Quick Facts About Mortgage Credit Scores

• Banks use older FICO models for mortgages
• They look at scores from all 3 bureaus
• They use the middle score, not the average
• Different from regular credit card scores

The Exact Models Used

• Experian: FICO 02
• TransUnion: FICO 04
• Equifax: FICO Beacon 5 (same as FICO V5)

How They Pick Your Score

Let's say your scores are:

• TransUnion: 725
• Experian: 756
• Equifax: 689

They'll use 725 (the middle score, not the highest or lowest)

Where to Check Your Mortgage Scores

MyFICO

• Most accurate source
• Shows all 3 bureaus
• Pricing:
  • Basic: $19.95/month (just Experian)
  • Advanced: $29.95/month (all 3 bureaus, updated quarterly)
  • Premier: $39.95/month (all 3 bureaus, monthly updates)

Experian

• Shows only Experian mortgage score
• $24.99/month (7-day free trial)
• Daily Experian updates
• Other bureaus update monthly

Extra Credit

• Shows all 3 bureaus
• $24.99/month (7-day free trial)
• Updates every 30 days
• Pretty accurate scores

Quick FAQs

• Can you get free mortgage scores? Extra Credit offers a 30-day trial
• Making two payments monthly won't build credit faster
• Yes, you can apply for credit cards right after closing your mortgage

Remember: Regular credit scores you see elsewhere often aren't the same as what mortgage lenders use. These older FICO models are specifically for mortgages.