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VantageScore vs FICO Comparison
Understanding the differences between the two major credit scoring models
Side-by-Side Comparison
Feature
FICO Score
VantageScore
Score Range
300-850
300-850
Most Used By
Lenders (90%)
Credit Monitoring
Credit History Required
6 months
1 month
Number of Models
Multiple versions
Single model
Payment History Weight
35%
40%
Utilization Weight
30%
20%
Medical Collections
Counted immediately
6-month waiting period
Scoring Frequency
Monthly
More frequent updates
FICO Score
FICO is the most widely used credit scoring model, used by 90% of top lenders.
Key Features:
- Score range: 300-850
- Requires 6 months of credit history
- Multiple industry-specific versions
- Payment history weighted at 35%
VantageScore
VantageScore was created by the three major credit bureaus as an alternative to FICO.
Key Features:
- Score range: 300-850 (versions 3.0 and 4.0)
- Can score with just 1 month of history
- One model across all industries
- More lenient with medical collections
Which Score Do Lenders Use?
Most lenders use FICO scores for lending decisions, especially for mortgages and auto loans. VantageScore is commonly used for educational purposes and credit monitoring.
Why Scores Differ
- Different weighting of factors
- Varying treatment of recent credit activity
- Different handling of collections and paid accounts
- Alternative data considerations in VantageScore 4.0