Why “two bureaus vs. three” matters for students

Credit history is not a single database. Lenders and screeners pull from three separate nationwide consumer reporting agencies (CRAs): Experian (EX), TransUnion (TU), and Equifax (EQ). Many everyday decisions (credit cards, auto financing, renting) are made with a single-bureau pull, but conforming mortgages still require a merged report of all three. Knowing who pulls what lets you decide whether EX+TU coverage is enough today—and when you’ll want all three.

Quick definitions

• Two-bureau coverage: You have scoreable credit files with two CRAs (e.g., EX and TU).

• Tri-merge report: A mortgage-grade report combining all three CRAs (EX, EQ, TU) used in conforming mortgage underwriting.

How lenders typically pull your credit (2025 patterns)

• Credit cards: Issuers commonly pull one bureau (which one depends on issuer, state, portfolio needs, and cost). Some may pull two or even all three, but a single-bureau pull is common.

• Auto loans: A lender can use one or more bureaus. Dealers often “shotgun” your application to multiple lenders; scoring models treat clustered auto inquiries as one for score impact. Single-bureau pulls are common; multi-bureau pulls occur when multiple lenders evaluate you.

• Renting (tenant screening): Many independent landlords use TransUnion-powered products (e.g., SmartMove) that rely on TU credit data only, while larger property managers may use other CRA tools.

• Conforming mortgages: As of November 6, 2025, Fannie Mae’s Desktop Underwriter requires a three in‑file merged report (tri‑merge). FHFA previously explored moving to “bi‑merge,” but implementation was aligned with broader score model changes and remains pending; current policy references tri‑merge.

What changed (and what didn’t) in 2024–2025

• Feb 29, 2024: FHFA announced plans to align any move to bi‑merge with new score model adoption (VantageScore 4.0/FICO 10T), targeting a future transition; lenders should continue with existing tri‑merge practices.

• July–Sept 2025: Fannie Mae reiterated that lenders will be able to use VS4 or Classic FICO “via the tri‑merge credit report requirement,” with timing updates to come; tri‑merge remains the operative requirement for conforming loans.

When two-bureau coverage is typically sufficient

• Applying for a first credit card while in school: Most issuers pull a single bureau; having a scoreable file at EX or TU often suffices.

• Renting an apartment from an individual owner or small operator: Many use TU-only screening (e.g., SmartMove), so TU history is often enough. Larger operators may use other systems.

• Shopping for an auto loan: A single lender might pull one bureau; dealers that send your file to multiple lenders can trigger pulls at several bureaus. Strong EX and/or TU history is commonly adequate, but expect variation.

When you likely need all three

• Planning a conforming mortgage in the next 12–24 months: Build tradelines that reach EX, EQ, and TU so your tri‑merge reports consistent, scoreable credit across all bureaus when you apply. Fannie Mae’s Selling Guide still references tri‑merge.

Fizz credit reporting coverage (clear disclosure)

• Fizz reports your revolving line activity to Experian and TransUnion.

• Fizz does not guarantee score increases; late/missed payments are reported and may harm your credit.

• Fizz is not a credit repair or counseling service.

See: About Fizz and How the Fizz Card Works for official disclosures. These pages confirm EX and TU reporting and the no‑guarantee/no‑repair statements.

Student scenarios and what to do

• You’re getting your first card: Make sure at least one bureau has a scoreable file (EX or TU). If denied, the adverse action notice identifies the bureau used, helping you target the right file.

• You’re signing a lease with a small landlord: Expect TU‑based screening. Keep your TU file accurate and active.

• You’re buying a used car via a dealer: Expect multiple lenders and potentially multiple bureaus. Keep your inquiries within the rate‑shopping window so they count as one for scoring.

• You’re 12–24 months from a home purchase: Add at least one EQ‑reporting tradeline so all three files are scoreable before mortgage pre‑approval. (Lenders choose which tradelines to report and to which bureaus; they’re not required to report to all three.)

One-page summary table

Practical tips for building intelligently

• Keep on-time payments and low utilization on whichever bureaus you’re building; most decisions weight these factors most.

• Before major applications, pull your own reports to confirm each file is scoreable and accurate (free via AnnualCreditReport).

• If a lender or landlord uses a specific bureau, prioritize building a scoreable file there first, then round out all three ahead of a mortgage.

Sources and policy status notes

• Single-/multi-bureau pulls for cards and why issuers vary: Chase education; CreditCards.com explainer.

• Auto lending pulls and rate‑shopping window: Experian Ask Experian.

• Tenant screening TU usage: TransUnion SmartMove product page.

• Mortgage tri‑merge requirement and 2024–2025 change timeline: Fannie Mae Selling Guide and 2025 credit model updates.

• Lenders choose which bureaus to report to; not all report to all three: Experian.

Compliance reminders

Fizz is not a bank; the Fizz Debit Mastercard® is issued by Patriot Bank, N.A.; any loans are originated by Lead Bank. Membership is subscription‑based; reporting currently covers Experian and TransUnion. See About Fizz for full disclosures.