Individual checking credit score on an iPad
Why Do I Have 3 Credit Scores?
Credit Score
6/5/2018
1 min. read
By: FCU Team
It’s easier than ever before to find out your credit score. Companies are now providing day-to-day updates on credit score changes through websites and mobile apps, letting you track fluctuations in your score and changes on your report practically in real time. But it can be confusing to learn you have multiple scores depending on where you look.
There are 3 different credit bureaus that lenders report to, but not every lender has to report to all three. This means one bureau may have a different number of hard inquiries than the others, and since the number of hard inquiries affects your overall score, this might explain differences in your score from bureau to bureau. Your score can also vary depending on what time of the month you check your reports. Some lenders may report to the different bureaus at different times, which means the information already reported for one score may not have been accounted for yet in a different score.
Plus, each of the different bureaus weigh data differently to come up with their version of your score. See below for how the three bureaus weigh the factors that produce their credit scores:
There are 3 different credit bureaus that lenders report to, but not every lender has to report to all three. This means one bureau may have a different number of hard inquiries than the others, and since the number of hard inquiries affects your overall score, this might explain differences in your score from bureau to bureau. Your score can also vary depending on what time of the month you check your reports. Some lenders may report to the different bureaus at different times, which means the information already reported for one score may not have been accounted for yet in a different score.
Plus, each of the different bureaus weigh data differently to come up with their version of your score. See below for how the three bureaus weigh the factors that produce their credit scores:
Equifax Scoring Model
- Payment history: 35%
- Credit Utilization: 30%
- Type of credit used: 15%
- New credit: 10-12%
- Length of credit history: 5-7%
See more information on Equifax Score Model.
TransUnion Scoring Model
- Payment History: 40%
- Credit Utilization: 20%
- Length of Credit history: 21%
- Total balances 11%
- New credit: 5%
See more information on TransUnion Scoring Model.
Experian Scoring Model
- Payment history: 35%
- Credit Utilization: 30%
- Length of credit history: 15%
- New Credit: 10%
- Types of credit used: 10%
See more information on Eperian Scoring Model.
Still have questions about your credit report? Let Florida Credit Union help! Stop by your local FCU branch for a FREE credit report analysis from one of our Member Service Specialists. They can help guide you through the process of correcting mistakes found on your report, credit counseling, and more.