FICO vs Credit Score: What Are the Differences?

Do you know the difference between your FICO score and your credit score? If not, it could be costing you.

Knowing how to read your credit report and where to find your credit score can be immensely helpful when you want to get a loan or open a line of credit.

However, you need to know the difference between a FICO score and a credit score to understand how to read your credit report effectively.

Keep reading below to learn more about the FICO vs credit score differences.

The Difference in Definition

FICO scores are the most widely used type of credit score. They’re used by lenders to determine your creditworthiness and are based on your credit history.

On the other hand, credit scores are a snapshot of your credit at a specific time. While FICO scores consider your entire credit history, credit scores only look at your credit when the score is generated.

Differences in Scores Calculated

FICO scores are calculated using data from the three nationwide credit reporting agencies, while credit scores can be calculated using data from any one of the agencies. The models used to calculate FICO scores account for factors beyond credit usage, such as length of credit history and types of credit accounts.

In addition, FICO scores consider five factors: payment history, credit usage, length of credit history, credit mix, and new credit. Credit scores only consider two factors: payment history and credit usage.

Differences in Use for Lenders

FICO scores are the scores used by the majority of lenders. They’re calculated using information from your credit report, giving lenders a good idea of your creditworthiness.

On the other hand, credit scores are less commonly used by lenders. This is because they don’t always use the same information as FICO scores.

Another, credit scores are less predictive than FICO scores. This means they’re not as good at predicting whether or not you’ll repay a loan.

So, if you’re applying for a loan, it’s likely that your lender will use your FICO score to make a decision. However, if you have a good credit score, it could still help you to get a better interest rate.

Bad credit can be a concern for individuals looking to secure a loan. But, bad credit is not the end since some lenders provide bad credit installment loans.

Difference in Weight

One of the main differences between FICO and credit scores is the weight each assigns to different areas of your credit history. For example, FICO gives more weight to your payment history than your credit utilization.

This means that if you have a history of late payments, it will have a more significant impact on your FICO score than if you have a high credit utilization. Additionally, credit scores place a greater emphasis on credit usage, while FICO scores give more weight to your length of credit history.

The Bottom Line on FICO vs Credit Score

When it comes to your financial health, credit is everything. A good credit score is key to financing a home, a car, and even getting a job.

The FICO score and credit score are both necessary measures of creditworthiness, but they differ in key ways. So, FICO vs Credit Score are both important, but the FICO score better predicts future financial success.

Did you enjoy this FICO and credit score guide? If so, please keep reading for more informative articles.