Why is My Credit Score Different on Different Sites?

When you check your credit score online, you may be surprised to find that your score isn't the same across all websites. This can leave you wondering: Why is my credit score different on different sites? 

Your credit score is determined by several factors, and by different formulas. If you’ve paid your bills on time and not used too much credit, your score will usually be very high. If you've been late or gotten in over your head, you may have a lower credit score. But you can improve it after taking steps such as getting debt relief, and paying off what you owe.

This guide will help you understand why there's so much variation in scores, and how this could impact your finances.

This article contains general information for educational use. Freedom Debt Relief isn't a credit repair organization and doesn't provide, or offer, services or advice to repair, modify, or improve your credit

 Why Is My Credit Score Different Across Sites? A Quick Explanation

Your credit score varies because:

• Scores change. Your credit history is updated regularly, so your score can change often.

• Credit reports differ. Not all creditors report to all credit bureaus.

• Score models vary.  FICO® and VantageScore® use different formulas.

• Scores scores. Scores are tailored to different loan types.

• Errors. Mistakes in credit reports can impact scores.

Top 5 Reasons Credit Scores Are Different

Why is my credit score different on different sites? This phenomenon can be chalked up to a combination of factors. Here are a few of the reasons you might get different results when you look up your credit score in different places. 

#1: Credit scores change over time

Each time you check your credit score, that score is a snapshot of your history with credit accounts. Since the information on your credit report changes when creditors send in new data, your score can (and does) change regularly. 

So how often do credit scores update? Typically, at least monthly, but they may change much more often if you use a variety of financial products. It depends on how often your creditors report to credit bureaus, and on what days they report.

Here's how different actions could affect your scores. 

• Opening a new credit card could trigger an inquiry, which can reduce your credit score.

• Adding a different type of debt, such as adding a loan when you've only had credit cards, could increase your score.   

• Charging too much on one of your cards could increase your credit utilization, causing your score to drop.

• Paying off a credit card balance could improve your credit utilization and boost your score.

It's also worth noting that there are multiple factors that impact how much these actions affect your score. For example:

• The passage of time makes a difference in how inquiries affect your credit. Inquiries over one year old don't count against your credit score. 

• Having older accounts can have a positive impact. 

• Your credit scores can change when information falls off your credit report. Most negative information can stay on your credit report for seven years (some, such as bankruptcy, may stay longer). 

• Disputing credit report errors could improve your score if the error is corrected or removed. 

Frequent changes to your credit score can be a little frustrating if you're trying to pin down your score to apply for a loan. But it's a good reminder that the way you manage credit and debt can influence your score in the short and long term. 

Pro tip: Checking your own credit scores won't affect it. 

#2: The credit bureaus collect different information

Credit bureaus collect information about your borrowing behavior and use this information to calculate your credit scores. So, if you're wondering “why is my credit score different on different sites,” it's because not every credit bureau gets all of the same information. Their information comes from your creditors and from public records.

Some lenders report credit accounts to all three credit bureaus, but others report to just one or two. And it's possible that a lender may not report to the credit bureaus at all, so those accounts never get factored into your score calculations.

Whether a lender has reported your information to a particular bureau can make a big difference in how your scores work out. If you've made every payment to your car loan on time but your lender only reports to one credit bureau, your positive payment history won't count in your score calculations with the other two. 

#3: There are different credit scoring models

Credit scores are calculated using different formulas (the credit bureaus call them models). The two most popular models are FICO and VantageScore. The models consider a combination of factors to determine where you fall on the credit score range. While they are similar, there are also important variations in how they use the factors.

What are FICO Scores?

FICO is the most widely used credit scoring model, and FICO scores range from 300 to 850 (the highest credit score possible). This model was developed by the Fair Isaac Corporation and calculates credit scores based on:

• Payment history: 35% of your score

• Credit utilization: 30% of your score

• Credit age: 15% of your score

• Credit mix: 10% of your score

• Credit inquiries: 10% of your score

What are VantageScores?

VantageScores were developed by the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. VantageScores also range from 300 to 850, but the formula is different from FICO. 

The table below shows how VantageScore 3.0 and VantageScore 4.0 are determined. 

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Guide to Credit Scores

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FICO Score vs. Credit Score – What Is the Difference?

FICO vs. VantageScore

Since each model is calculated differently, you probably will end up with different credit score results depending on whether you're looking at your FICO or VantageScore.

VantageScores tend to be slightly lower than FICO scores because of how they're weighted, even though they may rely on the same information from your credit reports. For instance, it’s possible to have a 750 FICO score and a 680 VantageScore. 

Which scores do lenders rely on the most?  FICO scores are the industry standard, and 90% of lenders use them for credit decisions. That doesn't mean your VantageScores don't matter, but FICO scores tend to get more attention. 

Pro tip: Paying on time is the best way to improve or maintain your credit scores. 

#4: Different products use different credit scores

As mentioned, FICO is the most widely used credit scoring model. But that doesn't mean you have just one FICO score. In fact, there are multiple versions of FICO that generate different scores. For instance, there are product-based FICO scores for things like:

• Auto loans

• Credit cards

• Mortgage loans

You can have one (or in some cases, more than one) of each of these credit scores with each credit bureau. There are also newer-generation FICO scores that are released periodically. 

VantageScore also updates its scoring model periodically.

Pro tip: If you're planning to apply for a loan, getting preapproved could give you an idea of what terms the lender will offer.

#5: Errors could affect your score 

Credit report errors can drag your score down. Common credit report errors include:

• Accounts that belong to someone with the same name as you

• Payment information that's inaccurately reported

• Incorrect account balances or credit limits

• Accounts resulting from identity theft

Checking your credit reports regularly is the best way to spot errors. If you find a mistake on your credit history, you have the right to dispute it with the credit bureau that reported it. 

All three credit bureaus allow you to initiate a credit error dispute online. Once you submit a dispute, the credit bureau must investigate your claim. If the credit bureau finds an error, they have to either remove or correct it. And if they determine that there are no errors on your record when you think there’s a mistake, they have to tell you why.

Disputes could help raise your credit score if you're able to get inaccurate information updated. Keep in mind that you shouldn't dispute negative information if it's accurate.

Which Credit Score Matters Most?

The most important question is not why is my credit score different on different sites. Instead, consider which credit score matters most. 

For lending purposes, the credit score that matters most is the one the lender uses to make loan decisions. More lenders rely on FICO scores than VantageScores for credit approval. Before you apply, you could ask the lender which credit report and credit score they use. They aren’t obligated to tell you, but some share this information.

When you check your own credit, it might be an “educational” credit score that isn’t exactly what lenders see. In most cases, this won’t matter. Educational credit scores help consumers track their financial progress, catch errors, and head off fraud.

There are many sources of credit scores, from credit monitoring sites to credit card issuers (check your statement) and consumer education sites. You can also get your report and score from the credit reporting agencies themselves. Make sure that you understand which scores you’re getting and the cost of receiving them.