What Is the Difference Between a FICO Score & a PLUS Score?

Credit scores are important in the financial world, as they let lenders know which consumer they should and should not lend to. Two of the most recognizable credit scores are FICO scores and PLUS scores.

Distributor

FICO scores are distributed by the Fair Isaac Corporation, while PLUS scores are distributed by Experian.

Range

FICO scores range from 300 to 850, while PLUS scores range from 330 to 830.

Availability

FICO scores are available for consumers to purchase with their Equifax and TransUnion reports, while PLUS scores are available for consumers to purchase with their Experian, Equifax and TransUnion reports.

Benefits

Both scores are available for lenders to see to approve or deny your request for credit.

Types

Both scores have general scores, which consumers and some lenders purchase, and custom scores, which are recalculated for a specific industry or company.

Warning

Your FICO score and PLUS score may not be the same, even if they are purchased at the same time and based on the same report.