Why Your Credit Score Differs Between Apps (ClearScore vs Experian vs Credit Karma)

It is the most common question in the UK credit world: "Why is my score so different on different apps?"

You check Experian and see 999 (Excellent). You check ClearScore and see 450 (Fair). You panic.

Do not worry. This is not an error. It is because you are looking at two completely different scoring systems.

• Different Scales: Experian scores out of 999 (or 1,250). ClearScore (Equifax) scores out of 1,000. Credit Karma (TransUnion) scores out of 710.
• Different Data: Lenders do not report to all three agencies. Your ClearScore might be missing a credit card that Experian sees.
• No Universal Score: There is no one "true" credit score in the UK. You have three.

The App vs The Agency

Most free apps are just "front-ends" for one of the three big Credit Reference Agencies (CRAs).

When you switch apps, you are effectively switching agencies. It is like weighing yourself in kilograms on one scale and pounds on another. The number is different, but the "weight" (your creditworthiness) is the same.

Why Lenders See Something Different

Lenders do not look at ClearScore or Credit Karma.

1. They buy the Raw Data from Equifax/Experian/TransUnion.
2. They feed it into their own internal computer.
3. They calculate a score that only they see.

So even if ClearScore says you are "400/1000", a lender might see you as "Low Risk" because you match their specific customer profile.

Score Ranges Explained

Experian (0 - 1,250)

• Good starts at: 861+
• Excellent: 1,121+
• Note: Some older accounts still show the 0-999 scale.

Equifax / ClearScore (0 - 1,000)

• Good starts at: 531+
• Excellent: 811+
• Confusion Point: ClearScore previously used a 0-700 scale. If you are reading old forums, the numbers won't match today's 0-1000 system.

TransUnion / Credit Karma (0 - 710)

• Good starts at: 604+
• Excellent: 628+
• Confusion Point: A score of 600 looks "low" compared to Experian, but on this scale, it is actually borderline Excellent.

Timing Matters

• Lender Updates: Banks send data once a month.
• App Updates: Apps update weekly or monthly.
• Result: Experian might show your credit card balance as £0 (updated yesterday), while ClearScore still shows it as £500 (updated last week). This causes score differences.

"My ClearScore dropped but Experian stayed the same."

This usually means a specific lender reported a change (e.g., a new hard search) to Equifax but not to Experian. Not all lenders report to all three agencies.

"I have a 999 score but got rejected."

A high score means "Good History". It does not mean "High Affordability". If you don't earn enough, you will be rejected regardless of the score. (See: Rejection with Good Score).

"Which score is the real one?"

None of them are "real" in the sense that a lender uses them. They are all just educational tools for you. The most "useful" one is usually the one from the agency your potential lender checks.

CheckMyFile

CheckMyFile is a paid service that shows data from all three agencies (plus Crediva) on one screen. It is excellent for spotting discrepancies (e.g., a default showing on TransUnion but not Equifax).

Experian Boost

This service reads your bank transactions (Netflix, Council Tax) to "boost" your Experian score.

• Note: This only boosts your Experian score. It has zero effect on your ClearScore or Credit Karma score because they cannot see that data.

How to Monitor Properly

1. Download All Three: Get ClearScore, Credit Karma, and MSE Credit Club. They are all free.
2. Ignore the Number: Look at the Trend. Is it going up or down?
3. Check the Data: Ensure your address and accounts are correct on all three. A score difference is fine; a data difference (missing account) is a problem.

Confused about the agencies? Read our comparison of Experian vs Equifax vs TransUnion or learn about Score Ranges.