26/10/2026
Your Credit Karma Score Says 740. Your Mortgage Lender Says 660. Who's Right?
Both could be right. And here's why.
One of the most common surprises for homebuyers is discovering that the credit score they've been monitoring isn't the same score their mortgage lender uses.
Here's what many consumers don't realize:
Credit Karma uses VantageScore 3.0, while mortgage lenders have traditionally relied on older FICO scoring models. Classic mortgage FICO uses versions 2, 4, and 5.
Different scoring models evaluate credit information differently. Payment history, credit utilization, collections, and other factors can affect each score differently.
You don't have just one credit score. You have multiple scores, depending on the scoring model, credit bureau, and purpose of the loan you are applying for.
Mortgage scoring is evolving. FICO 10T and VantageScore 4.0 are part of the industry's transition toward newer mortgage scoring options. VantageScore 4.0 is already in use on a limited basis and FICO 10T is expected to be phased in next year.
The takeaway?
A 740 on Credit Karma doesn't guarantee a 740 when applying for a mortgage. And a lower mortgage score doesn't necessarily mean something is wrong with your credit report. Some credit monitoring services like MyFICO.com and Experian.com let you choose from multiple scoring models so you can get an accurate score before you start the process of qualifying for a loan.
For loan officers and real estate agents, helping borrowers understand this difference before they start shopping for a home can prevent frustration and surprises.