, and TransUnion generally uses the Vantage Score 3.0 credit scoring model. Most banks offer free credit score access, but they typically use the FICO scoring model. Learn how this impacts your score and what it means for you. When you check your credit score for free through your bank, it may differ from the score a lender sees. Learn why variations occur and what matters most.

Credit score differences come down to the scoring model used. Explore the key differences between FICO and Vantage Score and how they impact your credit.

FICO score vs. Vantage Score  

While credit scoring models use similar factors, their impact on your score varies. Learn how different models calculate your credit and why scores differ.

Your FICO score is based on factors like payment history, credit usage, credit history length, new accounts, and credit mix. Learn how each affects your score. Learn how each impacts your score.

Payment history (35 percent)

Amount owed (30 percent)

Length of credit history (15 percent) 

New credit (10 percent) 

Credit mix (10 percent)

The factors impacting your Vantage Score are: 

Total credit usage, balance, and available credit are extremely influential factors in your credit score. Learn how they impact your overall credit health.

Credit mix and experience (highly influential) 

Payment history (moderately influential)

Age of credit history and new accounts are less influential but still impact your credit score. Learn how they factor into your overall credit health.

The information used in each credit scoring model is the same, but certain factors carry more weight than others. Learn how this affects your credit score. Payment history is the biggest factor in your FICO score but only moderately influential in your Vantage Score. Learn how scoring models weigh factors differently.

6 reasons your credit scores are different 

Now that we know what each credit scoring model considers, let’s explore why your credit scores can differ and what factors influence these variations.

1. Your score was calculated using a different scoring model

Your credit score may vary depending on whether it’s calculated using the FICO or Vantage Score model. Learn how differences in calculations impact your score. If you’re late on a payment, your FICO score may drop significantly, while your Vantage Score might not be affected as much. Learn how scoring models differ.

2. Information varies between credit bureaus

Credit scores are based on credit report data from three bureaus, but lenders aren’t required to report to all. Learn why your scores may differ across bureaus. Because of this, each of the three bureaus can have different information on its reports, resulting in a potential difference in scores. 

For example, if Experian had a record of a payment you missed but the other bureaus didn’t, a score based on your Experian report would likely be lower than one based on the other bureaus’ reports. 

3. Different credit score version

Beyond different credit score models like FICO and Vantage Score, multiple versions exist. Learn how these variations impact your credit score. For example, FICO uses different scores depending on the type of loan you’re applying for. If you’re applying for an auto loan, the lender may look at your FICO Auto Score. Or, if you’re applying for a credit card, credit card issuers may look at your FICO Bankcard Score. 

If you’re applying for one of these loans, you’ll want to know your industry-specific scores beforehand. 

While FICO Score 8 is the most widely used, lenders choose which score to assess your creditworthiness. 

4.Learn how credit score versions evolve over time.

 When a new version is rolled out, some lenders may be slow to adopt the latest versions. Credit score differences can occur due to updated scoring models and timing. As new data is reported to credit bureaus, your score constantly changes. Learn why.

If your credit score was calculated before new data was reported, it may differ from a later score. Learn how timing impacts your credit score updates.

5. There are errors on your credit report 

As mentioned, lenders don’t always choose to report to all three credit bureaus. Errors or inaccuracies on one credit report but not others can cause differences in your credit scores. Learn how to spot and fix discrepancies. If this is the case, you’ll want to dispute these errors to avoid further impact to your credit. 

When checking your credit report, review key factors like payment history, credit utilization, account accuracy, and errors that may impact your credit score.

Late payments and charge-offs

New accounts

Increases in card balances 

Decreases in card balances 

Hard inquiries 

Collections 

6. You have different names or have changed your name

Name variations, like misspellings or name changes after marriage, can lead to different credit information across reports. Learn how this impacts your credit score.

Credit bureaus typically catch and merge differences into your primary report, ensuring accurate credit information. Learn how this process affects your score. One credit bureau may catch accounts linked to different names while another may not, leading to score differences. Learn how to resolve these discrepancies. Name discrepancies can cause differences in credit scores if some bureaus are missing your information. Learn how to correct errors and maintain accuracy.

Which credit score matters to lenders? 

While each lender has its own way of assessing creditworthiness, FICO remains one of the most widely used credit scoring models. Learn why it matters. n fact, the top 90 U.S. Most lenders rely on the FICO scoring model when making lending decisions. Learn why FICO scores matter and how they impact your credit approvals. FICO is the most widely used scoring model, but lenders may use others. Learn why monitoring all your scores matters and when score differences should concern you. Generally speaking, these differences of a few points are too small to impact your ability to get approved for credit. 

If your credit scores show significant differences, it may signal an issue that needs attention. Learn what steps to take to address discrepancies. What does “significantly different” mean? A significant credit score difference can impact loan approvals. If one model rates you as good and another as poor, your borrowing chances may vary. Learn why. Your credit score can vary significantly depending on which provider supplies it to the lender. Learn how different sources impact your credit evaluation. This isn’t a risk you want to take with loan applications, so it’s better to address the problem. 

Whatever the reason, you’ll want to identify the issue and try to get it resolved so your credit score stays strong. You can do this by accessing each credit report and analyzing it for errors and discrepancies. If your credit reports show inconsistencies, you can file a dispute or request a rapid rescore when applying for a mortgage. Learn how to correct errors quickly.

If you need a complete credit review or are ready to work to improve your credit, consider the credit assessment offered by Cent Savvy. This free assessment provides your credit score, a credit report summary, and personalized credit repair recommendations. Take control of your credit today! Get started today. At centssavvy.com