Where do I go to find the most accurate credit score that is used for lenders? Credit karma is apparently not the most accurate from what I can tell.

The most accurate report is one that is ordered through a lender. If you are looking to qualify for a mortgage, have a lender run your report. Interview a few lenders to find the right one that you want to work with, then allow your report to be run. Don't let multiple lenders run the report because you will take a hit to your scores.

You can't... Essentially there are multiple credit scoring "models". The model consumers have access to is the "Advantage" model. I call this the "generic" model. All the other models have industry weights algorithms. Car lenders care about how you handle cars loans, credit card company care how you handle credit cards, and mortgage companies care how you handle mortgages. So in theory, you could get a Credit Karma report, a mortgage lender report, and a car company report all on the same day at the same time and get different scores. Ultimately, keeps your credit card balances low, pay your bills on time, and don't worry about minor differences in scores.

Hello!You are correct, sites like Credit Karma are great to use as a guideline and have tips on how to improve scores but they generally can't give you an accurate number.A lender will have a program that they use to pull your actual credit scores which is what they then use to qualify you for a loan. Once you choose a lender only have them run your score as running from multiple parties causes your scores to plummet. -Josh Lund Branch ManagerGold Star Mortgage