{"id":27430,"date":"2025-05-16T13:59:45","date_gmt":"2025-05-16T13:59:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/?p=27430"},"modified":"2025-12-23T10:30:41","modified_gmt":"2025-12-23T10:30:41","slug":"why-is-my-credit-score-different-on-different-sites","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/why-is-my-credit-score-different-on-different-sites\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Is My Credit Score Different On Different Sites? Reason Explained"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Having a good credit score is essential if you want the best offers on credit. It can make a difference to mortgages, car loans or even applying for a credit card. But it can be confusing when your credit score changes across different websites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Why is this happening?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Should you be concerned?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this blog post, we&#8217;ll look at the UK credit scoring system and delve into the reasons behind these discrepancies. Read on to get a better understanding of why your own credit report and score may differ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-69f285170f525\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-69f285170f525\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/why-is-my-credit-score-different-on-different-sites\/#5_reasons_why_your_credit_score_differs_across_different_sites\" >5 reasons why your credit score differs across different sites<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/why-is-my-credit-score-different-on-different-sites\/#1_multiple_credit_scoring_models\" >1. Multiple credit scoring models.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/why-is-my-credit-score-different-on-different-sites\/#2_data_sources_and_reporting_practices\" >2. Data sources and reporting practices.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/why-is-my-credit-score-different-on-different-sites\/#3_timing_and_frequency_of_updates\" >3. Timing and frequency of updates.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/why-is-my-credit-score-different-on-different-sites\/#4_credit_score_ranges_and_categories\" >4. Credit score ranges and categories.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/why-is-my-credit-score-different-on-different-sites\/#5_credit_report_errors_and_discrepancies\" >5. Credit report errors and discrepancies.<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/why-is-my-credit-score-different-on-different-sites\/#why_do_you_have_3_different_credit_scores\" >Why do you have 3 different credit scores?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/why-is-my-credit-score-different-on-different-sites\/#transunion_credit_score\" >TransUnion credit score<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/why-is-my-credit-score-different-on-different-sites\/#equifax_credit_score\" >Equifax credit score<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/why-is-my-credit-score-different-on-different-sites\/#experian_credit_score\" >Experian credit score<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/why-is-my-credit-score-different-on-different-sites\/#can_i_get_a_free_credit_report\" >Can I get a free credit report?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/why-is-my-credit-score-different-on-different-sites\/#how_do_i_know_which_credit_score_my_lender_will_look_at\" >How do I know which credit score my lender will look at?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/why-is-my-credit-score-different-on-different-sites\/#should_i_be_worried_if_my_scores_are_different\" >Should I be worried if my scores are different?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/why-is-my-credit-score-different-on-different-sites\/#what_should_you_do_if_you_have_specific_concerns_or_questions_regarding_your_different_credit_scores\" >What Should You Do if You Have Specific Concerns or Questions Regarding Your Different Credit Scores?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/why-is-my-credit-score-different-on-different-sites\/#faqs\" >FAQs<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/why-is-my-credit-score-different-on-different-sites\/#what_is_a_credit_reference_agency_cra\" >What is a credit reference agency (CRA)?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/why-is-my-credit-score-different-on-different-sites\/#why_do_credit_scores_differ\" >Why do credit scores differ?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/why-is-my-credit-score-different-on-different-sites\/#do_lenders_see_a_different_credit_report\" >Do lenders see a different credit report?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/why-is-my-credit-score-different-on-different-sites\/#do_mortgage_lenders_look_at_different_scores\" >Do mortgage lenders look at different scores?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_reasons_why_your_credit_score_differs_across_different_sites\"><\/span><strong>5 reasons why your credit score differs across different sites<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"532\" height=\"399\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Reasons-Why-Your-Credit-Score-Differs-Across-Different-Sites.jpg\" alt=\"Reasons Why Your Credit Score Differs Across Different Sites\" class=\"wp-image-27431\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Reasons-Why-Your-Credit-Score-Differs-Across-Different-Sites.jpg 532w, https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Reasons-Why-Your-Credit-Score-Differs-Across-Different-Sites-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Reasons-Why-Your-Credit-Score-Differs-Across-Different-Sites-80x60.jpg 80w, https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Reasons-Why-Your-Credit-Score-Differs-Across-Different-Sites-265x198.jpg 265w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 532px) 100vw, 532px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_multiple_credit_scoring_models\"><\/span><strong>1. Multiple credit scoring models.<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The primary reason for varying credit scores is the use of multiple scoring models. There are three main credit bureaus and they use different scales and information to calculate your credit score. Most other websites and apps use one of these to show your score as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Each model may generate a slightly different score. This leads to discrepancies across platforms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_data_sources_and_reporting_practices\"><\/span><strong>2. Data sources and reporting practices.<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Another factor affecting each credit score is the data that&#8217;s used. Credit bureaus collect information from various sources, including banks, utility companies and lenders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, not all lenders report data to every credit bureau. This means that one site may have access to a bigger set of data. This results in a more accurate view of your credit history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_timing_and_frequency_of_updates\"><\/span><strong>3. Timing and frequency of updates.