Getting a credit card
Using your credit card
Credit card rewards
Explore credit cards
See if you're pre-approved > , Opens new tab

Getting a credit card

What is a VantageScore® vs FICO® Score contents
See if you're pre-approved > , Opens new tab
A man holds a coffee cup while he browses on his laptop computer.

What is a VantageScore® vs FICO® Score

6 min read
Last Updated: May 8, 2025
Getting a credit card

Table of contents

Key Takeaways

  1. There are two main credit scoring models used in the United States: VantageScore® and FICO® Score.1

  2. Both companies use the same credit score range of 300–850, but the meanings of the scores are different.

  3. Discover® Cardmembers can access their FICO® Credit Score for free anytime.

While your credit score is only three numbers, this trio of digits can make a huge difference when it comes to your finances. Your credit score is calculated based on information in your credit report that is put through a credit scoring model.

 

Consumer credit scores help a lender predict how likely it is you’ll pay your bills on time. This information is then used to determine if you qualify for new credit, such as a mortgage, auto loan, or a new credit card, and what your interest rate would be.

What are the differences between FICO® and VantageScore® ranges

The FICO® Score and the VantageScore® are the two largest credit scoring models in the United States. FICO stands for Fair Isaac Corporation. Both scoring models have the same purpose: to help lenders evaluate applicants and predict the likelihood that a consumer will pay their bills.

 

Both companies create credit scores based on your credit reports and use the same credit range of 300–850. However, the models they use to calculate them differ.

Did you know?

If you are a Discover cardmember, you can get your free Credit Scorecard with your FICO® Credit Score, and more. Viewing your Credit Scorecard will never impact your FICO® Score.2

See If You're Pre-Approved

For instance, what qualifies as a “good” credit score in FICO® Score is 670–739. “Your score is near or slightly above the average of U.S. consumers and most lenders consider this a good score,” according to myFICO.com.

But, using VantageScore® 3.0, you need to score between 661–780 to get a “prime” rating. This is because each credit scoring model applies varying levels of importance to your credit data.

FICO® Credit Score ranges

There are five tiers of the FICO® Score range.

  • Exceptional: 800–850
  • Very Good: 740–799
  • Good: 670–739
  • Fair: 580–669
  • Poor: 300-579

VantageScore credit score ranges

There are four tiers of the VantageScore® range.

  

  • Superprime: 781-850
  • Prime: 661-780
  • Near prime: 601-660
  • Subprime: 300-600

If you’re curious whether you’ll qualify for a credit card, you can check your credit score first, and also see if you prequalify. There are also tips to follow if you want a higher score.

See If You're Pre-Approved

Different factors that affect your credit score

Have you seen both of your scores and questioned, “Why is my VantageScore® different than my FICO® Score?” It’s because there are differences in how each company weighs categories and information within their own scoring models. This can result in slightly different scores. So, if you have a FICO® Score of 600, it doesn’t mean you’ll have a 600 VantageScore® too.

 

For instance, the two models differ based on how they score the length of credit history. A VantageScore® only requires one or more credit accounts to be open. But before you can have a FICO® Score, you must have one or more credit accounts open for six months, according to information from their website. FICO® Scores also require these accounts to have a six-month reporting period to at least one of the three national credit bureaus.

 

This means those who are new to credit may not have a credit score with FICO® and are more likely to have one with VantageScore®.

Why credit reports from the three credit bureaus may differ

A credit report is a summary of your credit history. You may have a different information at each credit reporting agency. This is because lenders don’t always share the same consumer information with every credit bureau. They might also provide this information at different times. This means you can get two different credit scores if you request your credit report from two bureaus at the same time.

How the factors used to calculate credit scores differ

The categories that make up a FICO® Score and a VantageScore® are different, as well as how each evaluates the credit information.

 

The five categories that contribute to a FICO® Score (according to FICO) include:

This looks at how often you make a late payment and if you pay your credit accounts on time.

This looks at how much of your available credit you are using versus your credit limit. You might also see this called your credit utilization ratio.

As a rule of thumb, the longer your credit history, the better.

Having different types of credit, such as a credit card and a mortgage, can help demonstrate good credit management.

Applying for several credit accounts in a short period of time can make you appear risky to lenders.

According to the VantageScore® website, the six categories that make up a VantageScore® 3.0, include:

A measure of your repayment behavior. Have you paid on time or missed payments?

The age and type of credit (revolving and installment debt) you have.

How much of your available credit is in use.

You’ve recently opened credit accounts or had credit inquiries.

The total amount of recently reported balances.

How much credit you have available on your revolving credit accounts.

How to get your credit report and credit score

Federal law allows you to receive one free credit report every 12 months from each of the three major credit reporting agencies. The Federal Trade Commission reports that the three credit bureaus have permanently extended the program to include one free report per week.

 

You can request your free credit report at AnnualCreditReport.com (the only website authorized by the federal government). Additionally, you can ask for a free credit report within 60 days of being denied credit.

 

You may also be able to get your credit score from your credit card company if they offer the service.

 

If you’re a Discover® Cardmember, you can get your FICO® Credit Score for free on monthly statements, on mobile and online.2 90% of top lenders use FICO® Credit Scores, including Discover.2 Because FICO® Scores are more widely used by lenders, that means your FICO® Score may be more important to you if you’re trying to access new credit.

The bottom line

Your credit score is used by your credit card issuer to determine if they can trust you as a borrower. Your specific credit score can vary between scoring models. Rather than worry about how your scores might differ, try to focus on the big picture habits to get a good credit score. Things like paying your bills on time, maintaining low credit usage, and only applying for credit when you need it can help across both scoring models.

Important Information >

Next steps

Application Icon
See if you're pre-approved
Check Now
Application Icon
Learn about Discover It® Cash Back Credit Card

See rates, rewards and other info

Learn More

You may also be interested in

Share article

Was this article helpful?

Glad you found this useful. Could you let us know what you found helpful?
Sorry this article didn't help you. Can you give us feedback why?

Was this article helpful?

Thank you for your feedback

Apply Now
Back to article