Why Is My Credit Score Different on Different Sites?

Building credit takes time and patience, but it can help to check your credit score to see how it changes over time. When you do, you'll find that your credit score can be slightly higher (or lower) based on the site you use to check it, which credit scoring model is being used, which credit bureau is reporting the score, and other factors. 

Since having a different credit score through different platforms is completely normal, there's no reason to be alarmed. We break down all the factors that lead to you having different credit scores below. 

Key Takeaways

• Credit scores can vary based on the scoring model being used, the credit bureau supplying the score, new information on your credit reports, and when you check your score. 
• Most of the time, having a slightly different credit score across different platforms and credit bureaus is totally normal.
• That said, significant differences in your credit scores with the three different credit bureaus could indicate errors in reporting or the early signs of identity theft.

Why Do I Have Different Credit Scores?

You're only one person, so why should you have several different credit scores? If you use a few different websites to check on your credit health, you may find that you have two different credit scores or three different scores. 

The reasons below explain why having multiple credit scores is normal, and how you can effectively manage your credit either way.

Different Credit Scoring Models 

First, you should know that there are many different credit scoring models, some of which you have never heard of. The two main credit scoring models are FICO and VantageScore, and even those two credit scoring models branch off to offer different scores of their own. 

As an example, FICO offers FICO® Score 8, FICO® Score 9 and a range of FICO scores created specifically for auto lenders, bankcard lenders and alternate purposes. Meanwhile, VantageScore has used VantageScore 1.0, VantageScore 2.0, VantageScore 3.0 and VantageScore 4.0 throughout the company's history.

That being said, the most popular FICO and VantageScore credit scores used right now include FICO® Score 8, FICO® Score 9 and VantageScore 4.0. Here's a rundown of the factors used to come up with credit scores using both FICO and VantageScore models.

FICO® Score 8 and FICO® Score 9 Factors

• Payment history: 35%
• Amounts owed: 30%
• Length of credit history: 15%
• Credit mix: 10%
• New credit 10%

VantageScore 4.0 Factors

• Payment history: 41%
• Depth of credit: 20%
• Credit utilization: 20%
• Recent credit: 11%
• Balances: 6%
• Available credit: 2%

Also note that changes made within the scoring models over time can impact your score. For example, FICO reports that the more updated FICO® Score 9 doesn't take third-party collections (including medical bills) into account, and that your rental history can be factored into this type of credit score.

Ultimately, these are reasons you may have a different FICO score on different websites. It all depends on the version of the score the website you're checking uses. 

Different Credit Bureaus and Credit Reports

Also remember there are three major credit bureaus that assign credit scores in the first place — Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. These three credit bureaus can determine you have a slightly different score based on the information in your credit reports. 

“Your credit report is a summary of your credit movements (payment history, account balances and more) that is maintained and updated by each credit bureau.”

Reasons you may have different scores with different credit bureaus include:

• Credit bureau preference: Lenders are not obligated to report your balances, payment history and other information to all three credit bureaus. This means your credit reports can look different across the three credit bureaus.
• Timing: Lenders and other creditors can report your updated credit history at different times of the month. This can impact how your credit score looks with each credit bureau when it is updated. 
• Lender decisions: Different lenders decide to use different credit reports or rely on one specific credit bureau for their own reasons, which is another reason your credit score could be different. 

Different Dates

As we alluded to above, timing can play a significant role in how your credit score looks. If you check your credit score with different websites or even the same website 30 days apart, it's rather likely you'll see different scores even when the same credit scoring model is being used.

Here's how dates impact your scores.

• Credit score updates:  Credit scores typically update at least once a month, which means you can see your score go up or down around every 30 days.
• New information: Credit scores update in response to new information on your credit reports, and remember that lenders and other creditors can report their information any time of the month they prefer.
• Daily credit changes: If you happen to check your credit score one day before it is updated with any of the credit bureaus, you can even see your credit score change from one day to the next.

Which of My Credit Scores is Most Important?

The most important credit score is whatever score a lender checks when you apply for a loan. If you apply for a personal loan for good credit or a personal loan for excellent credit, for example, the credit bureau the lender uses — and the type of credit score they rely on — will determine your fate.

That said, FICO scores are used by 90% of top lenders and typically considered the most important credit scores to worry about and track.

How Do I Know Which Of My Credit Scores Lenders Will Look At?

It would be nice if you could know which credit score lenders prefer before you apply for a loan. However, tracking your credit for the purpose of qualifying for a loan isn't that easy. 

That said, you can get an idea of the credit score used by lenders based on the type of financial product you're applying for.