<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Not every credit bureau <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/how-often-does-your-credit-score-update\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">updates your credit score at the same time<\/a><\/strong>, even if they&#8217;re using the same information. Some sites may update your credit score on a daily basis, while others might do it every month or so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Recent changes can affect your score too (such as paying off a debt or applying for new credit). It&#8217;s possible that one site reflects these changes sooner than another. This can lead to temporary differences in your credit scores.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_credit_score_ranges_and_categories\"><\/span><strong>4. Credit score ranges and categories.<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>It&#8217;s important to note that credit score ranges and categories can vary across different credit files. Each of the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/credit-reference-agencies\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">major credit bureaus<\/a><\/strong> uses their own scoring range and categories. So one might classify a score as excellent, while another classifies the same score as good or fair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As a quick example, a credit score of 600 is good on Equifax, fair on Transunion and poor on Experian. This is because they all use different scales.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_credit_report_errors_and_discrepancies\"><\/span><strong>5. Credit report errors and discrepancies.<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Discrepancies in credit scores can sometimes arise due to errors or inconsistencies in your <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/credit-report\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">credit reports<\/a><\/strong>. Regularly reviewing your credit file can help you identify any inaccuracies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Errors in reported debts, missed payments or even incorrect personal information. These can all impact your credit score on different sites. Fixing these errors can ensure a more consistent credit score.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"why_do_you_have_3_different_credit_scores\"><\/span><strong>Why do you have 3 different credit scores?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"532\" height=\"399\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Why-do-you-have-3-different-credit-scores.jpg\" alt=\"Why do you have 3 different credit scores\" class=\"wp-image-27432\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Why-do-you-have-3-different-credit-scores.jpg 532w, https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Why-do-you-have-3-different-credit-scores-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Why-do-you-have-3-different-credit-scores-80x60.jpg 80w, https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Why-do-you-have-3-different-credit-scores-265x198.jpg 265w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 532px) 100vw, 532px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In the UK, there are 3 major credit reference agencies. They are Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Each agency calculates your credit score differently. This results in the existence of 3 different credit scores.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here&#8217;s a breakdown of their various scoring models and systems:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"transunion_credit_score\"><\/span><strong>TransUnion credit score<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/transunion\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">TransUnion<\/a><\/strong> is a leading credit reporting agency in the UK. It provides credit reporting and scoring services. These are based on a range of factors including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>payment history<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>credit utilisation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>length of credit history<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>types of credit accounts<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>recent credit activity<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>These scores are designed to help lenders assess credit risk and make lending decisions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Their credit scores typically range from 0 to 710.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"equifax_credit_score\"><\/span><strong>Equifax credit score<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/equifax\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Equifax<\/a><\/strong> is one of the three credit reporting agencies in the UK. Their credit scores typically range from 0 to 1000. A higher Equifax credit score signifies a lower credit risk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Equifax takes into account your credit limits, as well as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>your payment history<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>credit utilisation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>credit mix<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>length of credit history<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"experian_credit_score\"><\/span><strong>Experian credit score<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/experian\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Experian<\/a><\/strong> is the third credit reporting agency in the UK. They calculate credit scores ranging from 0 to 1250. An Experian credit report takes into account multiple factors such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>payment history<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>credit utilisation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>available credit<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>recent credit applications<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>A higher Experian credit score indicates greater creditworthiness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"can_i_get_a_free_credit_report\"><\/span><strong>Can I get a free credit report?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You are also entitled to one free copy of your credit report. You can claim this from each of the three bureaus every 12 months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"how_do_i_know_which_credit_score_my_lender_will_look_at\"><\/span><strong>How do I know which credit score my lender will look at?