Do you guys really call and ask the finance guy what credit score models they use?

[Anonymous]

I would think you cant just call them up and ask. Have you guys done this? What's your thoughts on this?

[thornback]

Yes, you can call and ask. I usually tell them I have all reports locked and would like to know which to unlock for the app (which is true). Sometimes they know and sometimes the have no clue, but it doesn't hurt to ask.

[Anonymous]

I would tell the salesman I wanted to talk to the finance manager when I was at the dealership. I learned from a very nice financial manager that they used a credit union next door. I then went and talked to their fiance manager. I ended up using Capital Ones auto navigator but 30 days later I refinanced with the credit union for an awesome rate because I knew what FICO score model they used. So ask away, it pays off in the long run.

[MitchDeerfield]

I doubt if they would tell you on the phone.  Maybe if you have agreed to buy a car and signed a sales order they would.  But not on the phone.  You can get your TU FICO SCORE 8 for free on your monthly Discover Credit Card statement.  FICO 8 is the most used credit score for mortgages and car loans.

[Glen_M]

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@MitchDeerfield wrote:

...  FICO 8 is the most used credit score for mortgages and car loans.

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No, it isn't.  Not even close.  There are auto specific scores in the new models (FICO Auto Score 8, FICO Auto Score 9), and mortgages nearly always use older models (5,4,2).

[MitchDeerfield]

They say you are wrong, but you can argue it out with them.  Have a nice day.

There are multiple versions of the FICO® credit-scoring model, and each is based on a unique formula. The most widely used is FICO® Score 8, which is generally consistent with previous versions but differs in several key ways.

Though FICO® Score 9 debuted in 2014, many lenders still rely on FICO® Score 8 when making lending decisions. That’s why it’s important to know what goes into the FICO® Score 8 credit-scoring model.

https://www.valuepenguin.com/fico-models-explained

https://www.creditkarma.com/advice/i/what-fico-score-8/