Here's something that might surprise you.
You don't have a credit score. You have dozens of them.
Right now, sitting in databases across three different companies, there are multiple versions of your credit history—and each one can generate a different score depending on which mathematical formula is applied to it.
The Multi-Score Reality
Your mortgage lender might see a 680. Your credit card company might see a 712. That free app on your phone might show you a 695.
They're all "your" credit score. And they're all different numbers.
If that sounds confusing, you're not alone. Most people have no idea how credit reporting actually works. They check their score on an app, see a number, and assume that's what every lender sees.
Then they apply for a mortgage and get blindsided when the lender quotes them a completely different—often lower—score.
Why This Matters for Homeownership
When you're preparing to buy a home, understanding your credit isn't just about knowing a number. It's about knowing:
Where that number comes from — Three different companies track your credit history
Who's keeping track — Each bureau operates independently and may have different information
Why lenders see different versions — Different scoring models produce different results
What You'll Learn in This Course
Over the next several lessons, you'll discover:
How the three credit bureaus collect and store your information
What's actually in your credit report (and what each section means)
Why FICO has 16 different scoring versions in use
Which scores mortgage lenders actually use (hint: it's not what your app shows)
How to get your reports and understand what you're seeing
By the end of this course, you'll understand the credit reporting system better than most people—including many who work in finance.
Key Takeaway
Your credit report tells lenders who you are financially. Understanding what it says—and why different lenders see different scores—is the first step to taking control of your financial future.