Why Your Credit Score on Credit Karma Doesn’t Match Your Lender’s
Key Takeaways:
• Mortgage lenders don’t use the same credit score you see on free apps.
• Most mortgage lenders still use old FICO versions: FICO 2, 4, and 5.
• Sites like Credit Karma use VantageScore, which lenders ignore.
• If you want your real mortgage scores, use myFICO or Experian.
Not All Credit Scores Are the Same
Think you know your credit score? Maybe not. Most people only see their FICO 8 score (or worse—VantageScore), but mortgage lenders use older FICO models that are very different.
Which Scores Do Mortgage Lenders Use?
Most mortgage lenders still use these three scores:
- FICO Score 2 (from Experian)
- FICO Score 4 (from TransUnion)
- FICO Score 5 (from Equifax)
They don’t use the newer FICO 8 or FICO 9. That means the score you see on most apps won’t match what your mortgage lender sees.
What Are the Different Credit Scores?
Here’s a breakdown of the most common scores, who uses them, and who shows them:
| Score Version | Used For | Who Uses It | Who Provides It |
|---|---|---|---|
| FICO 2 (Experian) | Mortgages | Fannie Mae / Freddie Mac | myFICO, sometimes Experian |
| FICO 4 (TransUnion) | Mortgages | Fannie Mae / Freddie Mac | myFICO |
| FICO 5 (Equifax) | Mortgages | Fannie Mae / Freddie Mac | myFICO |
| FICO 8 | Credit cards, auto loans | Most banks, lenders | Experian, some credit card apps, myFICO |
| FICO 9 | Rarely used | Few lenders | myFICO |
| VantageScore | Consumer credit monitoring | NOT used by mortgage lenders | Credit Karma, NerdWallet, Credit Sesame, WalletHub |
What’s the Deal with Credit Karma?
Credit Karma shows your VantageScore, not your FICO score. Mortgage lenders don’t even look at it. It can be 20–50 points off from your real mortgage score. Great for monitoring trends—not good for home loan planning.
Where Can I See My Real Mortgage Score?
Only a few sites show your real FICO 2/4/5 scores. These are the best:
- myFICO.com – shows all FICO versions, including the ones used for mortgages. Costs money.
- Experian – sometimes offers FICO 2 score for free in promotions.
Many other free apps (like Credit Sesame, WalletHub, Chase Credit Journey) do not show FICO mortgage scores.
Why Do Mortgage Lenders Still Use Old Scores?
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac—the government-sponsored giants that buy most mortgages—still require the old FICO models. Until they update, lenders stick with 2/4/5.
Bottom Line
Don’t count on the score from your free credit app. If you’re planning to buy a home, check your real mortgage FICO scores. Otherwise, you might get a surprise when you apply.
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