FICO vs Vantage Credit Scores

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Mortgage and Lending with FHA, VA, Jumbo, Downpayment Assistance, Conv. NMLS #276329

Why are “Credit Karma scores” so different than the scores you pull as a lender? Credit Karma uses Vantage scores and Lenders use FICO scores. Bottom line, they calculate the scores differently. Major Differences are Late payments over 2 years (not scored in Vantage), Medical collections (not scored in vantage), Collections under $100 (not scored in vantage ) Debt utilization is about 50% of the vantage credit score it is about 30% of the FICO credit score.

FICO SCORE

Credit Karma is mainly used by credit card companies, it gives you a free credit score and credit report in exchange for information about your spending habits. It then charges companies to serve you targeted advertisements.  The scores and credit report information on Credit Karma come from TransUnion and Equifax, two of the three major credit bureaus.  Credit Karma compiles its own accurate Vantage Score based on that information.

Differences between the two scoring models:

FICO/Vantage Score Rating FICO Score Range Vantage Score Range

Exceptional/Excellent

800-850

781-850

Very Good/Good

740-799

661-780

Good/Fair

670-739

601-660

Fair/Poor

580-669

500-600

Poor/Very Poor

300-579

300-499

Relief in Sight - The good news is there is legislation passed for 2023 that will bring some consumer relief and actually make the FICO Score look fore like the Vantage by removing small medical collections.

Most important, regardless of which scoring model you are obtaining, remember these 4 key component's that make a  perfect credit score:

1.  Never miss a payment

2.  Keep your Credit Utilization Rate Low

3.  Don't Apply for Credit too often

4.  Review your Credit Reports, regularly

 

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Lisa Perry, Senior Loan Officer

"Your Northern VA Mortgage Specialist"

540-273-2733

NMLS ID #86548 / 276329

Email:  LPerry@fhmtg.com

Apply on line:  LisaPerrryLoans.com

 

 

 

 

 

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