Each FICO score (EQ, TU, and the mysterious and unseen EX) is created by a unique scoring formula commissioned by each CRA. Each formula weights things in different ways --EQ hits hard for lates, etc etc.
Also, each bureau updates on its own sweet time. EX usually updates within 24 hours of getting the info from lenders. EQ and TU dawdle along, taking turns at which will be slower, generally updating somewhere around 4-7 days after being sent the info by the lenders. So be sure to check balances on all your accounts to see if they match.
Even when all three of my reports are fully updated and matching, my EQ is generally 30 points lower than TU and EX. That's because of two things: EQ penalizes much more for lates, and I have one 90-day plus a handful of 30's scattered around, and my EQ history is a little bit shorter --19 years instead of 20 or 21 on the other two. These are old, closed accounts from back in the day when many lenders only reported to one bureau.
* Credit is a wonderful servant, but a terrible master. * Who's the boss --you or your credit?
FICO's: EQ 781 - TU 793 - EX 779 (from PSECU) - Done credit hunting; having fun with credit gardening. - EQ 590 on 5/14/2007
