Is Credit Karma your FICO score?

No, Credit Karma does not use FICO scores; it provides free credit scores using the VantageScore 3.0 model from TransUnion and Equifax, while most lenders use various FICO scores, leading to differences in your scores. While both models assess creditworthiness and use similar data, their algorithms weigh factors differently, resulting in different scores, with FICO being the industry standard for lending decisions.

Is my FICO score on Credit Karma?

No, Credit Karma does not show your FICO score; it provides your VantageScore 3.0 from Equifax and TransUnion, which is a different scoring model. While both FICO and VantageScore use data from major bureaus and range from 300-850, FICO is the standard most lenders use, whereas Credit Karma offers VantageScore for free for educational monitoring, so scores can differ. 

What's more accurate, FICO or Credit Karma?

FICO scores are generally considered more "accurate" for lending decisions because most lenders use them, while Credit Karma provides VantageScores, a different model that can differ significantly, though both aim to predict risk. Credit Karma is great for monitoring trends (it's free and updates weekly), but FICO is what mortgage and auto lenders often see; think of Credit Karma as a good gauge of your general credit health, not the exact score a lender pulls for a major loan. 

How close is Credit Karma to my actual score?

But, just how accurate are Credit Karma scores? They may differ by 20 to 25 points, and in some cases even more. When Credit Karma users see their credit score details, they are viewing a VantageScore, not the FICO score that the majority of lenders use.

Do lenders use FICO or Credit Karma?

Mortgage lenders rely on FICO-based models, while Credit Karma shows a VantageScore for monitoring. Different models, data sources, and timing mean your Credit Karma score often won't match your mortgage score—and it can be higher.

Credit Karma vs Fico Score | What's the Difference? 2025

Why is my FICO higher than Credit Karma?

Your FICO score is often higher than your Credit Karma score because Credit Karma shows you a VantageScore (usually 3.0), not a FICO score, and lenders primarily use various FICO models, which weigh factors differently and pull data from all three bureaus (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion), whereas Credit Karma often uses just Equifax and TransUnion. Different models and data sets lead to score variations, with FICO generally being the lender's preferred, more conservative standard. 

What is my credit rating if my FICO score is 700?

FICO, the most widely used credit scoring model, categorizes scores into the following ranges: 300–579: Poor. 580–669: Fair. 670–739: Good.

What credit score is needed for a $250000 house?

The credit score needed to buy a $250,000 house depends on the type of mortgage. The lowest credit score you could have and still secure a mortgage would be 500 (for an FHA loan with a 10% down payment). Expect to need a minimum credit score between 580 and 640 for other loans, depending on which kind you choose.

Why is Credit Karma score so far off?

The primary reason for any discrepancy is that Credit Karma uses the VantageScore model, while most lenders use FICO scores. Additionally, Credit Karma doesn't include data from Experian, the third major credit bureau.

How to get 800 credit score in 45 days?

Here are 10 ways to increase your credit score by 100 points - most often this can be done within 45 days.

1. Check your credit report. ...
2. Pay your bills on time. ...
3. Pay off any collections. ...
4. Get caught up on past-due bills. ...
5. Keep balances low on your credit cards. ...
6. Pay off debt rather than continually transferring it.

Which is more important, your credit score or your FICO score?

"For years, there has been a lot of confusion among consumers over which credit scores matter. While there are many types of credit scores, FICO Scores matter the most because the majority of lenders use these scores to decide whether to approve loan applicants and at what interest rates."

What is a good Credit Karma score?

On Credit Karma, a "good" credit score typically falls in the 670-739 range for FICO Score 8 and 9 models, while for their TransUnion VantageScore 3.0 in the US it might be around 604-627, showing scores in the high 600s to mid-700s are generally good, helping you get better loan rates. Remember, scores vary by model and lender, but higher is always better for favorable terms like lower interest rates, says Credit Karma. 

Is a FICO score 8 good or bad?

FICO Score 8 is the most popular among lenders. When lenders check your FICO credit score, whether based on credit report data from Equifax®, Experian®, or TransUnion®, they're likely using the FICO 8 scoring model range between 300-850. A FICO score of at least 700 is considered a good score.

How do I find out my true FICO score?

