Updated
The misconception
“You only have one credit score.”
The explanation
You actually have dozens of credit scores. FICO alone publishes multiple versions, and VantageScore is an entirely separate model. Each of the three major bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — may also hold slightly different data, so your score can vary depending on where and when you check.
A score belongs to a model
Different models can evaluate the same credit history differently. A number is more useful when you know which model produced it and what information was used.
Compare with context
Credit information may differ between bureaus, and scores can be calculated at different times. Keep those differences in mind when interpreting more than one number rather than expecting every score to match.
Explore the factors behind a credit score or return to our resource library.
General educational information only. Read the General Disclaimer.