Confused about Credit Scores!

[bella1013]

Hello! I'm trying to fix my credit and understand as much as I possibly can about it.  I'm confused on all the different credit scores with the different bureaus.  My TU credit score is 698..Experian is 663..Equifax is 634..My Fico is 584.  Now TU tells me that my Experian score is 681 and that my Equifax is 680.  My Fico tells me my Equifax credit score is 584 but Equifax tells me my score is 634.  Which scores do I go by?  I don't understand why everyone is giving me all different scores.  I did check each credit report and they all have the same information.  I am trying to raise my score as much as a can to get a mortgage.  Thank you for helping me!

[guiness56]

The scores you get from the CRAs are not true FICO scores, they are FAKOs.  The ones you get from myFICO are the real deal and what you need to focus on.

[llecs]

You're limited on the places to get your FICO score.

You can only buy your EQ FICO from myFICO, your lender, or from Equifax.com (buyer beware: the scores they push are a FAKO, but your EQ FICO can be purchased through EQ).

You can only buy your TU FICO from myFICO or your lender.

Finally, you can only buy your EX FICO from your lender. As of a few years ago, Experian blocked consumer access to your own EX FICO.

Aside from the above, you can also get your FICO scores for free or at a reduced price. Banks and CUs will offer it as a benefit. M&T Bank, Unitus Community Credit Union, and Digital Credit Union each offer an EQ FICO. You can get your TU FICO from Wal-Mart or Merrick Bank if you have CCs with them. And you can get your EX FICO from PA State Employees Credit Union (PSECU) if you have a checking account with them. There are other CUs out there that will offer a FICO if you ask them as part of a benefit for being a member.

[bella1013]

Thank you!