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What is a VantageScore® vs FICO® Score

6 min read
Last Updated: June 14, 2024
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Key Takeaways

  1. There are two main credit scoring models used in the United States: VantageScore® and FICO ® Score.1

  2. Both credit scoring models use the same credit range of 300–850, but the meanings of the scores vary between companies.

  3. The categories and weight systems used to calculate credit scores can differ between the two companies.

While your credit score is only three numbers, this trio of digits can make a huge difference when it comes to your finances. According to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), your credit score is calculated using credit scoring models. Consumer credit scores help creditors predict how likely you are to pay your bills on time. This information is then used to determine if you qualify for new credit, such as a mortgage, auto loan, or a new credit card, and what your interest rate would be.

What are the differences between FICO® and VantageScore® ranges

Two popular credit scoring models used in the United States are the VantageScore® and FICO® Score (which stands for Fair Isaac Corporation), according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). The FICO® Score and the VantageScore® are the two largest credit scoring models in the U.S. Both scoring models have the same purpose: to help lenders evaluate applicants to predict the likelihood that they will pay their bills. Also, both companies create credit scores, however, the models they use to calculate them differ.

Did you know?

If you are a Discover cardmember, you can get your free Credit Scorecard with your FICO® Credit Score, and more. Viewing your Credit Scorecard will never impact your FICO® Score.2

Find the best credit card for you

While each model now uses the same credit range of 300–850, the meaning of a person’s score can vary between companies.

For instance, what qualifies as a “good” credit score in FICO® Score is 670–739. But, using VantageScore® 3.0, you need to score between 700–749 to get a “good” rating according to the CFPB. This is because each credit scoring model applies varying levels of importance to your credit data. 

If you’re curious whether you’ll qualify for a credit card, you can check your credit score first, and also see if you prequalify. There are also tips to follow if you want a higher score.

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FICO® Credit Score ranges

There are five tiers of the FICO® Score range according to the CFPB.

  • Exceptional: 800–850
  • Very Good: 740–799
  • Good: 670–739
  • Fair: 580–669
  • Poor: 300-579

VantageScore credit score ranges

There are four tiers of the VantageScore® range, according to the CFPB, but the designations and the numbers for each level differ compared to FICO®.

  • Excellent: 750-850
  • Good: 700-749
  • Fair: 650-699
  • Poor: 550-649
  • Very Poor: 300-549

Different factors that affect your credit score

Have you seen both of your scores and questioned, “Why is my VantageScore® different than my FICO® Score?” It’s because there are differences in how each company weighs categories and information within their own scoring models. This can result in slightly different scores. So, if you have a FICO® Score of 600, it doesn’t mean you’ll have a 600 VantageScore® too.

For instance, the two models differ based on how they score the length of credit history. Before you can have FICO® Score, you must have one or more credit accounts open for six months, according to information from their website. FICO® Scores also require these accounts to have a six-month reporting period to the three national credit bureaus. A VantageScore® only requires one or more credit accounts to be open, according to Experian®.

This means those who are new to credit may not have a credit score with FICO® and are more likely to have one with VantageScore®.

Why credit scores from the three credit bureaus may differ

You may have a different credit score at each credit reporting agency. Lenders don’t always share the same consumer information with every credit bureau. They might also provide this information at different times. This means you can get two different credit scores if you request your credit report from two bureaus at the same time.

How the factors used to calculate credit scores differ

The categories that make up a FICO® Score and a VantageScore® are also different, as well as how credit information is evaluated within each.

The five categories that contribute to a FICO® Score (according to FICO) include:

Having different types of credit, such as a credit card and a mortgage, can help demonstrate good credit management.

This looks at how much of your available credit you are using versus your credit limit.

Applying for several credit accounts in a short period of time can make you appear risky to lenders.

As a rule of thumb, the longer your credit history, the better.

This looks at how often you make a late payment and if you pay your credit accounts on time.

According to the VantageScore® website, the six categories that make up a VantageScore®, include:

Recently opened credit accounts and credit inquiries.

Age and type of credit you have.

A measure of your repayment behavior. Have you paid on time or missed payments?

The total amount of recently reported balances.

Amount of credit you have available.

How much of your available credit is in use.

How to get your credit report and credit score

According to the CFPB, to check your credit score, you can visit AnnualCreditReport.com for a free copy of your credit report from the three major credit bureaus (Equifax®, Experian®, or TransUnion®). You may also be able to get your credit score from your credit card company if they offer the service.

Discover® Cardmembers can access their FICO® Credit Score for free anytime. 90% of top lenders use FICO® Credit Scores, including Discover.2 Because FICO® Scores are more widely used by lenders, that means your FICO® Score may be more important to you if you’re trying to access new credit.

Your credit score is an important number used by your credit card issuer to determine if they can trust you as a borrower. Your specific credit score can vary between scoring models. Rather than worry about how your scores might differ, try to focus on the big picture habits to get a good credit score. Things like paying your bills on time, maintaining low credit utilization, and only applying for credit when you need it can help across both scoring models.

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