Why is my information between the three credit bureaus different?
While most major banks report to all three national credit bureaus, some smaller banks or credit unions may choose to only report to one, two or even none of the bureaus. Reporting is voluntary and lenders must set up a paid account with each bureau to share info. Since the bureaus are separate and do not share info, each bureau can only use the information they receive to create your credit reports.
Also, information can vary based on the date each bureau's report was pulled and updated. First, the refresh date for each of your reports could vary depending on how often your Experian membership refreshes your reports. Second, your report date can also vary based on what date your lender sends updates to each of the bureaus.
Why is my FICO score different across the three credit bureaus?
You might see different FICO scores because the bureaus received different information from your lenders. Since the information isn't shared between bureaus, each one can only use the information they've been provided by the lender to calculate your FICO score. Even if the info on your credit reports is the same, you could still see slight variations because FICO created different scoring systems for each bureau.
How do I know if my FICO scores at each bureau are accurate?
Your FICO score is based on the information in your credit report. If the information on your credit report at each bureau is accurate, then your FICO scores should also be based on the latest information as of the date they were posted. However, your most recent FICO score is the best way to see how you currently look to lenders even though the older FICO scores may have been accurate at the time. If you find any inaccuracies in your credit report, you can open a dispute with the bureau.