• Lenders supplying auto loans often rely on industry-specific scores.If you apply for a car loan, you may find your lender uses the FICO® Auto Score 9 or FICO® Auto Score 8 to check your creditworthiness.
• There are also FICO scores used by credit card companies. For example, credit card companies may look at your FICO® Bankcard Score 9 or FICO® Bankcard Score 8 scores.
• Mortgage lenders also use different scores. FICO scores frequently used by mortgage lenders include FICO® Score 2, FICO® Score 4, and FICO® Score 5.
• Some lenders don't use any of these scores, or consider several of them. Like it or not, but many lenders use proprietary scoring models or look at multiple different credit scores before approving you for financing.

How to Check Your Credit Score

If you're wondering how to check your credit score, this is another question that has more than one answer. The fact is, there are numerous ways to check your credit score for free, or for a fee. Just note that, when you check your credit score with any or all of these options, your scores will look different with each.

Check Your Credit Score With Credit Bureaus

Each of the three credit bureaus lets you check your credit score in some way, although their offers vary:

• Equifax: Equifax offers a free credit score with no credit card required through its Equifax Core Credit program.
• Experian: Experian also offers a free monthly FICO score without requiring you to enter your credit card details.
• TransUnion: You can get a look at your TransUnion credit report if you sign up for the bureau's credit monitoring service.

Check Your Credit Score With Credit Scoring Services

There are also a range of websites that let you look at your credit score for free, although many ask for something in return. Also remember that, when you are offered a free credit score in exchange for sharing your information, you are the product. This means your information is likely being used for marketing purposes in some way, shape or form.

“When you get a free credit score in exchange for your information, you are the product.”

Websites that let you see your credit score for free include:

• Credit.com: This platform lets you access your Experian credit score and a "Credit Report Card" at no cost to you.
• Credit Karma: Credit Karma lets you access free VantageScore 3.0 credit scores from Equifax and TransUnion.
• Credit Sesame: This website lets you see a credit score that is based on the VantageScore® 3.0 scoring model.  
• FreeCreditScore.com: This website is offered by Experian, so it's no wonder it lets you see your FICO score with Experian.
• Mint: This free budgeting software lets users check out their VantageScore credit score.
• NerdWallet: Nerdwallet lets you see a credit score that's based on VantageScore® 3.0 and your TransUnion® credit report data.
• WalletHub: WalletHub also lets you see your credit score for free, but it doesn't specify which type you'll see.

Check Your Credit Score With Lenders

Many banks and credit card issuers give you a look at your credit score for free, often on your monthly statement or even within their mobile apps. In some cases, you don't even need to be a customer to qualify. 

If you have an account with any of the following companies, see if they are offering you a free credit score.

• American Express: Get a free credit score through American Express® MyCredit Guide, even if you're not an American Express customer.
• Bank of America: Bank of America credit card customers can see a free credit score in their online account or through the Bank of America mobile app.
• Capital One: The Capital One CreditWise program lets you see a free credit score and track your credit progress, even if you're not a customer.
• Chase: Chase Credit Journey offers a free credit score to anyone who signs up.
• Citi: Select Citi credit cards offer a free FICO score that's updated for free, which can be accessed online or through the brand's mobile app.
• Discover: Discover cardmembers get access to a free FICO score.
• U.S. Bank: If you have a U.S. bank credit card, you can monitor your credit score through the U.S. Bank mobile app or online banking.
• Wells Fargo: The Credit Close-Up program from Wells Fargo is available to its online customers, and it offers a look at the FICO® Score 9 from Experian.

How To Manage Your Credit

When you consider all the different ways you can get a credit score and all the different scoring models and credit bureaus there are, it becomes very clear why you have different credit scores on different sites. But, just because you have different credit scores doesn’t mean you have no control over your credit. The fact is, the same steps can be used to boost your credit score no matter what:

• Monitor your credit score over time. Keep an eye on your credit score with any of the platforms we suggest with the full knowledge your score can look different with different sites.
• Check your credit reports regularly. Your credit reports are different from your credit score, and you should read over your credit reports every few months to check for reporting errors that could harm your score. Fortunately, you can do this for free with all three credit bureaus at AnnualCreditReport.com.
• Pay all your bills early or on time. Your payment history is the most important factor that determines your FICO and VantageScore credit scores, so you'll want to avoid late payments at all costs.
• Keep debt levels at a minimum. How much debt you have also plays a role in both major types of credit scores. Most experts suggest keeping your debt levels below 10% to 30% of your available credit for the best results. 
• Avoid applying for too much new credit. New credit also impacts your credit scores, so don't apply for new credit cards or loans without a good reason.
• Actively work on building credit. If you're trying to build credit for the first time, see if credit-building products like secured credit cards or credit-builder loans make sense for you.

Final Word

Why is your credit score different on different websites? For the most part, it's because there are multiple credit scoring models, three different credit bureaus assigning scores their own way, and a range of other factors that cause credit scores to fluctuate over time. 

At the end of the day, the fact you have different scores doesn't really matter, nor will it hurt you. All you can do is focus on improving your credit so all your credit scores increase over time.