What is a FICO® Score, How is It Calculated | Equifax (2024)

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  • FICO scores are used by some lenders to help determine your likelihood of paying bills on time

  • FICO has many different scoring models

  • FICO scores are calculated using information in your credit reports

Fair Isaac Corporation created FICO scores. There are many different versions of the FICO score based on different scoring models.FICO scores useinformation in your credit report to help determine your likelihood of paying bills on time. Lenders often use FICO scores to help decide if they will extend credit to consumers.

FICO scores, as well as credit scores other companies calculate using different models, can predict similar types of risk. It'simportant to remember that because different FICO scores and other credit scores were createdusing different scoring models, the scores may not be identical. Different credit score models have different formulas and calculations (often called algorithms) that use data differently to help predict a person’s likelihood to repay bills on time.

Although FICO has many different scoring models, it uses relative percentage weights to help determine how much impact certain factors will have in helping determine a FICO credit score. The main categories considered area person’s payment history (35%), amounts owed (30%), length of credit history (15%), new credit accounts (10%), and types of credit used (10%).

FICO scores are available from each of the three major credit bureaus, based on information contained in consumers’ credit reports. Because there are different FICO scoring models and different credit bureaus, consumer credit scores may differ depending on which bureau's credit report and which FICO score model is used.

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FAQs

What is a FICO® Score, How is It Calculated | Equifax? ›

The main categories considered are a person's payment history (35%), amounts owed (30%), length of credit history (15%), new credit accounts (10%), and types of credit used (10%). FICO scores

FICO scores
Higher scores indicate lower credit risk. Experian classifies FICO credit scores lower than 580 as very poor, 580–669 as fair, 670–739 as good, 740–799 as very good, and 800–850 as exceptional.
https://en.wikipedia.org › Credit_score_in_the_United_States
are available from each of the three major credit bureaus, based on information contained in consumers' credit reports.

How is the FICO score calculated? ›

FICO Scores are calculated using many different pieces of credit data in your credit report. This data is grouped into five categories: payment history (35%), amounts owed (30%), length of credit history (15%), new credit (10%) and credit mix (10%).

What's the difference between credit score and FICO score? ›

A credit score is a three-digit number that measures your financial health and how well you manage credit and debt. FICO scores are a specific type of score that lenders can use when making borrowing decisions. The FICO credit scoring system is the most widely used credit score.

How does one get their FICO score? ›

Step 1 – Check with your bank or credit union

If your bank or credit union partners with FICO, log in to your account online. You will likely be provided with a free FICO Score.

Is your FICO score your actual score? ›

Is "credit score" the same as "FICO® score"? Basically, "credit score" and "FICO® score" are all referring to the same thing. A FICO® score is a type of credit scoring model. While different reporting agencies may weigh factors slightly differently, they are all essentially measuring the same thing.

Is a FICO score of 8 good or bad? ›

FICO 8 scores range between 300 and 850. A FICO score of at least 700 is considered a good score. There are also industry-specific versions of credit scores that businesses use. For example, the FICO Bankcard Score 8 is the most widely used score when you apply for a new credit card or a credit-limit increase.

What is a good FICO? ›

The base FICO® Scores range from 300 to 850, and a good credit score is between 670 and 739 within that range. FICO creates different types of consumer credit scores.

Is FICO usually higher than Credit Karma? ›

Your Credit Karma score should be the same or close to your FICO score, which is what any prospective lender will probably check. The range of your credit score (such as "good" or "very good") is more important than the precise number, which will vary by source and edge up or down often.

Is Experian or FICO more accurate? ›

Simply put, there is no “more accurate” score when it comes down to receiving your score from the major credit bureaus.

Which is better, my Fico or Experian? ›

Experian's advantage over FICO is that the information it provides is far more detailed and thorough than a simple number. A pair of borrowers could both have 700 FICO Scores but vastly different credit histories.

What credit score to buy a house? ›

The minimum credit score needed for most mortgages is typically around 620. However, government-backed mortgages like Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans typically have lower credit requirements than conventional fixed-rate loans and adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs).

Can I pull my own FICO Score? ›

The first place you should check for your free FICO Score is with your credit card issuer. Many card issuers provide their cardholders with free access to their credit score. While there's a good chance you'll have access to your credit score, the key is whether it's your FICO Score or VantageScore.

Is age a factor in someone's FICO Score? ›

Factors like your age, state, and income level don't actually affect your credit score. Yet there are correlations between average credit score and age, state, and how much you make. For example, the older the age group, the higher the average credit score. Credit score averages tend to rise with income levels, too.

What credit score is needed to buy a car? ›

The credit score required and other eligibility factors for buying a car vary by lender and loan terms. Still, you typically need a good credit score of 661 or higher to qualify for an auto loan. About 69% of retail vehicle financing is for borrowers with credit scores of 661 or higher, according to Experian.

Does your income directly affect your FICO score? ›

While income doesn't have a direct impact on your credit score, it can have an indirect impact since you need to have sufficient income to pay your bills. And if you don't make enough money to cover your bills, you can rack up debt or miss payments, which can negatively impact your credit score.

How accurate is the FICO score? ›

The primary credit scoring models are FICO® and VantageScore®, and both are equally accurate. Although both are accurate, most lenders are looking at your FICO score when you apply for a loan.

Why is my FICO score higher than my credit score? ›

Why is my FICO score higher than my other credit scores? Every credit-scoring model is different. And credit scores can change based on what credit report is used to inform the model. Those variances can make some scores higher or lower than others.

What is 35 of how a FICO score is calculated based on? ›

Your payment history accounts for 35% of your score. This shows whether you make payments on time, how often you miss payments, how many days past the due date you pay your bills, and how recently payments have been missed.

Is a 900 credit score possible? ›

Highlights: While older models of credit scores used to go as high as 900, you can no longer achieve a 900 credit score. The highest score you can receive today is 850. Anything above 800 is considered an excellent credit score.

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