Why Do I Have 3 Different Credit Scores?

Though you might think of your credit as one thing it actually exists in three forms at three different credit bureaus. What does this mean for you?

Right now you have three different credit scores. Why? Credit scores are determined by three different major credit bureaus: TransUnion, Equifax and Experian. Each of those bureaus receives your credit and financial information from banks and lenders and uses their own methods at calculating your score.

Algorithms

For the most part your information will be almost the same at all three because they all receive the same information from credit card companies and lenders. You will see variations between each depending on the algorithms they are using to calculate the scores. Some may favor credit utilization more than payment history and others may weigh other financial aspects higher than others.

Banks Not Reporting

You may see other differences if you have credit with a lender or bank that doesn’t report to all three bureaus. If one bureau doesn’t receive the information your score will be very different.

This can work for or against you. You may have a bad history with one creditor and if they only report to TransUnion and Experian and you only check your Equifax score you will have no idea your score is much lower at another bureau.

Reporting Dates

Another reason for differing scores is that each bureau generates its reports on different schedules. If you pay off a card on a Wednesday but the monthly score was calculated on Monday you will not see that payment reflect in the score. But if another bureau calculated the score on Friday you would see a big difference.

How Can I See Them?

The differences between credit bureaus is something you should be aware of. Luckily each bureau allows you to request a free copy of your credit report from each.

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