Ever checked your credit score online—only to get denied for a loan days later? You might’ve been looking at a “FAKO” score instead of the real one your lender uses.
Most people assume their credit score is a single number. In reality, there are dozens of scoring models out there, and not all of them are used by lenders. FICO is the most widely used, but many free tools show something else entirely. That gap can lead to some frustrating surprises if you’re not careful.
What is a FICO score?
FICO scores are the gold standard in credit scoring. They’re used by about 90% of top lenders when reviewing credit card, mortgage, or auto loan applications.
The score itself ranges from 300 to 850 and is based on five main factors:
- Payment history: 35%
- Amounts owed: 30%
- Length of credit history: 15%
- Credit mix: 10%
- New credit inquiries: 10%
FICO doesn’t use just one credit scoring model. Depending on what kind of loan you’re applying for, a lender might use a FICO Auto Score, a FICO Score for credit cards, or one of several mortgage-specific models. That means your FICO score could look a little different depending on the situation.
What are FAKO scores, and where do they come from?
Any credit score that isn’t generated by the FICO model is often nicknamed a “FAKO” score. It’s not an official term, but it’s commonly used to describe credit scores from companies that don’t use the same formula as FICO.
Sites like Credit Karma, Credit Sesame, and many banking apps show free credit scores—but most of those are VantageScores or other proprietary scores, not FICO. That’s why your score might look great on one app but come in lower when your lender pulls it.
FAKO scores still have value. They’re useful for tracking your credit trends over time and spotting issues like late payments or high balances. But if you’re planning to apply for a loan, you’ll want to check your actual FICO score so you know what a lender will likely see.
VantageScore vs. FICO: What’s the Difference?
FICO might be the most widely used score, but VantageScore is the one most people see when checking their credit online. It’s used by sites like Credit Karma and many free credit monitoring tools.
Both credit scores use the same 300–850 range and consider similar factors. But the way they weigh those factors is different.
Key differences between VantageScore and FICO:
- Minimum history required: VantageScore can generate a score with just one month of credit activity. FICO usually needs at least six months.
- Score calculation: VantageScore weighs payment history more heavily. It also puts more emphasis on total credit usage across all accounts, rather than just individual balances.
- Free access: VantageScore is more widely available for free. FICO scores are usually only available through lenders, certain credit cards, or paid services.
If you’re checking your credit score to track progress, VantageScore is fine. But if you’re applying for a loan, your FICO score is the one that matters.
How Lenders Decide Which Credit Score to Use
Lenders don’t all use the same score—or even the same version of a score. Which one they use depends on the type of loan and their internal policies.
For example, most mortgage lenders rely on older FICO models like FICO Score 2, 4, or 5. Auto lenders often use FICO Auto Score 8 or 9. Credit card companies usually go with FICO Score 8.
Each score is also pulled from one of the three major credit bureaus: Experian, TransUnion, or Equifax. Some lenders use just one, others look at all three and use the middle score.
Here’s how it usually works:
- If your three credit scores are 640, 660, and 680, the lender uses 660.
- If two of your credit scores are the same, like 720, 740, and 740, they’ll use 740.
- If you’re applying with someone else, the lender uses the lower middle score between both of you.
Unless you ask directly, you won’t know exactly which score a lender will use. But you can get a solid idea by checking your FICO scores in advance.
How to See Your Real FICO Score for Free
Most credit score apps show VantageScore, not FICO. But there are ways to check your actual FICO score without paying for it.
Free ways to see your FICO score:
- Credit card issuers: Some credit cards show your FICO score on your monthly statement or through your online account. Check cards from Discover, Citi, American Express, and others.
- Lenders and auto financiers: Some car lenders and student loan providers offer free FICO access to their customers.
- Banks and credit unions: Many now include a FICO score as part of your account dashboard. You’ll usually find it under a section labeled “credit monitoring” or “credit score.”
You can also go to MyFICO.com to buy your credit scores directly. It costs $19.95 for one bureau or $59.85 for all three. That’s helpful if you’re preparing for a major loan and want to know exactly what lenders will see.
Is your credit score good enough for a loan?
FICO scores are broken into ranges that most lenders use to set loan terms and interest rates. Even if you’re looking at a VantageScore, the numbers are close enough to give you a general sense of where you stand.
FICO credit score ranges:
- 300–629: Bad
- 630–689: Fair
- 690–719: Good
- 720–850: Excellent
A few points won’t make much difference unless you’re right at the edge of a category. But if you’re close to moving up, even a small improvement can help you get better loan terms.
If you’re tracking your credit score through a free app, just remember that the number you see might not match the one your lender uses. That’s why it’s smart to check your FICO score before applying for a loan.
Final Thoughts
FAKO scores can be helpful for staying on top of your credit, but they aren’t the scores lenders use when it’s time to make a decision. If you’re applying for a loan, always look at your real FICO score to avoid any surprises.
Knowing the difference between credit score types puts you in control. With the right information, you can make better choices, improve your credit faster, and get approved for better rates.
