FICO Vs TransUnion Vs Equifax - Which Is Best?

FICO score is a proprietary numeric model built by Fair Isaac that pulls data from any of the three credit reports and applies its own weighting formula, while bureau scores are the numbers each credit bureau (TransUnion, Equifax, Experian) generates with its own algorithm - most commonly VantageScore - using the same underlying report but different calculations.

For example, a borrower might see a 720 FICO score on an Experian report and a 710 VantageScore on a TransUnion report; both reflect the same payment history, balances, and inquiries, yet TransUnion gives more weight to recent utilization, causing the lower number. The FICO model also includes a 'new credit' factor that VantageScore treats differently, leading to occasional mismatches. This distinction explains why the next section explores why your FICO differs from TransUnion and Equifax scores. official FICO scoring model description

Lenders primarily look at the FICO score, though many also accept bureau scores such as VantageScore. Which model they prefer depends on loan type, portfolio policy, and underwriting software.

• Conventional mortgages, auto loans, and most credit cards require a FICO score because the major banks use FICO score usage statistics.
• Small‑business and some non‑prime lenders often rely on bureau scores since they integrate easily with alternative‑data platforms.
• Government‑backed loans (FHA, VA, USDA) explicitly reference the FICO score in their underwriting guidelines.
• Credit unions and fintechs may weight bureau scores higher for thin‑file applicants because VantageScore can incorporate newer activity.
• All lenders still pull the underlying credit report; the chosen model is simply the algorithm applied to that same data.

FICO scores and bureau scores come from different formulas, so they rarely match. A FICO score applies the FICO® model to the data each bureau reports, while TransUnion and Equifax often provide VantageScore® or their own proprietary scores that weight payment history, credit utilization, and other factors differently.

Even when a lender uses a FICO model, each bureau's copy of your file may contain a slightly different version of the same information - new trades, inquiries, or updates can appear on one report days before another - causing the three FICO scores to diverge.

Because the models and data timing differ, your FICO score can be higher, lower, or the same as the bureau scores you see on your credit‑monitoring dashboard. This explains why, in the next section, we'll explore which of these numbers lenders actually look at when you apply for a mortgage.FICO versus VantageScore explained

The score that matters most for your mortgage approval is the lender‑specific FICO score, typically the version tied to the bureau they pull (the FICO 5‑score from Experian, TransUnion, or Equifax). Lenders may mention a bureau score only when they use a non‑FICO model, which is uncommon and usually disclosed up front (see 'which scoring model lenders prefer').

• Lenders request a FICO score; most use the version that matches the credit bureau they query.
• Mortgage guidelines from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac reference minimum FICO thresholds (e.g., 620), reinforcing its central role.
• Bureau scores such as VantageScore can appear in pre‑qualification tools or with niche lenders, but they carry less weight in standard underwriting.
• If a lender does rely on a bureau score, they will state the required model and cutoff in the loan estimate (as discussed later for credit cards and auto loans).

For credit cards and auto loans, the FICO score is the primary number lenders look at. Most major card issuers and auto finance companies pull a FICO version that matches their underwriting model - often FICO 8 for cards and FICO 5 or 9 for auto loans. A 720 FICO usually qualifies for premium rewards cards and the lowest auto‑interest rates; a 660 FICO often limits you to higher‑rate products.

Bureau scores, such as VantageScore from TransUnion or Equifax, can appear in pre‑qualification offers or with fintech lenders, but they usually play a secondary role. They may be used for quick checks or by lenders that do not integrate the full FICO suite. As we noted in the 'core difference' section, these scores follow a similar 300‑850 range, yet most traditional card and auto decisions still lean on the FICO score. See the next section for where to pull free FICO and bureau scores.

You can get a free FICO score and free bureau scores in one place at The Credit People.

1. Visit The Credit People and click the 'Free Credit Score' button.
2. Enter your personal details and answer the identity‑verification questions; the process takes under five minutes.
3. After verification, the dashboard displays both your FICO score and the bureau‑provided score (VantageScore or equivalent) at no charge.
4. Download the score summary or print it for future reference.
5. Remember, AnnualCreditReport.com offers a free yearly credit report only; it does not include any credit score.

Pull your latest FICO score and both TransUnion and Equifax credit reports, then line them up side‑by‑side to spot any mismatches.

• Request the free annual credit report from AnnualCreditReport.com; it delivers the full TransUnion and Equifax reports in one click.
• Get a current FICO score from a reputable source such as MyFICO or your bank's online portal; most providers update the score monthly.
• Print or export each document as a PDF.
• Open a three‑column table: column 1 = FICO score, column 2 = TransUnion bureau scores, column 3 = Equifax bureau scores.
• Compare key sections: personal information, account listings, payment history, credit utilizations, and public records. Note any accounts that appear in one bureau but not the others, and any rating differences on the same account.
• Highlight discrepancies; they are the ones you'll address in the 'dispute errors' section later.

Seeing the exact numbers and line‑item differences lets you understand why a lender might see a higher or lower score, and it prepares you for targeted disputes.

Dispute errors at TransUnion and Equifax by submitting a clear, concise request through each bureau's online portal or by certified‑mail. Start with the bureau scores you pulled earlier, note the inaccurate item, attach a copy of the supporting document (payment receipt, court decree, etc.), and include a copy of your ID.

The online form for TransUnion (TransUnion online dispute portal) and the web page for Equifax (Equifax credit dispute page) guide you through these fields; if you mail, label the envelope 'Dispute' and keep the tracking receipt.

Bureau scores, such as VantageScore from TransUnion or Equifax, typically improve faster than a FICO score when you rebuild credit. They give heavier weight to recent activity, so a single month of low utilization or an on‑time payment can move the needle quickly.

FICO score calculations blend recent behavior with longer‑term patterns; a new positive habit must settle into the 12‑ to 24‑month history window before the model reflects it fully. By contrast, bureau scores can register the same improvement within 30 to 60 days because they prioritize the most current data.

If you want the quickest boost, focus on paying down balances and never missing a payment; you'll see the change in your bureau scores first. For a deeper dive on score responsiveness, see Consumer Finance Bureau's guide to credit score models, which also ties into the next section on which bureau landlords and employers check.

• Landlords order tenant‑screening reports that pull data from all three bureaus (TransUnion, Equifax, Experian) and display both bureau scores and any available FICO scores.
• Because VantageScore is the default bureau model, most landlord reports show a TransUnion and an Equifax VantageScore, plus an Experian score when the vendor includes it.
• Some landlords request a FICO score when the screening service can provide it, especially for premium rentals, but they still receive the underlying bureau scores.
• Employers let background‑check vendors pull the full credit report, which contains the three bureau scores and any FICO score linked to the employee's file.
• Both landlords and employers generally rely on the complete set of bureau scores rather than a single bureau, to get the most comprehensive risk picture.

After you spot fraud, call the credit bureau that listed the suspicious account - Equifax, TransUnion or Experian - and request an Identity Theft Report, a 90‑day fraud alert, and a credit freeze; each bureau then opens a case, supplies a recovery guide, and forwards the FTC‑issued Identity Theft Affidavit to lenders, so start with the bureau showing the error and repeat the steps with the other two to lock down all bureau scores and protect your credit file.