FICO score vs. credit scores: What are the differences?

When you check your credit score, you might be shown a FICO score, a VantageScore, or another rating entirely — and they won’t always match. That’s because “credit score” is a broad term that covers many different scoring models, while FICO is one specific model, built by the Fair Isaac Corporation, and often considered the industry standard. The overlap in language leads to mix-ups, with many people assuming that every credit score they see is a FICO one. In this article, we’ll clarify the distinction, show how the models differ, and outline which scores are most important when you borrow.

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Lukas Grigas

September 29, 2025

The credit scores provided are based on the VantageScore 3.0® credit score by TransUnion® model. Lenders use a variety of credit scores and may utilize a different scoring model from VantageScore 3.0® credit score to assess your creditworthiness.

You have numerous rights under the FCRA, including the right to dispute inaccurate information in your credit report(s). Consumer reporting agencies are required to investigate and respond to your dispute but are not obligated to change or remove accurate information that is reported in compliance with applicable law. While this plan can provide you assistance in filing a dispute, the FCRA allows you to file a dispute for free with a consumer reporting agency without the assistance of a third party.

No single product can fully prevent identity theft or monitor every single transaction.

Some features may require authentication and a valid Social Security Number to activate. To access credit reports, scores, and/or credit monitoring services (“Credit Monitoring Services”), you must successfully pass your identity authentication with TransUnion®, and your VantageScore 3.0® credit score file must contain sufficient credit history information. If either of these requirements is not met, you will not be able to access our Credit Monitoring Services. It may take a few days for credit monitoring to start after a successful enrollment.

NordProtect's dark web monitoring service scans various sources where users' compromised personal information is suspected of being published or leaked, with new sources added frequently. However, there is no guarantee that NordProtect will locate and monitor every possible site or directory where consumers' compromised personal information is leaked or published. Accordingly, we may not be able to notify you of all your personal information that may have been compromised.

Identity and cyber protection benefits are available to customers residing in the U.S., including U.S. territories and the District of Columbia, with the exception of residents of New York and Washington. Benefits under the Master Policy are issued and covered by HSB Specialty Insurance Company. You can find further details and exclusions in the summary of benefits.

Our identity theft restoration service is part of a comprehensive identity theft recovery package that offers a reimbursement of up to $1 million for identity recovery expenses. To access the support of an identity restoration case manager, you must file a claim with HSB, which NordProtect has partnered with to provide the coverage. HSB is a global specialty insurance company and one of the largest cyber insurance writers in the U.S.