Credit Building
Understanding Your Credit Score: FICO vs. VantageScore
A credit score is a three-digit number, usually between 300 and 850, that estimates how likely you are to repay borrowed money. FICO and VantageScore are the two main scoring companies; both use your credit reports but weigh factors slightly differently, so your scores can vary.
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What's in a credit score?
Scores are calculated from the information in your credit reports at the three nationwide bureaus — Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. FICO publishes the general weighting of its main factors:
| Factor (FICO) | Approximate weight | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Payment history | 35% | Whether you pay on time |
| Amounts owed | 30% | Including credit utilization — balances compared with limits |
| Length of credit history | 15% | Age of your oldest and average accounts |
| New credit | 10% | Recent applications and new accounts |
| Credit mix | 10% | Variety of account types |
VantageScore uses similar information but describes its factors by level of influence rather than exact percentages, with payment history and utilization also highly influential.
FICO vs. VantageScore
| FICO | VantageScore | |
|---|---|---|
| Range (common versions) | 300–850 | 300–850 |
| Created by | Fair Isaac Corporation | The three credit bureaus jointly |
| Used by | Most lenders, especially for mortgages | Many free credit monitoring services and some lenders |
| Minimum history to score | Generally requires some established history | Can often score people with thinner credit files |
There are also many versions of each model, plus industry-specific scores for auto loans and credit cards. That's why the score you see in an app may differ from what a lender uses.
Typical score ranges
| FICO range | Commonly described as |
|---|---|
| 800–850 | Exceptional |
| 740–799 | Very good |
| 670–739 | Good |
| 580–669 | Fair |
| 300–579 | Poor |
Lenders set their own standards, so these labels are general guides.
Why both matter
You don't control which model a lender uses. The good news: the same habits improve both scores — paying on time, keeping balances low, and applying for new credit sparingly.
How to check your credit
- Get free credit reports from all three bureaus at AnnualCreditReport.com.
- Many banks and card issuers show a free score in their apps.
- Review reports for errors and dispute any inaccuracies directly with the bureau.
Ready to improve your score? Read Tips for Improving Your Credit Score and our credit score FAQ.