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Lenders may use one or more of these credit score versions when assessing you. If you want to find out more about which they use, ask the lender directly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"should_i_be_worried_if_my_scores_are_different\"><\/span><strong>Should I be worried if my scores are different?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"532\" height=\"399\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Should-I-Be-Worried-if-My-Scores-Are-Different.jpg\" alt=\"Should I Be Worried if My Scores Are Different\" class=\"wp-image-27433\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Should-I-Be-Worried-if-My-Scores-Are-Different.jpg 532w, https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Should-I-Be-Worried-if-My-Scores-Are-Different-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Should-I-Be-Worried-if-My-Scores-Are-Different-80x60.jpg 80w, https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Should-I-Be-Worried-if-My-Scores-Are-Different-265x198.jpg 265w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 532px) 100vw, 532px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>It&#8217;s natural to be concerned about discrepancies in your credit report or your scores. But slight variations between different credit score websites are relatively common. The credit score you see on these platforms could be an estimate. They might not be the exact score used by lenders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Direct Lenders like <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Lending Stream<\/a><\/strong> may consider additional factors as well as your credit score. They may want more information about your current finances as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"what_should_you_do_if_you_have_specific_concerns_or_questions_regarding_your_different_credit_scores\"><\/span><strong>What Should You Do if You Have Specific Concerns or Questions Regarding Your Different Credit Scores?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have specific concerns or questions regarding your credit scores, contact the respective credit bureaus. They may be able to give you more information Discovering variations in your credit scores shouldn&#8217;t cause panic. Remember that credit scores can differ due to multiple factors. These include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>use of different scoring models.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>variations in data sources.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>reporting practices.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>scoring range differences.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>potential discrepancies in credit reports.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Minor score differences are generally expected. They may not have a significant impact on your overall creditworthiness. Instead of fixating solely on the numbers, it&#8217;s worth looking at the overall trend and ratings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If your scores generally fall within the same credit range and reflect responsible credit behaviour, then there shouldn&#8217;t be any issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"faqs\"><\/span><strong>FAQs<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n<div id=\"rank-math-faq\" class=\"rank-math-block\">\n<div class=\"rank-math-list \">\n<div id=\"faq-question-1747403447411\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"what_is_a_credit_reference_agency_cra\"><\/span><strong>What is a credit reference agency (CRA)?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>A credit reference agency (CRA) is a company that collects and stores financial information about individuals. This includes data from banks, lenders, credit card companies, and other financial institutions. CRAs use this information to create credit reports and calculate credit scores, which help lenders decide whether to approve credit applications. In the UK, the three main credit reference agencies are Experian, Equifax and Transunion. Each agency may hold slightly different information, so it&#8217;s important to check your credit reports with all three.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1747403458148\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"why_do_credit_scores_differ\"><\/span><strong>Why do credit scores differ?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Each of the three credit bureaus calculates your credit score independently. They have different scores and scales, and they may not all gather the same information.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1747403465380\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"do_lenders_see_a_different_credit_report\"><\/span><strong>Do lenders see a different credit report?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Yes, lenders can see the different agencies&#8217; credit reports. Lenders can choose which credit reference agency they want to use. This determines the information they use when assessing their creditworthiness.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1747403471372\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"do_mortgage_lenders_look_at_different_scores\"><\/span><strong>Do mortgage lenders look at different scores?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>When applying for a mortgage in the UK, lenders may request credit reports from one or more of these agencies. They will review the information provided, including credit scores. They use this to assess the borrower&#8217;s creditworthiness and to determine the terms of the mortgage.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><strong>Disclaimer<\/strong>: The information given above is provided for reference only. This is not financial advice.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Having a good credit score is essential if you want the best offers on credit. It can make a difference to mortgages, car loans or even applying for a credit card. But it can be confusing when your credit score changes across different websites. Why is this happening? Should you be concerned? In this blog [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":48,"featured_media":27434,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[267],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-27430","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-loans"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27430"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/48"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=27430"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27430\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":28169,"href":"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27430\/revisions\/28169"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/27434"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=27430"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=27430"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=27430"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}