To get your accurate FICO Score, check with your bank/card issuer (like Capital One, Amex, BofA), as many offer free access to the FICO Score 8 they use; also get your free reports from AnnualCreditReport.com to find and fix errors, which directly impacts accuracy; and consider paying myFICO.com for direct access to all three bureaus' scores for the most comprehensive view, as lenders use different versions. 

What is a perfect FICO score?

A perfect FICO score is 850, the highest possible score, representing exceptional credit risk management, but scores of 800 and above are considered "exceptional" and often receive the same top-tier lending terms as an 850 score. Achieving an 850 requires a long history of perfect payment history, low credit utilization, and responsible credit use, though it's very rare, with only about 1.7% of Americans reaching it.
 

Is FICO 8 or FICO 9 better?

Versions 8 and 9 of FICO scores are similar, but FICO Score 9 is generally considered the more forgiving of the two for a few reasons: With FICO 9, third-party collections no longer hurt your credit score once those debts are paid off. FICO 9 treats medical collections differently than other types of debt.

What credit score do you need for a $400,000 house?

Credit Score

When applying for a $400,000 home, lenders evaluate your credit scores to determine eligibility and the rates you'll receive: 740+: Best rates and terms. 700-739: Slightly higher rates. 660-699: Higher rates, may require larger down payment.

How close is Credit Karma to your actual credit score?

Credit Karma provides a useful snapshot of your credit health using VantageScore 3.0 from TransUnion and Equifax, but it often differs from the FICO scores most lenders use, potentially by 20 to 50 points or more, because of different scoring models (VantageScore vs. FICO), different data sources (lacking Experian data), and different update frequencies. While both score types use similar factors (payment history, utilization), their proprietary formulas weigh them differently, making Credit Karma great for monitoring trends but not always reflective of lender approvals, notes Investopedia. 

Why is Credit Karma lower than FICO?

Your Credit Karma score (VantageScore) is lower than your FICO score because they use different scoring models and data, with FICO being the standard lenders use, while Credit Karma's VantageScore weighs factors like utilization and new credit differently, often pulls from fewer bureaus (Equifax/TransUnion instead of Experian), and can sometimes show higher scores than lenders see, so expect discrepancies. 

How much house can I afford if I make $70,000 a year?

With a $70,000 salary, you can generally afford a house between $210,000 and $350,000, but your actual budget depends heavily on your credit score, existing debts, down payment, and current mortgage rates, with lenders often following the 28/36 rule (housing costs under 28% of gross income, total debt under 36%). A good starting point is keeping your total monthly housing payment (PITI) under $1,633, but a lower Debt-to-Income (DTI) ratio and larger down payment increase your buying power. 

What is the 2 2 2 credit rule?

The 2-2-2 credit rule is a guideline for lenders, especially for mortgages, suggesting borrowers should have at least two active credit accounts, open for at least two years, with at least two years of on-time payments, sometimes also requiring a minimum credit limit (like $2,000) for each. It shows lenders you can consistently manage multiple debts, building confidence in your financial responsibility beyond just a high credit score, and helps you qualify for larger loans. 

How can I raise my credit score 100 points in 30 days?

For most people, increasing a credit score by 100 points in a month isn't going to happen. But if you pay your bills on time, eliminate your consumer debt, don't run large balances on your cards and maintain a mix of both consumer and secured borrowing, an increase in your credit could happen within months.

Has anyone got a 900 credit score?

No, you generally cannot have a 900 credit score in the U.S. because the standard FICO and VantageScore models cap at 850 (a "perfect" score); however, older or specialized scores like FICO Auto or Bankcard can reach 900, but these aren't what most lenders use for general credit. While an 850 score is extremely rare (less than 2% of people), it's the highest achievable, indicating excellent creditworthiness. 

How rare is an 800 credit score?

An 800 credit score is considered exceptional, and while not perfectly rare (around 22-24% of US consumers have scores in the 800+ range as of 2025), it's still an impressive achievement indicating high creditworthiness, placing you in a top tier for the best loan rates and offers. It shows lenders you're very responsible, with long payment histories and low credit usage.
 

Is it better to have a FICO or VantageScore?

Although both scores are useful, around 90% of lenders use the FICO Score to evaluate potential consumers when they want to qualify for a credit card, new car, loan, or credit limit increase.