There are three main credit scores that are used by lenders and credit reporting agencies to evaluate an individual’s creditworthiness:
- FICO Score: The FICO credit score is the most widely used credit score in the United States. It is developed by the Fair Isaac Corporation and ranges from 300 to 850, with higher scores indicating a lower risk of default. FICO scores are based on the information in an individual’s credit report, including their payment history, credit utilization, length of credit history, credit mix, and new credit.
- VantageScore: The VantageScore is a credit scoring model developed by the three major credit reporting agencies (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion). It also ranges from 300 to 850, with higher scores indicating a lower risk of default. VantageScores are based on similar factors as FICO scores, but the specific formula used to calculate the score may differ.
- TransUnion Credit Score: TransUnion, one of the three major credit reporting agencies, also provides its own credit scores to consumers. These scores, which range from 300 to 850, are based on the information in an individual’s credit report and are intended to help consumers understand their creditworthiness.
It’s important to note that lenders may use different credit scores or multiple credit scores to evaluate an individual’s creditworthiness. Additionally, credit scores can vary depending on the credit scoring model and the specific credit reporting agency, so it’s possible for an individual to have different credit scores from different sources. To maintain a good credit score, it’s important to manage your debts responsibly and monitor your credit report to ensure that the information it contains is accurate and up-to-date.