Which credit score is more accurate Experian or Equifax?

Neither Equifax nor Experian is inherently "more accurate"; they are both major, credible credit bureaus, but your reports and scores will likely differ because lenders report information at different times and to different bureaus, and each uses slightly different data or scoring models, so checking all three (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion) provides the most complete view. Accuracy depends on the data they receive from lenders, so focus on monitoring all reports for errors rather than one being definitively better.

Is Experian more accurate than Equifax?

Is Experian more accurate than Equifax or TransUnion? There is no definitive answer to this question, as accuracy may vary based on the information each bureau has collected. In general, the accuracy of your credit report depends on the data provided by lenders and financial institutions.

Do banks use Experian or Equifax?

In conclusion. Credit card issuers and lenders may use one or more of the three major credit bureaus—Experian, TransUnion and Equifax—to help determine your eligibility for new credit card accounts, loans and more.

Why is my credit score different on Experian and Equifax?

Equifax and Experian scores differ because they use separate credit reports with varying lender data, different update schedules, and sometimes distinct scoring model versions (like FICO vs. VantageScore or different FICO iterations), meaning one bureau might have more current info or weigh factors slightly differently, leading to score variations. Even with identical data, FICO scores can differ by bureau, while VantageScores are usually consistent across bureaus if the model version is the same. 

Which credit report is most accurate?

No single credit bureau is the most accurate. Just like credit scores themselves, each credit bureau is slightly different, with each maintaining its own dataset based on the information it receives from lenders. Since not all lenders report to all three, your credit report can vary between bureaus.

What's a good credit score? (2026 update)

Who shows your true credit score?

myFICO is the official consumer division of FICO, the company that invented the FICO credit score. FICO ® Scores are the most widely used credit scores, and have been an industry standard for more than 25 years.

Why is my Experian score so much lower than TransUnion and Equifax?

Your Experian score is likely lower due to different data (lenders report at different times/to different bureaus), different scoring models, or errors in Experian's file, as each bureau builds its own report and uses distinct algorithms, leading to score variations, especially if some accounts aren't on Experian. 

Does Experian show your real FICO score?

A free Experian account allows you to track your FICO® Score 8, and it shows you how you're faring with each of the five scoring categories. You can also see the top five factors that are helping or hurting your FICO® Score.

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.

Is Equifax usually the lowest score?

Neither your TransUnion or Equifax score is more or less accurate than the other. They're just calculated from slightly differing sources. Your Equifax credit score is likely lower due to reporting differences. Nonetheless, a “fair” score from TransUnion is typically “fair” across the board.

What is a good Experian credit score?

A good Experian credit score (using the common 300-850 FICO/VantageScore range) starts at 670, with scores from 670-739 considered "Good," 740-799 "Very Good," and 800+ "Exceptional," giving you access to better rates, though a score in the mid-to-high 700s often secures top offers.
 

Which banks only pull Experian?

While few major US banks use only Experian (most use all three bureaus), Chase, Bank of America, Discover, and Capital One often pull Experian first or heavily favor it for credit cards, though results vary by card, location, and time; for specific UK options, Danske Bank and Post Office are known Experian-only lenders. 

Is Equifax a real credit score?

Your Equifax score is accurate for the data Equifax holds, but it might differ from other scores (like Experian or TransUnion/FICO) because lenders use various data points and scoring models, so "accuracy" depends on which score a lender uses, though you should always check for errors on your report. Equifax provides its own "educational" scores (often VantageScore) and lender-specific scores, which can differ significantly from the scores lenders use in real-time. 

Do lenders use Equifax or Experian?

There are three credit reference agencies - Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. All the credit reference agencies keep information about you and a lender can consult one or more of them when making a decision.

Do car dealerships use Equifax or TransUnion?

Auto lenders most frequently use Equifax and Experian, but TransUnion also sells credit report data to auto lenders.

Is Experian credit score usually lower?

Data differences. Not all lenders report to all three credit bureaus. Some might send updates to TransUnion and Equifax but ghost Experian entirely. So if you've got a positive payment streak that only TransUnion knows about, that explains why your Experian credit score feels like the odd one out.

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. 

Is it true that after 7 years your credit is clear?

It's partially true: most negative items like late payments and collections fall off your credit report after about seven years, but the debt itself might still exist, and bankruptcies last longer (up to 10 years). The 7-year clock starts from the date of the first missed payment, not when it goes to collections, and older negative info must be removed by law, though the debt isn't always forgiven. 

How much of a 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 are negatives on Experian?

If you have a low credit score, there may be information on your credit report that lenders see negatively. For example, late payments may make lenders think you won't pay them on time, so your score will be lower to reflect this.

How do I know my true credit score?

To know your "true" credit score, you need to understand there isn't just one; lenders use different versions, but checking your free FICO® Score or VantageScore from your bank/card issuer or bureaus like Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion provides a good picture, especially FICO 8, as it's widely used, often available via your credit card apps or services like myFICO.com, Credit Karma, or AnnualCreditReport.com (for reports). Focus on getting scores from your existing financial accounts first, as they're often genuinely free and reflect common models. 

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 credit score matters most?

The "most important" credit score is the specific FICO Score version a lender uses for the loan you're applying for, with FICO Score 8 being the most common, though mortgage lenders often use older versions (like FICO 2, 4, 5) and industry-specific scores (Auto Score, Bankcard Score) exist, so knowing which one your lender pulls is key for getting the best rates.
 

Which banks use Equifax?

Many banks use Equifax, often alongside Experian and TransUnion, but usage varies by product and location, with notable users including Capital One, Discover, Citi, US Bank, PNC, Navy Federal, and Wells Fargo, though some might prefer other bureaus or check all three depending on the specific application (personal vs. business) and region. 

Should I get all three credit reports at once?

Yes, you should get all three credit reports (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion) annually to ensure accuracy and spot issues, either all at once or spread out (e.g., one every few months) for continuous monitoring, using the official AnnualCreditReport.com site to get them free. Spreading them out helps you track changes and potential fraud throughout the year, while getting them together gives a comprehensive overview of what lenders see, as information can differ between bureaus.