<\/span><\/h3>\nWhile specific computational formulas remain proprietary secrets, FICO does reveal five weighted factor categories driving scores including payment history, debt load, credit history longevity, pursuit of new credit, and credit mix diversity. Multiple editions of the FICO score exist tailored for specific consumer segments from auto and mortgage lending to credit cards plus industry-specific scores for utilities evaluations.<\/p>\n
<\/span>VantageScore Scores<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\nJointly launched in 2006 by the three major US credit bureaus, VantageScore emerged as an alternative credit evaluation system with distinct philosophical differences from FICO models.<\/p>\n
<\/span>Creation and Structure<\/span><\/h3>\nEquifax, Experian and TransUnion collectively developed their shared VantageScore to promote increased scoring consistency across bureaus while incorporating trended data analytics unavailable to lagging FICO formulations. The bureaus retain ongoing cooperative control and development.<\/p>\n
<\/span>Score Range Comparison<\/span><\/h3>\nUnlike FICO\u2019s 300-850 scale, VantageScores instead rate consumer credit risk on a 500-990 band to avoid the negative associations sub-600 figures carry. By starting scoring ranges at 501 rather than 300, VantageScore sought to expand access to more borrowers by preventing categorization as subprime.<\/p>\n
<\/span>Computation Methodologies<\/span><\/h3>\nWhile VantageScore does evaluate the same five baseline factor groupings as FICO, inherent calculations differ due to more recently developed predictive algorithms and consideration of expanded informational components. Trending balance trajectories, credit utilization over time, and changes in account mixes carry more influence.<\/p>