If you’ve ever pulled your credit scores and noticed that your TransUnion score is higher than your Equifax score, you’re not alone. We’ve hear this question from clients all the time:
“Why are my scores so different? Isn’t my credit history the same no matter where I check?”
It’s a fair question, and the truth is-while your personal history is the same, the way credit bureaus record, report, and score your information is not. The differences can be frustrating, especially if you’re preparing for a big purchase like a home or a car and one bureau is holding you back.
In this article, we’ll break down why your TransUnion score is higher than Equifax, why these differences happen, and what you can do about it. By the end, you’ll not only understand the reasons but also have clear steps to bring your scores into alignment.
Why Is My TransUnion Score Higher Than Equifax? Key Reasons
Each Bureau Collects Different Data
The first thing to understand is that lenders are not required to report to all three credit bureaus (TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian). Some lenders report to just one or two.
For example, we had a client who opened a department store credit card. The lender reported the account to TransUnion but not to Equifax. As a result, TransUnion reflected the positive payment history and raised her score, while Equifax didn’t budge.
This is one of the most common answers to “Why is my TransUnion score higher than Equifax?”-it may simply be that Equifax is missing key information that TransUnion has.
Timing of Updates
Another reason your TransUnion score may be higher than Equifax is timing. Credit bureaus don’t always update at the same time, and even a week’s delay can cause your scores to look different.
Let’s say you pay down a big credit card balance. TransUnion might update that new, lower balance within a few days, while Equifax might not show the change until the next reporting cycle.
W were working with a client who paid off nearly $5,000 on a credit card. TransUnion reflected the drop in utilization quickly, boosting her score by 40 points. Equifax didn’t update for three weeks, leaving her wondering why one score was celebrating while the other was lagging behind.
Different Scoring Models
Here’s something most people don’t realize: TransUnion and Equifax don’t always use the same scoring models, which helps explain why your TransUnion score could be higher than Equifax.
- TransUnion might use FICO 8 or VantageScore 3.0.
- Equifax might be showing you FICO 9 or a different version of VantageScore.
Each model weighs things differently. For example, newer scoring models treat medical collections less harshly, while older models may still penalize them heavily. That difference alone can swing your score by dozens of points.
Common Reasons TransUnion Scores Run Higher
Collections Reported Differently
Some collection agencies don’t report to all bureaus. If a collection only shows up on Equifax, your score there will be lower than TransUnion.
There was a client who was shocked to see a $200 medical collection on Equifax but not on TransUnion. That one small account dropped her Equifax score by nearly 50 points.
Inquiries and Hard Pulls
When you apply for credit, lenders may pull just one bureau. That means hard inquiries can pile up unevenly.
For example, if you applied for a car loan and the dealership pulled Equifax three times, but no one touched TransUnion, your Equifax score could drop slightly more. That uneven reporting of inquiries is another reason why your TransUnion score might be higher than Equifax.
Errors or Outdated Info
Unfortunately, credit reports are not always accurate. Sometimes Equifax holds onto outdated info longer, like showing a closed account as open or carrying the wrong balance.
We had a client with a repossessed vehicle that should have fallen off after seven years. TransUnion correctly removed it, but Equifax still had it on file. That outdated account was dragging his score down by nearly 80 points compared to TransUnion.
Positive Accounts Missing
If you have a credit card or loan that only reports to TransUnion, that positive history boosts one score more than the other.
Think of it this way: TransUnion might have the full picture of your responsible payments, while Equifax is missing a piece of the puzzle. That gap can make it look like you’re a riskier borrower than you actually are.
What This Means for You as a Consumer
So, what does all this actually mean when you’re looking at your scores?
- Lenders don’t always use all three scores. Some will pull just TransUnion or Equifax. Others (like mortgage lenders) will pull all three and either average them or take the middle score.
- Having TransUnion higher than Equifax isn’t necessarily a bad thing-it could actually help you qualify if that’s the bureau the lender uses.
- But inconsistencies can still cost you. If a lender pulls Equifax and it shows lower due to an error or missing account, you could face higher interest rates or even get denied.
Understanding this difference can help you decide when to take action-and when not to worry too much.
How to Fix or Balance Out Score Differences
Pull All Three Credit Reports
The first step to solving “Why is my TransUnion score higher than Equifax?” is to see what each bureau has on file. You can get a copy from CreditHeroScore, and right now, you can often get them more frequently.
Look for Errors on Equifax
Compare your reports side by side. Does Equifax list an account that’s not on TransUnion? Is it showing a higher balance? Are there duplicate accounts? These are common mistakes that drag down scores unnecessarily.
Dispute Inaccuracies
If you find errors, you have the right to dispute them. Equifax allows disputes online, by mail, or by phone. Always provide documentation-like statements showing an account was paid or closed-to strengthen your case.
Build Positive Credit on All Bureaus
When opening new credit, choose products that report to all three bureaus. Secured credit cards, credit-builder loans, and even rent-reporting services can help ensure your good habits show up everywhere.
When to Get Professional Help
Sometimes the issue isn’t simple. You may dispute over and over, and Equifax still refuses to correct an error. Or maybe you’re preparing for a mortgage and can’t afford to have one bureau holding you back.
That’s where professional help comes in. We help clients every day resolve the issue of why their TransUnion score is higher than Equifax by:
- Identifying hidden or outdated errors.
- Working directly with creditors and bureaus.
- Building strategies that raise all scores consistently.
One client came to us before applying for a mortgage-her TransUnion score was 720, but her Equifax was stuck at 660. After disputes and corrections, we raised Equifax to 705, saving her nearly a full percentage point on her loan interest. That translated into thousands of dollars saved over the life of her mortgage.
Conclusion
It’s common-and perfectly normal-for your TransUnion score to be higher than Equifax. The differences usually come down to:
- Data being reported differently.
- Timing of updates.
- Different scoring models.
- Errors or missing accounts.
The key takeaway is this: don’t panic if your scores aren’t identical. Instead, use the difference as a signal to check your reports, fix errors, and make sure your positive history is showing up everywhere it should.
And if you’re tired of trying to solve it on your own? That’s exactly what we do.
Contact us today for a free credit evaluation,and let’s solve the mystery of why your TransUnion score is higher than Equifax-so every lender sees the best version of your credit.