We Use the Best Credit Score for You
Your FICO Score and VantageScore may be different. Metro Brokers Financial uses whichever one works in your favor.
When you apply for a mortgage, your credit score plays a major role in determining your interest rate, your loan options, and your monthly payment. But here is something many buyers do not know: you actually have more than one credit score, and they are not always the same number.
At Metro Brokers Financial, we compare both your FICO Score and your VantageScore and use whichever one is more favorable for qualifying your loan. That single difference can mean a better rate, a lower payment, and more financing options than you might expect.
What This Could Mean for You
Better Interest Rates
A higher qualifying score can open the door to a lower rate, saving you money from your very first payment.
Lower Monthly Payments
Even a small rate improvement adds up significantly over the life of a 15 or 30 year loan.
More Financing Opportunities
A stronger qualifying score expands your loan options and your overall buying power.
Higher Qualifying Score
You get credit for the score that actually works in your favor, not just whichever one happens to pull first.
This approach is available for conventional and VA loans, making it an option for a wide range of buyers at different stages of their homeownership journey.
FICO Score vs. VantageScore: What's the Difference?
Both scoring models calculate your creditworthiness on a scale of 300 to 850, but they use different formulas and weigh your credit history differently. That is why one score may be higher than the other, and why it matters which one your lender uses.
| FICO SCORE | VANTAGESCORE | |
|---|---|---|
| CREDIT HISTORY REQUIREMENTS | Requires at least 6 months of established credit and activity in the last 6 months. | Can generate a score with as little as 1 month of credit history and one account reported in the last 24 months. |
| SCORING CRITERIA | Heavily prioritizes payment history (35%) and credit utilization (30%). | Uses a more balanced approach across age of credit, type of credit, and recent credit behaviors. |
| LENDER USAGE | The industry standard for most auto, personal, and mortgage loans. | Widely utilized for credit cards and frequently found on platforms like Credit Karma. |
| TREATMENT OF COLLECTIONS | Newer versions treat paid collections and medical collections more favorably. | Ignores paid collections and excludes medical collections entirely. |
Because the two models evaluate your credit history differently, many buyers find that one score is noticeably higher than the other. Rather than defaulting to one model, Metro Brokers Financial looks at both and works with the number that gives you the best possible position when qualifying for your loan.
Both FICO and VantageScore calculate creditworthiness on a 300 to 850 scale, but they use different formulas and evaluate credit history differently. That is why one score may be higher than the other, and why it pays to have Metro Brokers Financial use the best score for you.
Ready to See Where You Stand?
If you are thinking about buying a home or refinancing, the first step is understanding your options. A Metro Brokers Financial Loan Officer can walk you through both of your scores, explain what they mean for your loan, and help you move forward with confidence.
There is no obligation, and the conversation is free. The only thing to lose is the assumption that your credit score is working against you.