For Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loans, your lender can now use either Classic FICO or VantageScore 4.0. The lender picks one model for each loan, and it must use the same model for every borrower on that loan.
Since September 9, 2026, VantageScore 4.0 has been available to all approved lenders for these loans. The lender still pulls reports from all three credit bureaus.
The two models lenders can use
Classic FICO is the set of older FICO versions mortgage lenders have used for years: FICO Score 2 from Experian, FICO Score 5 from Equifax and FICO Score 4 from TransUnion.
VantageScore 4.0 is a newer model. According to the FHFA, lenders choose Classic FICO or VantageScore 4.0 for each Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac loan. The same model must be used for all borrowers on a loan.
You do not choose the model. The two models can give you different numbers, because different models and versions score the same report differently.
How we got here: the timeline
The change took several years. These are the key dates from the FHFA, Freddie Mac, HUD and Fannie Mae.
| Date | What happened |
|---|---|
| Oct 24, 2022 | FHFA validated FICO 10T and VantageScore 4.0. |
| Jan 16, 2025 | Implementation was postponed from Q4 2025 to a date to be determined (Freddie Mac). |
| July 8, 2025 | FHFA announced that lenders may use VantageScore 4.0 or Classic FICO. |
| Apr 22, 2026 | Limited rollout to approved lenders. HUD issued a release on FHA, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac adopting VantageScore 4.0 and FICO 10T. |
| July 1, 2026 | Historical FICO 10T data was published. |
| Sept 4, 2026 | FHFA directed Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to accept VantageScore 4.0 from all lenders, as announced by VantageScore. |
| Sept 9, 2026 | Fannie Mae (LL-2026-06) and Freddie Mac made VantageScore 4.0 available to all approved lenders, with no prior written approval needed, effective immediately. |
| Sept 10, 2026 | FHA set January 1, 2027 as the date it will add VantageScore 4.0 and FICO 10T as eligible models for FHA loans (FHA INFO 2026-21). |
What stays the same
- All three bureaus. The model choice does not change the tri-merge requirement. Lenders still pull Experian, Equifax and TransUnion, per the FHFA implementation FAQ.
- No bi-merge yet. The plan to allow two-bureau reports has not taken effect. It was moved to a date to be determined.
- FICO 10T is not in use yet. It has been approved but is not currently eligible for delivery.
- One model per loan. A lender cannot use FICO for one borrower and VantageScore for the other.
One difference you can plan for: rate shopping
When you shop for a mortgage, several lenders may pull your credit. Both models group these inquiries, but the windows differ.
| Model | How mortgage inquiries are grouped |
|---|---|
| FICO, newer versions | Inquiries within any 45-day span count as one |
| FICO, older versions | Inquiries within any 14-day span count as one |
| VantageScore | 14-day rolling window for mortgage and auto |
Older FICO versions, such as those used for mortgages, may use the shorter window. To be safe with either model, do your rate shopping within 14 days. Sources: myFICO and VantageScore.
FHA, VA and USDA loans
The changes above apply to loans sold to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. HUD's April 22, 2026 release covered FHA along with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
In FHA INFO 2026-21 (September 10, 2026), FHA set January 1, 2027 as the implementation date for adding VantageScore 4.0 and FICO 10T as eligible credit score models for FHA-insured loans. FHA's TOTAL Scorecard will be updated for case numbers assigned on or after that date.
For VA and USDA loans, ask your lender which score model it uses.
What to do as a borrower
- 1Ask each lender which model it plans to use for your loan: Classic FICO or VantageScore 4.0.
- 2Check all three of your credit reports before you apply. Both models use the same underlying reports, so errors matter either way.
- 3Keep your rate shopping within 14 days.
- 4Ask your lender what minimum score it requires under the model it uses.
Common questions
Can I ask my lender to use VantageScore instead of FICO?
The lender chooses the model for each Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac loan. You can ask which one it uses, but the choice is the lender's.
Is FICO 10T used for mortgages now?
Not yet. FICO 10T has been approved but is not currently eligible for delivery to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
Do lenders still pull all three bureaus with VantageScore 4.0?
Yes. The model choice does not change the tri-merge requirement, and the move to bi-merge has not taken effect.
Will my VantageScore 4.0 match my FICO score?
Not necessarily. Different models and versions give different numbers, even from the same credit report.
See the scores a lender will see
All three bureaus, each score labeled by model, and the middle score up front.
Get my scoresSources
- FHFA: Credit Scores
- FHFA: VantageScore 4.0 Implementation FAQ
- Freddie Mac: Credit Score Models
- HUD News Release No. 26-026
- Business Wire: VantageScore on the FHFA directive (Sept 4, 2026)
- Fannie Mae Lender Letter LL-2026-06
- HUD: FHA INFO 2026-21 (Sept 10, 2026)
- myFICO: Credit checks and inquiries
- VantageScore: Shop around to find the best offer
This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice. Rules can change; check the linked sources and ask your lender about your situation.
