What's the difference between a FICO score and a VantageScore?

Both are credit scores on a 300–850 scale, but they're built by different companies using slightly different formulas, so your numbers won't match. FICO, used in roughly 90% of lending decisions, is what most mortgage, auto, and credit-card underwriters actually pull. VantageScore (a joint product of the three bureaus) is what many free apps and bank dashboards show, which is why your app score can look higher or lower than what a lender sees. They weigh things differently: VantageScore can score you with a thinner file and treats some late payments and inquiries differently. Don't obsess over a 10–20 point gap between models. Focus on the habits that move both: on-time payments, low utilization, and a long history. To see how specific actions might shift your score, try wealthserene.com/tools/credit-score-simulator.