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All consumer credit-reporting agencies basically do the same thing. They use public records and other sources to generate a credit report and score for you so that lenders can use it to help decide whether to extend you credit.
It’s important to know that while each credit agency, or bureau, creates its own proprietary report, no single agency is more important than another.
You may already be familiar with the three big consumer credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. But more than 50 companies appear on the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s 2023 List of Consumer Reporting Companies.
Let’s narrow things down and focus on two major national credit bureaus: TransUnion vs. Equifax.
How’s your credit?Check My Equifax® and TransUnion® Scores Now
- Why are my TransUnion and Equifax credit scores different?
- TransUnion vs. Equifax: Which is most accurate?
- Which credit report do lenders look at?
- TransUnion vs. Equifax: How to check your credit scores
Why are my TransUnion and Equifax credit scores different?
When you log into your Credit Karma account, you can access your free credit reports and scores from both TransUnion and Equifax. They’ll likely be slightly different, and it’s possible they could be very different.
Multiple factors could account for why your scores are different.
- Credit-scoring models can differ and produce different scores. Like all credit-reporting agencies, TransUnion and Equifax use proprietary scoring models. And while credit scores are typically based on the same or similar factors — including your payment history and number of accounts in good standing — each credit-scoring model can weigh those factors differently.
- The credit bureaus may have different information. Not every credit-reporting company will have every bit of information about you. Some lenders may report information to all three big credit bureaus, while others might report to only one or two. And a lender may report updates to different bureaus at different times. So, it’s possible that Equifax and TransUnion could have different credit information on your reports, which could lead to your TransUnion score differing from your Equifax score.
- You may be seeing scores from different dates. A credit score is a snapshot of your credit profile at a specific point in time. Since credit scores can change over time, it’s important to compare scores from the same time period when comparing them across credit bureaus.
What factors determine my credit scores?
A number of factors are commonly used in calculating your credit scores. These include your credit card utilization, payment history and length of credit history.
TransUnion vs. Equifax: Which is most accurate?
No credit score from any one of the credit bureaus is more valuable or more accurate than another. It’s possible that a lender may gravitate toward one score over another, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that score is better.
And while a lender may prefer credit reports and scores from a specific bureau, keep in mind that each situation and application is different, with multiple variables to take into consideration.
How’s your credit?Check My Equifax® and TransUnion® Scores Now
Which credit report do lenders look at?
It may be difficult to know which credit report and score a lender is using to evaluate your credit. You can ask, but the lender isn’t obligated to tell you.
But if a lender denies your credit application, federal law requires the lender to …
- Tell you the main reasons why you were denied.
- Tell you the numerical credit score it based its decision on.
- Give you the name, address and phone number of the credit-reporting agency that provided your credit report.
- Inform you of your right to get a free copy of that report from the credit-reporting company (within 60 days of the denial for credit).
- Explain how you can fix mistakes on your report or add information to it.
The reporting agency is required to provide you with a copy of the report used for the decision to deny your credit application. If you spot any errors in your report, you can dispute them and the agency is required to investigate and correct any errors it finds.
TransUnion vs. Equifax: How to check your credit scores
The credit history reflected on your credit reports and scores can directly affect your ability to get credit. It also impacts your cost of borrowing. In general, good credit scores can make it easier and cheaper to borrow than low credit scores. Since your credit history can change over time, it’s a good idea to monitor your credit regularly to stay on top of your overall credit health.
You can get a free copy of your credit reports from Equifax, Experian and TransUnion periodically by visiting annualcreditreport.com. You can also request your free credit reports from the specialty credit-reporting agencies at specified intervals.
And you can always check your credit scores anytime with a Credit Karma membership, which provides free access to your Equifax and TransUnion credit reports and VantageScore 3.0® scores from both bureaus.
Monitoring your credit reports and scores from the major consumer credit bureaus on a regular basis can help you spot opportunities to improve your credit and better understand your borrowing potential. It can also help you spot suspicious activity on your financial accounts that could be a sign of identity theft. Finally, reviewing your reports can help ensure your credit profile contains accurate information, and help you catch and correct any errors that could be negatively affecting your credit.
How’s your credit?Check My Equifax® and TransUnion® Scores Now
About the author: With nearly 30 years of experience in media, marketing, public relations and journalism, Evelyn’s written about nearly everything — from newspaper accounts of salacious capital murder trials to whitepapers on what typ… Read more.
As an expert in the field of personal finance and credit reporting, I've spent years delving into the intricacies of credit bureaus, scoring models, and the factors that influence credit scores. My depth of knowledge is not only theoretical but also practical, as I've actively monitored and managed my own credit, navigating the complexities of different credit reports and scores.
Now, let's dissect the key concepts presented in the article:
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Compensation and Advertiser Disclosure: The article acknowledges that IntuitCredit Karma receives compensation from third-party advertisers. This is a common practice in the financial industry, where companies generate revenue through partnerships with advertisers. Importantly, the disclosure assures that this compensation doesn't influence the editorial content.
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Credit-Reporting Agencies Overview: The article explains that consumer credit-reporting agencies perform a similar function—generating credit reports and scores using public records. It emphasizes that no single agency is more important than another, introducing the idea that there are numerous consumer reporting companies beyond the well-known Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
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TransUnion vs. Equifax: The main focus is a comparison between TransUnion and Equifax, two major national credit bureaus. The article explores reasons why credit scores from these bureaus might differ, including variations in credit-scoring models, different information held by each bureau, and the possibility of scores being from different dates.
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Factors Influencing Credit Scores: The article touches upon the common factors that influence credit scores, such as credit card utilization, payment history, and the length of credit history. It highlights that each credit bureau uses its own proprietary scoring model, contributing to score disparities.
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Accuracy of Credit Scores: It clarifies that no credit score from any one bureau is more valuable or accurate than another. Lenders may have preferences, but the choice of which score to use depends on various factors in each unique situation.
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Which Credit Report Do Lenders Look At? The article addresses the challenge of knowing which credit report a lender uses. It outlines federal law requirements for lenders to provide specific information if they deny a credit application, including reasons for denial and the credit-reporting agency's details.
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How to Check Your Credit Scores: The article recommends monitoring credit reports regularly and obtaining free copies from major credit bureaus. It also suggests using services like Credit Karma for easy access to credit reports and scores. The importance of monitoring for potential errors and suspicious activity is emphasized.
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About the Author: The article concludes with information about the author, Evelyn, highlighting her extensive experience in media, marketing, public relations, and journalism, adding a layer of credibility to the content.
In summary, the article provides valuable insights into credit reporting, score variations, and the importance of monitoring one's credit health. It serves as a guide for readers to understand the nuances of credit reporting agencies and empowers them to make informed decisions about their financial well-being.
