 TITLE: What Is the Difference Between FICO<sup>®<\/sup> Score and Credit Score? CONTENT: Is a FICO® Score the Same as a Credit Score?\n--------------------------------------------\nAs with all credit risk scores, FICO® Scores predict the likelihood that someone will fall 90 days behind on a bill within the next 24 months. FICO® does this using complex algorithms based on information in your credit report from each of the national credit bureaus: Experian, TransUnion and Equifax.\nFICO® periodically releases new versions of its scores, and it creates different versions of its scores to work with each bureau's databases, which is why there are many FICO® Scores. Other companies, including VantageScore®, also create credit risk scores that similarly analyze consumer credit reports to calculate scores.\nCredit scoring models rank consumer credit behavior, so someone with a higher score is considered less likely to miss a payment than someone with a lower score—and therefore, a higher score can help you secure better terms when you're applying for credit.\nFICO® and VantageScore credit scores range from 300 to 850, and group consumers by credit scoring ranges. For example, a FICO® Score of 800 to 850 is considered \"exceptional.\" However, even if they use the same range and information from the same credit report, each scoring model takes a unique approach that may result in a different score.\nFICO® also creates other types of scores that are based in part, or entirely, on your credit reports. For example, FICO® offers credit-based insurance scores and bankruptcy scores, which try to predict the chance you'll file an insurance claim or declare bankruptcy, respectively. END