Why Is My Credit Score Different on Different Sites

Why Is My Credit Score Different on Different Sites

If you’ve ever checked your credit score using more than one website or app, you might have noticed that the numbers don’t always match. One platform might show a score of 850, while another shows 712, even though they’re looking at the same financial behaviour. So why is your credit score different on different sites?

In short, it’s because not all credit scores are created equal. In the UK, there are several credit reference agencies (CRAs), each with its own scoring system, data sources and calculation models. This article breaks down why your scores vary, what actually matters to lenders, and how you should use credit scores to manage your financial health.

The Three Main Credit Reference Agencies in the UK

The UK has three major CRAs that collect and store your credit information:

• Experian (score range: 0–999)

• Equifax (score range: 0–1000)

• TransUnion (score range: 0–710)

Each agency gathers information from banks, credit card providers, mobile phone companies, utility suppliers and other lenders. However, not every lender reports to all three agencies, and not all agencies use the same scoring formula.

This is the main reason why your credit score can vary depending on where you check it.

Different Sites Use Different CRAs

Most credit score websites and apps are partnered with just one credit reference agency:

• Experian: Available through Experian’s own site and some paid subscriptions

• Equifax: Accessed through ClearScore and Equifax’s website

• TransUnion: Accessed via Credit Karma, TotallyMoney, and others

So if you check your score on Credit Karma, you’re seeing your TransUnion data. If you check on ClearScore, you’re seeing Equifax. If you log into Experian directly, you're seeing their own version.

Each agency might have different data, updated at different times, which results in different scores — even for the same person.

Different Scoring Ranges

Another reason your scores vary is that each CRA uses its own scoring range:

• Experian: 0–999

• Equifax: 0–1000

• TransUnion: 0–710

So a score of 800 could be excellent on Experian but mid-range on Equifax. The number itself is only meaningful in the context of that agency’s scale.

For example:

• 900 on Experian = Excellent

• 900 on Equifax = Also Excellent

• 900 on TransUnion = Impossible (as it exceeds their maximum of 710)

Always compare your score within the same scale, and look at how your score is rated (e.g. Good, Excellent, Fair), not just the number.

Lenders Don’t See Your Score the Same Way

Here’s a key point: lenders don’t use your credit score as it appears on these platforms. Instead, they generate their own version of a score using the raw data from one or more credit reference agencies — combined with their own internal criteria.

This means:

• Lender A might pull your Equifax data

• Lender B might look at Experian and TransUnion

• Each lender will apply its own risk model, often giving different weight to the same information

So while your score from a site like ClearScore or Credit Karma is useful for personal insight, it isn’t necessarily the number a bank or loan provider sees when making a decision.

Other Reasons for Score Differences

1. Not all lenders report to all agencies
Some credit card providers or banks only share data with one or two agencies. So you might see a loan on one credit report that doesn’t appear on another.

2. Data is updated at different times
Each lender reports data on a different schedule. One CRA may receive your payment history or new balance before another, creating temporary score differences.

3. Errors or outdated information
An error (like an incorrect address or unknown credit application) may appear on one report and not the others. That could cause your score to dip on one platform only.

4. Multiple scoring models
Some CRAs offer different versions of scores (e.g. a general credit score and a score tailored to a particular product like mortgages or car finance). This can also explain the mismatch.

Real-World Example

Alex checked his credit score on three platforms in the same week:

• Experian: 872 (Good)

• ClearScore (Equifax): 685 (Good)

• Credit Karma (TransUnion): 625 (Excellent)

At first glance, the numbers seem inconsistent. But all three classified him as a good or excellent borrower, which reassured him that his credit profile was strong. The score differences came down to different data sets, different reporting times and different scoring scales.

What Score Should You Trust

There’s no single "correct" score. Instead, treat each version of your credit score as a guide to your overall credit health. Rather than focusing on the exact number, pay attention to:

• The rating category (e.g. Good, Excellent, Fair)

• Trends over time — is your score going up or down?

• Any changes in your report such as new credit accounts, missed payments or hard searches

If you're planning to apply for credit soon, it's a good idea to:

• Check all three reports to ensure the information is accurate

• Dispute any errors or outdated information

• Avoid new credit applications in the run-up to your main application

• Keep your credit usage low and payments on time

Final Thought

Your credit score can differ across different sites because of variations in scoring models, data sources and reporting timeframes. While the numbers may not always match, they all aim to give you a picture of your financial reliability. Instead of chasing a perfect number, focus on building and maintaining good credit habits across the board.

By understanding how the system works, you can use your credit scores as a helpful tool — not a source of confusion.