When it comes to your credit score, you’ve probably seen multiple numbers across different platforms. One app says your score is 680, another says 705—so which one is correct? The answer often lies in the difference between FICO and VantageScore, the two most widely used credit scoring models in the U.S.
Both scores serve the same purpose—measuring your creditworthiness—but they calculate your score in slightly different ways, which can lead to confusion. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about FICO vs. VantageScore, so you can better understand your credit profile and how lenders view you.
What Are FICO and VantageScore?
Before we dive into their differences, let’s define what each score represents.
FICO Score
The FICO Score, developed by the Fair Isaac Corporation in 1989, is used by 90% of top lenders in the United States. It has long been the industry standard for mortgage lenders, auto loan providers, and credit card issuers.
There are multiple versions of the FICO Score (e.g., FICO 8, FICO 9, FICO 10, etc.), and different industries use different versions.
VantageScore
VantageScore was created in 2006 by the three major credit bureaus—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion—as a competitor to FICO. While it’s not as widely used in lending decisions, it’s popular on free credit monitoring platforms like Credit Karma, Credit Sesame, and others.
FICO vs. VantageScore: Key Differences
Now let’s compare how FICO and VantageScore differ across several important areas.
1. Scoring Range
Both scoring models now use a similar range, but it wasn’t always that way.
| Scoring Model | Score Range |
|---|---|
| FICO Score | 300–850 |
| VantageScore | 300–850 |
Although they share the same numeric range today, your score may differ depending on the model used due to how each weighs credit data.
2. Data Requirements
FICO Score Requirements
To generate a FICO Score, your credit report must include:
- At least one account that is six months old or more
- At least one account reported in the past six months
This means newer credit users may not have a FICO Score yet.
VantageScore Requirements
VantageScore can generate a score with just one month of credit history, which makes it more accessible to:
- Younger individuals
- New immigrants
- People who recently opened their first account
Verdict: VantageScore is more inclusive for new or thin credit profiles.
3. Weighting of Credit Factors
While both scoring models consider similar categories, they weigh them differently.
FICO Score Factors
| Factor | Weight |
|---|---|
| Payment History | 35% |
| Amounts Owed | 30% |
| Length of Credit History | 15% |
| Credit Mix | 10% |
| New Credit | 10% |
VantageScore Factors
| Factor | Weight |
|---|---|
| Total Credit Usage | Extremely Influential |
| Credit Mix & Experience | Highly Influential |
| Payment History | Moderately Influential |
| Age of Credit History | Less Influential |
| New Accounts/Hard Inquiries | Less Influential |
Key Takeaway:
- FICO places more emphasis on payment history and amounts owed.
- VantageScore puts more weight on credit utilization and mix.
4. How Each Handles Hard Inquiries
Every time you apply for credit, a hard inquiry appears on your report. Here’s how each model treats them.
FICO
- Groups multiple inquiries for auto, mortgage, or student loans within a 45-day window as one inquiry.
- Slightly penalizes each new inquiry with a small score dip.
VantageScore
- Groups inquiries over a 14-day window instead of 45 days.
- Still penalizes multiple inquiries, but the scoring window is shorter.
Pro tip: Rate-shop for loans within a short time frame to minimize credit impact.
5. Score Versions and Custom Models
FICO Score Versions
There are several FICO versions in circulation:
- FICO 8: Most widely used general-purpose score.
- FICO 9: Weighs medical debt less heavily; includes rent payments.
- FICO 10 & FICO 10T: Newest versions, with trended data for deeper insights.
Different industries may use custom models:
- FICO Auto Score for car loans
- FICO Bankcard Score for credit cards
- FICO Mortgage Scores (older versions like FICO 2, 4, 5) for home loans
VantageScore Versions
- VantageScore 3.0: Most commonly used version by free credit sites.
- VantageScore 4.0: Introduced trended data and machine learning elements.
Note: Lenders typically don’t disclose which model or version they use, so your score may vary slightly depending on the source.
6. Medical Collections and Rent Payments
FICO
- FICO 9 and 10 ignore paid medical collections and include rent payments (if reported).
- Older versions (used for mortgages) still consider all collections.
VantageScore
- VantageScore 4.0 also ignores paid medical collections.
- Gives more weight to rent and utility payments if reported.
Tip: Use services like Experian Boost to add rent and utility payments to your report.
7. Where You’ll See Each Score
| Platform / Purpose | Score Model |
|---|---|
| Mortgage applications | FICO (older versions) |
| Auto loans | FICO Auto Score |
| Credit card applications | FICO 8 or 9 |
| Credit Karma / Sesame | VantageScore 3.0 |
| Experian CreditWorks | FICO Score 8 |
Key Insight: You may have multiple FICO and VantageScore numbers at any given time, depending on the source and version.
Why Your FICO and VantageScore Might Differ
Even if both models use the same credit report, your score could vary by 20–50 points due to:
- Different weightings of credit factors
- Different treatment of collections or inquiries
- Score version or data freshness
- Inclusion/exclusion of certain account types (like utilities or rent)
Don’t stress over small differences—focus on the overall trends and maintaining healthy credit habits.
Which Credit Score Do Lenders Use?
FICO is still the gold standard in most lending decisions, especially for:
- Mortgages
- Auto loans
- Credit cards
VantageScore is mostly used for:
- Consumer credit monitoring apps
- Non-traditional lending
- Educational purposes
That said, some lenders use both or may reference one based on their underwriting criteria.
Final Thoughts: FICO vs. VantageScore—Which One Matters More?
Both FICO and VantageScore offer valuable insights into your credit health. While FICO is more widely used for lending decisions, VantageScore helps consumers monitor and understand their financial progress.
The bottom line:
✅ Monitor both scores if possible
✅ Don’t obsess over small differences
✅ Focus on healthy credit habits like:
- Paying on time
- Keeping balances low
- Maintaining long-standing accounts
- Limiting new credit applications
- Using a mix of credit types
Whether it’s FICO or VantageScore, building good credit takes patience, consistency, and informed choices.
Want to stay on top of your credit? I can help you set up a credit monitoring strategy, improve weak spots, or compare the best credit apps. Just ask!