In a nutshell: You may see different credit scores because there are multiple scoring models, and each credit bureau may report slightly different information at different times. This is completely normal — but understanding why it happens can help you make smarter financial decisions.
At CreditVana, we give you free access to your credit scores from all three major bureaus — Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion — so you always see the full picture, not just part of it.
Why Your Credit Scores May Differ
There are a few common reasons your credit scores may not match:
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Different Scoring Models
Dozens of credit scoring models exist, each weighing your credit history a little differently. For example, a lender might use FICO® Score 8, while another uses VantageScore 4.0. -
Different Credit Reports
Not every lender reports to all three bureaus. That means one bureau may be missing information that affects your score. -
Timing of Updates
Credit card balances, payments, or new accounts may be reported at different times. If one bureau updates before the others, your scores can be temporarily out of sync. -
Errors or Omissions
Mistakes on your report can create unexpected differences. That’s why monitoring all three bureaus is essential.
What Is a FICO® Score?
The FICO Score, developed by the Fair Isaac Corporation in 1989, is the most widely used credit score in lending. FICO has many different scoring models tailored for specific purposes, like auto loans, mortgages, and credit cards.
Your FICO Score looks at factors such as:
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Payment history (35%)
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Amounts owed (30%)
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Length of credit history (15%)
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New credit (10%)
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Credit mix (10%)
What Is a VantageScore?
Introduced in 2006 by Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion, VantageScore is another leading scoring model. Unlike FICO, you can generate a VantageScore with just one month of history, making it helpful for people new to credit.
VantageScore 3.0 and 4.0 use similar factors as FICO but weigh them slightly differently. For example, VantageScore 3.0 puts 40% weight on payment history compared to FICO’s 35%.
Credit Score Ranges
Think of your credit score as a financial report card. Both FICO and VantageScore range from 300 to 850, with higher scores signaling stronger credit health.
| Score Range | FICO | VantageScore 3.0 |
|---|---|---|
| Excellent | 800–850 | 781–850 |
| Very Good | 740–799 | N/A |
| Good | 670–739 | 661–780 |
| Fair | 580–669 | 601–660 |
| Poor | < 580 | 300–600 |
Which Credit Score Is Most Accurate?
There’s no single “most accurate” score. The important thing to remember is:
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All scores are based on your credit reports.
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Different lenders use different models.
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Your best strategy is to focus on the underlying behaviors — paying bills on time, keeping balances low, and avoiding unnecessary debt.
Where to Check Your Credit Scores for Free
With CreditVana, you can check your credit scores from all three major bureaus — Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion — in one place, for free. We also give you tools to:
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Track changes in real time.
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Get AI-powered insights on what’s helping or hurting your score.
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Dispute errors quickly and easily.
Unlike sites that show only one or two scores, CreditVana gives you the complete view of your credit health.
FAQs About Credit Score Differences
Why are my scores sometimes 100 points apart?
Large gaps often mean that one bureau hasn’t received the same updates as the others, or an account isn’t being reported to all three. It could also indicate errors worth disputing.
Why are my TransUnion and Equifax scores different?
Not all lenders report to both, and updates may hit one bureau earlier than the other. This is why monitoring all three reports matters.
Is CreditVana’s score the same lenders use?
CreditVana shows you all three bureau scores so you see what lenders see. While each lender may use a slightly different model, your scores will generally be in the same range if your credit reports are accurate and up to date.
CreditVana Takeaway
It’s completely normal to have different credit scores — what matters most is monitoring them regularly and understanding the factors that drive them. With CreditVana, you’ll never be left guessing which version a lender is seeing. You’ll have 3-bureau coverage, AI-powered insights, and personalized tips to build and protect your financial future.
