Which credit agency does Credit Karma use?
Asked by: Mackenzie Bauch | Last update: December 5, 2025Score: 4.3/5 (39 votes)
What credit agencies does Credit Karma use?
Here's the short answer: The credit scores and reports you see on Credit Karma come directly from TransUnion and Equifax, two of the three major consumer credit bureaus. The credit scores and reports you see on Credit Karma should accurately reflect your credit information as reported by those bureaus.
Is Credit Karma use TransUnion or Equifax?
Bethy Hardeman, then chief consumer advocate at the company, responded: "The scores and credit report information on Credit Karma comes from TransUnion and Equifax, two of the three major credit bureaus.
How far off is Credit Karma from your actual credit score?
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. A VantageScore has the same credit score range as FICO, and uses some of the same information as a FICO score.
What agency of record does Credit Karma use?
Credit Karma partners with Equifax and TransUnion to provide free credit reports from those two bureaus.
BEST FREE CREDIT SCORE SITE — Credit Karma vs. Credit Sesame vs. WalletHub
Who does Credit Karma pull credit from?
Credit Karma requests your credit score from TransUnion via a limited form of Data Subject Access Request (DSAR) that we make on your behalf, with your consent. You can see this request marked Consumer Credit File Request in your Search history, under Soft Searches.
Is 630 a good credit score?
If you have an 630 credit score, you are generally considered a subprime consumer, but it won't necessarily prevent you from borrowing money. The average FICO credit score in the United States is 714 as of 2021, and scores within the 580-669 range are considered to be “fair” credit.
Is Credit Karma or FICO more accurate?
Credit Karma scores can be off by about 20 to 25 points compared to FICO scores. The discrepancy arises because Credit Karma uses VantageScore 3.0, which calculates credit scores differently from FICO.
Is 650 a good credit score?
A 650 credit score is generally considered “fair.” A score in this range may limit you from certain financial opportunities. Payment history, monitoring your credit and lowering your credit utilization ratio can be helpful ways to improve this score over time.
What credit score is needed to buy a car?
According to Car and Driver, “Most used auto loans go to borrowers with minimum credit scores of at least 675. For new auto loans, most borrowers have scores of around 730. The minimum credit score needed for a new car may be around 600, but those with excellent credit often get lower rates and lower monthly payments.”
Why is my FICO score 100 points lower than Credit Karma?
The accuracy of your score will depend on factors such as which FICO Score model is being used; the credit bureau your report is pulled from; and whether your credit reports have up-to-date information. Errors on your credit report could also affect the accuracy of your FICO score.
Who has the most accurate credit score?
FICO® and VantageScore® are the two most popular credit scoring models today. FICO and VantageScore credit scores are equally reliable and accurate, based on the specific scoring model that's being used. Tools are available that allow you to check and monitor your credit score for free, with no impact to your credit.
Why is there a 100 point difference between TransUnion and Equifax?
In summary, the differences in Equifax and TransUnion credit report scores arise from variations in credit scoring models, unique data reported to each bureau, and the dynamic nature of credit reporting.
Why is my Experian score so much lower than Credit Karma?
So if Experian has access to different information about your credit than Equifax or TransUnion, your scores from each of the CRAs might also be different. And even if the three major CRAs may have the same information, each CRA has proprietary algorithms that might score you differently.
How long do closed accounts stay on your credit report?
An account that was in good standing with a history of on-time payments when you closed it will stay on your credit report for up to 10 years. This generally helps your credit score. Accounts with adverse information may stay on your credit report for up to seven years.
How rare is an 800 credit score?
What it means to have a credit score of 800. A credit score of 800 means you have an exceptional credit score, according to Experian. According to a report by FICO, only 23% of the scorable population has a credit score of 800 or above.
How to get 900 credit score?
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.
What is the easiest credit card to get instant approval?
Best Instant Approval Credit Cards:
OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card: No credit check needed. Discover it® Secured Credit Card: Best for building credit with no annual fee. Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express: Best for cash back. Self-Credit Builder Account: Credit builder account.
Why does Credit Karma say my score is higher?
You have many different credit scores, so some of your credit scores might be higher than the TransUnion and Equifax scores you see on Credit Karma, while others might be lower.
What credit score is needed to buy a house?
For a conventional mortgage in California, you typically need a minimum score of at least 600. If you qualify for certain government-backed loans, however, you may be able to buy a home with a score as low as 500.
Do car dealerships use FICO?
What credit score do auto lenders look at? The three major credit bureaus are Experian, TransUnion and Equifax. The two big credit scoring models used by auto lenders are FICO® Auto Score and Vantage. We're going to take at look at FICO® since it has long been the auto industry standard.
How long does it take to go from 630 to 700 credit score?
While following these guidelines is crucial, it's important to remember that the length of time it takes to reach a 700 credit score varies from person to person. Some individuals may see significant improvements within a few months, while others may take a year or more to achieve their desired score.
What is a good credit score to buy a car?
Your credit score is a major factor in whether you'll be approved for a car loan. Some lenders use specialized credit scores, such as a FICO Auto Score. In general, you'll need at least prime credit, meaning a credit score of 661 or up, to get a loan at a good interest rate.