For loans delivered to Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, approved lenders can now choose either Classic FICO or VantageScore 4.0, subject to Enterprise requirements. The choice is made per loan, and every borrower on that loan must be scored with the same model. FICO 10T is approved for future Enterprise use but is not yet eligible for delivery. FHA has a separate timetable: HUD says VantageScore 4.0 and FICO 10T become eligible for FHA forward mortgage underwriting through TOTAL on January 1, 2027.
Which mortgage credit-score models can lenders use now?
For conventional loans intended for delivery to Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, the current options are Classic FICO and VantageScore 4.0. FHFA says VantageScore 4.0 became available to all approved Enterprise lenders on September 9, 2026; the earlier requirement for prior written approval no longer applies. On September 30, 2026, FHFA aligned Enterprise upfront fees across Classic FICO and VantageScore 4.0. Lenders still need to follow the applicable Selling Guide and delivery requirements. See FHFA’s current credit-score policy.
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FICO 10T is a different case: FHFA has validated and approved it for future Enterprise use, but it is not currently eligible for loan delivery. FHFA says it will provide further guidance before delivery eligibility changes. “Approved” therefore does not mean that a lender can deliver an Enterprise loan scored with FICO 10T today.
FHA follows a separate schedule
For FHA Title II forward loans scored through FHA’s TOTAL Scorecard, HUD sets January 1, 2027, as the start date for VantageScore 4.0 and FICO 10T eligibility. That date does not establish availability for every mortgage channel. FHA’s TOTAL Scorecard is a statistically derived algorithm accessed through an automated underwriting system (AUS); it is not itself an AUS. TOTAL returns an “Accept” or “Refer” classification in conjunction with AUS functionality. An Accept generally avoids manual underwriting unless a required downgrade applies; a Refer requires FHA Direct Endorsement underwriting.
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TOTAL’s classification is not a stand-alone approval or denial. HUD says lenders may not accept or deny an FHA-insured mortgage solely on TOTAL’s assessment. HUD’s page states: “All loans must be underwritten using the guidance found in the FHA Single Family Housing Policy Handbook (Handbook 4000.1).”
What the three models mean for lender decisions
| Model | Status as of October 4, 2026 | Potential value and considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Classic FICO | Eligible for Enterprise deliveries. FHFA has announced no retirement date. | Familiarity and continued eligibility can limit disruption during the transition. Lenders still need to meet the relevant guide and delivery requirements. |
| VantageScore 4.0 | Eligible for all approved Enterprise lenders under current FHFA policy, alongside Classic FICO. Lenders choose a model per loan and use it for all borrowers on that loan. | FHFA says newer validated models use additional data, including rent-payment history, and may score more people. Practical value depends on bureau-file data, guide requirements, operational readiness and lender-specific performance evidence. |
| FICO 10T | Not yet eligible for Enterprise delivery; eligible for FHA forward loans scored through TOTAL beginning January 1, 2027, according to HUD. | FHFA includes rent-payment history among the additional data used by newer models. Enterprise availability remains pending. |
FHFA’s April 22, 2026, implementation materials described an earlier limited rollout for VantageScore 4.0. The September policy updates supersede that narrower description. The original bulletins identify the Equifax, Experian and TransUnion bureau versions: Fannie Mae SEL-2026-04 and Freddie Mac Bulletin 2026-D. Both Enterprises said FICO 10T implementation would follow later.
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How lenders should compare alternatives
A higher score is not, by itself, evidence that a model is better for mortgage underwriting. A useful comparison asks whether the model is allowed in the loan channel, whether it performs for the lender’s intended borrowers and products, and whether the lender can obtain and operationalize the required scores.
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- Evaluate performance on the target population. Compare models using evidence relevant to the lender’s products and borrower mix. Do not assume results generalize across populations or loan types.
- Check borrower coverage and underlying data. Determine whether relevant information, including rent history where applicable, appears in the credit-bureau files used for the loan.
- Verify procurement and operations. Confirm score and report availability and cost, system integration, quality-control procedures, staff training and any investor or insurer requirements.
- Document the model choice consistently. For an Enterprise loan, all borrowers must be scored using the same selected model. Keep the process aligned with the applicable Selling Guide and delivery rules.
What FHFA’s historical data can—and cannot—show
FHFA has published historical Enterprise score data for VantageScore 4.0 and FICO 10T. The FICO 10T dataset covers Enterprise acquisitions from April 2013 through September 2025; the additional VantageScore 4.0 dataset covers acquisitions from April 2023 through September 2025. These are coverage periods, not findings that one model predicts risk better. FHFA provides the data and policy context on its credit-score policy page.
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The official policy materials cited here do not establish a neutral, universal performance ranking or a guaranteed borrower benefit. Claims that one model is more accurate, cheaper or more inclusive need to be tied to a named study, its population and comparison period, and its publisher. Vendor comparisons should be identified as vendor findings rather than independent regulatory conclusions.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What borrowers should expect
A model change can affect how a credit file is scored, but it does not promise a higher score, a mortgage approval or lower costs. A lender’s available scoring options depend on the loan channel, the effective rules and the lender’s implementation. In Enterprise lending, VantageScore 4.0 is now an option alongside Classic FICO for approved lenders; FHA’s addition of VantageScore 4.0 and FICO 10T is scheduled for January 1, 2027, for the specified forward-loan process. The score is one part of underwriting, not a substitute for the lender’s full review.
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- SPEAKS YOUR LANGUAGE: Keys clearly labeled in residential mortgage finance terms like Loan Amt, Int, Term, Pmt; this industry-standard calculator is super easy to use on all realty financing matters from finding a loan that works for your client to considering trust deeds investments, or finding remaining balances or balloon payments and more
- CONFIDENTLY AND EASILY SOLVE: Clients' financial questions whether they're buyers, sellers, investors or renters. Increase your perceived professionalism as a new agent, experienced broker or seasoned loan officer. Close more home sales and impress your clients with fast, accurate answers to all their real estate finance questions from PITI Payments to IRR, NPV and Cashflows
- DEDICATED BUYER QUALIFYING KEYS: Enter client's income, debt and expenses to pre-qualify them to only show properties they can afford. Include tax, insurance and mortgage insurance then compare loan options and payment solutions to give your client choices before they make an offer to buy
- FIGURE OUT THE RIGHT LOAN: For your client at the press of a button for jumbo, conventional, FHA/VA, or even 80:10:10 or 80:15:5 combo loans; check to see if ARMs or bi-weekly loans, quarterly payments or if interest-only payments are the answer; giving your client more choices; easily perform what if loan or TVM calculations find loan amount, term, interest or PITI or PI payments
- BECOME AN INVALUABLE RESOURCE: To your clients by reducing their confusion and uncertainty; ensuring they are able to make a purchase offer; knowing they can afford the down payment; and determining which is the right loan for them. Date-math for listings and contracts too. Comes with a protective slide cover, quick reference guide, pocket user's guide, and long-life battery
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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