Why the Credit Score You Might See Might Not Be the One Your Lender Uses
If you’ve ever checked your credit score using a free app or credit monitoring service, you’re not alone. It’s a great way to stay informed! But when it comes to applying for a mortgage, the score you see on those apps might not match the credit score mortgage lenders use.
Let’s break down why that happens—and how to make sure you’re looking at the right numbers before you start shopping for a home.
Not All Credit Scores Are the Same
Many free credit score apps use general consumer scoring models. These versions are helpful for keeping tabs on your financial health, but they aren’t always aligned with the credit score used for mortgage approval.
When you apply for a home loan, the lender may pull a different version of your credit score that looks at your history through a mortgage-specific lens. Those scores may weigh certain factors differently—so even if your app shows a 740, your mortgage score could come back a bit higher…or lower. It’s not that your app is wrong—it’s just showing a different version of your credit profile than what a mortgage lender will see.
Why This Matters for Homebuyers
Understanding your actual credit score for mortgage approval is one of the most important steps in the homebuying journey. The only way to know where you really stand from a home loan perspective is to go through a quick and easy pre-approval process. And the best part? It’s completely free and carries no obligation to move forward.
Getting pre-approved before you start home shopping gives you two big advantages:
Free credit apps are a helpful tool, but they don’t always reflect what lenders see. A no–obligation pre–approval gives you the real numbers—and the real advantage—when it’s time to buy.
Thinking about purchasing a home? Reach out to one of our expert mortgage advisors. We’ll help you take the guesswork out of your credit score so you can shop with confidence.
