VantageScore® Lender FAQs

What is VantageScore?

Launched in March 2006, VantageScore is a highly predictive and consistent consumer credit scoring model across all three major credit reporting companies (CRCs) - Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. Consumer scores fall within a range of 501 to 990, with higher scores representing a lower likelihood of risk.

What is VantageScore 2.0?

VantageScore 2.0 is the most current version of the VantageScore model. Introduced in October 2010, VantageScore 2.0 leverages the core VantageScore platform while delivering improved predictive performance. 

Who is the company behind VantageScore?

VantageScore was developed jointly by the CRCs in response to market demand using innovative modeling techniques and based upon their deep industry and data knowledge. VantageScore is independently marketed and sold through the CRCs via licensing arrangements. VantageScore Solutions, LLC, is an independently managed company, holds all the intellectual property rights to VantageScore and is responsible for the continued maintenance and re-validation of the underlying algorithms of VantageScore.

Why did the three CRCs collectively develop VantageScore?

The development of VantageScore was prompted by market demand. In addition to a credit scoring model that reflected more recent changes in consumer credit behaviors, including increasing debt loads and the introduction of non-traditional debt products, lenders sought a model that delivered consistent, predictive power across all three CRCs.

Prior to the launch of VantageScore, generic credit scores varied across the three CRCs because data was interpreted under different scoring methodologies. While there will still be some score variation with VantageScore due to differences in the data provided to the individual CRCs for each consumer file, the gaps among the results generated via VantageScore are diminished because the credit scoring model itself and the underlying credit characteristics in the algorithm are the same at all three CRCs.

Will there now be just one consistent score per consumer across the three CRCs?

No. While the three CRCs can now generate scores using the same underlying credit scoring model, differences in the actual scores are to be expected because each CRC maintains its own consumer credit files, which may vary. Consumers' files at each CRC can vary because credit grantors can choose which CRC they provide consumer payment data.

Are there any regulatory hurdles from converting to the VantageScore model?

A number of Federal regulators (specifically, the Treasury Department, the Federal Reserve Board, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Federal Housing Finance Agency, the Securities & Exchange Commission and the Department of Housing and Urban Development) have recognized and acknowledged the need to avoid unintended "brand endorsements" in their rulemaking. Instead, they recognize that today there is a "choice of credit scores" in the marketplace. 

How was VantageScore developed?

VantageScore was developed by a representative team of statisticians, analysts and credit data experts from each of the CRCs. The resulting credit scoring model was built from a robust national sample of approximately 15 million anonymous consumer credit profiles that reflected the diversity of the country. Data, which was pulled equally from the three CRCs, included public record information, collections information, tradeline data, and inquiries.

When was VantageScore developed?

Development work began in July 2005; it was introduced to the marketplace in March 2006.

What are the advantages of VantageScore?

As the algorithms underlying VantageScore were created from 2003-2005 consumer data, it reflects recent economic trends and important shifts in consumer credit behaviors. VantageScore was built using the latest analytic techniques and uniquely benefits from the unparalleled, extensive credit data expertise of the three CRCs.

Does the introduction of VantageScore mean that the CRCs will no longer continue to independently develop the proprietary credit scores they had been marketing in recent years?

Although jointly developed, VantageScore is marketed and sold independently by the CRCs. Each CRC will continue to make its own decision regarding proprietary credit scores.

Who will be the primary market for VantageScore - consumers or business clients?

VantageScore was created to address needs in the business marketplace. However, each company will distribute VantageScore in a way that is consistent with its own business strategy, which may include both business clients and consumers.

What does this mean for the continued existence of the credit scores that the three CRCs have developed and marketed individually for the past few years? Will these scores continue to be sold?

VantageScore provides a new and unique option to the marketplace. There will continue to be multiple scoring solutions in the market designed to meet varying business needs. VantageScore will compete on the merits of its consistent, predictive power.

Will each CRC sell the same score? Will there be any variations from company to company?

With VantageScore, the same model is used across all three CRCs. Differences will occur when the underlying data content is different. Each company will sell VantageScore independently according to its unique marketing strategy and positioning in the marketplace.

How will VantageScore be priced?

VantageScore is marketed and sold independently by the CRCs through individual licensing arrangements. Each CRC will set its own prices according to its individual business goals and marketplace objectives.

Our lending company is interested in learning more about VantageScore. Who do I contact?

VantageScore is marketed and sold independently by the CRCs through individual licensing arrangements with VantageScore Solutions LLC.

To learn about VantageScore from Experian, please contact your local Experian representative, call 1 888 422 0105 or complete our brief form to have a representative contact you.