why is TransUnion lower each month than the other two Agencies (2024)

FAQs

Why is TransUnion lower each month than the other two Agencies? ›

why is TransUnion lower each month than the other two Agencies. TransUnion uses their own scoring model (VantageScore) so there is going to be some variability.

Credit scoring models can weigh certain information in your reports more heavily than other credit score factors. For example, one scoring model may put more emphasis on total credit usage than others. Because there are varied scoring models, you'll likely have different scores from different providers.

That is because the TransUnion credit scoring model is usually stricter than other ones. They take into consideration many credit factors such as your personal information, employment history, credit history, credit limits, financial story, and so on, which further makes it lower.

Keep in mind there are many scoring models. Each one varies, and lenders may use a score that is different from the one that you get from TransUnion or from another source. You'll likely find that the score you see in one place is different from another.

Why did my credit score change? Scores can change when information is added or removed from your credit report, like when you apply for credit or miss a payment. Continuing to make on-time payments and keeping balances low may result in a positive impact to your score.

Neither your TransUnion or Equifax score is more or less accurate than the other. They're just calculated from slightly differing sources. Your Equifax credit score is likely lower due to reporting differences. Nonetheless, a “fair” score from TransUnion is typically “fair” across the board.

A very poor credit score is in the range of 300 – 600, with 601 – 660 considered to be poor. A score of 661 – 720 is fair. And an excellent score is in the range of 781 – 850.

An Equifax credit score isn't used by lenders or creditors to assess a consumers' creditworthiness. Instead, many lenders use FICO Scores® to help determine a potential borrower's creditworthiness. FICO uses credit scores from the three reporting agencies, including Equifax and Transunion, to determine their score.

Although Experian is the largest credit bureau in the U.S., TransUnion and Equifax are widely considered to be just as accurate and important. When it comes to credit scoring models, however, there is a clear winner: FICO® Score is used in roughly 90% of lending decisions.

Is a 900 credit score possible? ›

While achieving a CIBIL Score of 900 is technically possible, it is extremely rare. Scores above 760 are considered very good or exceptional, providing significant benefits such as lower interest rates and higher chances of loan approval.

FICO scores are generally known to be the most widely used by lenders. But the credit-scoring model used may vary by lender. While FICO Score 8 is the most common, mortgage lenders might use FICO Score 2, 4 or 5. Auto lenders often use one of the FICO Auto Scores.

The credit score used in mortgage applications

While the FICO^® 8 model is the most widely used scoring model for general lending decisions, banks use the following FICO scores when you apply for a mortgage: FICO^® Score 2 (Experian) FICO^® Score 5 (Equifax) FICO^® Score 4 (TransUnion)

It could raise your credit utilization

Credit utilization — the portion of your credit limits that you are currently using — is a significant factor in credit scores. It is one reason your credit score could drop a little after you pay off debt, particularly if you close the account.

Generally speaking, there is no set date each month when you can expect your credit scores to be updated. It all depends on when your lender sends information to the credit bureaus, when those bureaus update their reports and when credit scoring companies use those reports to update their scores.

Mortgage lenders pull all three credit reports

According to Darrin English, a senior community development loan officer at Quontic Bank, mortgage lenders request your FICO scores from all three bureaus — Equifax, Transunion and Experian. But they only use one when making their final decision.

The credit bureaus may have different information.

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.

Simply put, there is no “more accurate” score when it comes down to receiving your score from the major credit bureaus.

The score you see on Credit Karma is provided and calculated independently by TransUnion. Other credit information providers may use different credit reference agencies.