Why is my credit score different on different websites?

Left a little confused when you keep seeing different credit scores across different websites? It’s normal to see slight differences, and understanding why this happens between agencies can help you to interpret your credit health accurately.

Credit scores and agencies

Your credit score is a carefully calculated number that  helps explain how reliable and trustworthy you are when borrowing money. Lenders use it to assess risk and decide whether to approve your loan or credit card application. It’s based on factors such as timely payments, credit usage, and the length of your credit history. The higher your score, the better your chances of approval and lower interest rates.

Credit monitoring helps you keep track of your credit score and spot any changes that could affect your financial health.

In the UK, there are three main credit report agencies - Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion - each using a different scale and methodology to calculate your score. This means your score can vary between agencies, but it typically ranges from 0 to 999.

Why credit scores differ across agencies

Your credit score can look slightly different depending on which of the three credit report companies - Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion - you’re checking it with. Here’s why:

• Different Scoring Models: Each agency uses its own algorithm and data sources to calculate credit scores, resulting in slight variations. They may weigh factors differently, like payment history or credit usage, and use distinct scoring ranges. For example, Experian may weigh your credit utilisation more heavily than Equifax, who could weigh your credit mix more heavily than TransUnion, which could result in slightly different scores.
• Data Sources and Timing: Each credit agency may collect data from different lenders or at different times, leading to variations in the information they report. Lenders may report to one agency and not another, or updates may be processed at different times, causing discrepancies in the credit scores each agency generates.
• Credit Scoring Updates: Your credit score isn’t static. It changes as new information is added to your report. However, not all agencies update scores at the same time, and some may refresh their data more frequently than others. This can lead to differences in scores across agencies at any given time.

What score differences mean for your credit health

If you see small differences between your credit scores from different agencies, don’t panic; it’s totally normal! Lenders usually look for the general category your score falls into (excellent, good, fair, or poor) rather than an exact number. A slight variation between scores doesn’t typically impact your creditworthiness.

Understanding where your score falls in the range is more important for getting a sense of your overall financial health. For example, if you're in the "good" range, you're doing well and likely to be offered more favourable terms.

Think your score could do with a little TLC? Find out how here.

How lenders interpret credit scores

Some lenders rely on just one credit reference agency, while others may pull scores from multiple agencies and average them out. It depends on the lender’s preference and the type of loan or credit you're applying for.

Lenders generally focus on the general score category rather than an exact number. They’re looking for overall financial trustworthiness in deciding your borrowing terms, so other factors also come into play, such as your income, debt-to-income ratio, and employment stability.

Someone with a “fair” score but a solid income and low debt might be seen as a lower risk to a lender than someone with a “good” score but lots of existing debt. Your credit score is important, but it’s just one piece of the puzzle that makes up your credit-worthiness.

Tips for monitoring your credit effectively

It’s a good idea to check your credit scores across the three agencies to get the most accurate credit score range. However, rather than focusing on specific numbers, aim to track consistent improvements over time within score ranges (e.g. good, fair, excellent). Minor differences between scores are normal, as each agency uses different data and update schedules.

Under UK law, you can request a copy of your credit report once a year from each of the three agencies (they can charge up to £2 each time, but most won’t charge anything). Review them for any discrepancies, such as accounts you don’t recognise or late payments that aren’t yours. Disputing mistakes can help improve your score and ensure it accurately reflects your creditworthiness.