VantageScore 4.0 Updates & Implementation
| September 30, 2026
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Align Pricing for Classic FICO and VantageScore 4.0
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac now price loans the same way whether they are delivered with Classic FICO or VantageScore 4.0. FHFA Director Bill Pulte announced the change on September 28, and the GSEs issued guidance on September 30 through an update to Fannie Mae Lender Letter LL-2026-06 and Freddie Mac Bulletin 2026-K. Fannie Mae added VantageScore 4.0 to its standard LLPA Matrix and removed the separate VantageScore pricing grids. Freddie Mac stated that credit fees will no longer differ based on the score model used.
This replaces the September 9 framework, which priced a VantageScore 4.0 score as if it were roughly 20 points lower than a Classic FICO score. At Fannie Mae, the aligned pricing applies to whole loans purchased and MBS issued on or after October 1, 2026.
What This Means for You
If you have avoided VantageScore 4.0 because of the pricing offset, that barrier is gone for loans delivered on or after October 1. You may want to revisit your score-selection strategy, update pricing engine settings, and confirm your investors have removed any VantageScore overlays. Other requirements are unchanged: you still need a tri-merge report, the same score model for every borrower on the loan, and Classic FICO for manually underwritten loans.
| September 30, 2026
TransUnion Extends VantageScore 4.0 Mortgage Score Pricing Through 2028
TransUnion extended its current pricing for standalone VantageScore 4.0 mortgage origination scores through December 31, 2028. It will also continue to include VantageScore 4.0 at no additional charge for mortgage customers who purchase a FICO score. The extension covers the score only and does not change the cost of the tri-merge credit report, which Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac continue to require.
What This Means for You
A multiyear pricing commitment gives you more certainty if you are considering moving some of your conventional volume to VantageScore 4.0. When comparing options, look at the total cost of the credit report rather than the score alone. Talk with your Certified Credit account team about how VantageScore 4.0 fits into your orders.
| September 10, 2026
FHA Sets January 1, 2027 Start Date for VantageScore 4.0
FHA will accept VantageScore 4.0 for TOTAL Scorecard forward mortgages with case numbers assigned on or after January 1, 2027, under FHA INFO 2026-21. All borrowers on a loan must use the same model, the tri-merge requirement does not change, and existing minimum decision score thresholds apply.
What This Means for You
Keep using Classic FICO for FHA loans until January 1, 2027. If you already use VantageScore 4.0 for conventional loans, confirm your FHA workflow and TOTAL Scorecard submissions are ready before the effective date.
VantageScore 4.0 Now Available to All GSE-Approved Lenders
Following FHFA Director Bill Pulte's September 3 directive, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have formalized the expansion of VantageScore 4.0 to all approved single-family lenders through Fannie Mae Lender Letter LL-2026-06 and Freddie Mac Bulletin 2026-H. What began as a limited rollout on May 1 with roughly 50 participating lenders is now a broad, program-wide option. Lenders may now use VantageScore 4.0 for conventional loans sold to the GSEs, and the tri-merge credit report requirement remains in place. FICO 10T is not yet eligible for delivery.
On September 30, 2026, the GSEs removed this offset and aligned pricing across both models. See the September 30 update.
What This Means for You
VantageScore 4.0 is available through Certified Credit today, and many of our clients already receive it on their credit reports alongside Classic FICO. Whether you continue using Classic FICO or begin adopting VantageScore 4.0, our team will guide you through setup and support you as you move forward. When ordered with Classic FICO through Certified Credit, VantageScore 4.0 is available at no additional cost through the end of 2026. Loan origination systems are at different stages of adding support for new credit score models, and if your LOS isn't ready yet, our team will work alongside you on interim options. Reach out to your account representative or contact sales@certifiedcredit.com to get started.
FHFA Opens VantageScore 4.0 to All Lenders and Signals Bi-Merge Consideration
FHFA Director Bill Pulte announced that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac would approve all lenders to use VantageScore 4.0, effective immediately, ending the limited rollout that began in May with roughly 50 participating lenders. In the same announcement, Pulte said FHFA is "seriously considering" a bi-merge credit report option and is also studying the use of a single credit report, with the stated goal of reducing costs for borrowers. No bi-merge policy has been issued, and the tri-merge requirement remains in effect. A bi-merge option was previously proposed but delayed due to implementation challenges, and industry views remain divided on the approach.
What This Means for You
The VantageScore 4.0 expansion opens the door for any GSE-approved lender to begin using the model. On bi-merge, nothing changes today. Tri-merge reports remain required for loans sold to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and you should continue ordering credit as you do now. Any future change would likely come with formal GSE guidance and an implementation timeline. Certified Credit is monitoring developments closely and will share updates as details emerge.
| April 2026
UWM Becomes First Major Lender to Accept VantageScore 4.0 for Conventional Loans
United Wholesale Mortgage has expanded its credit score offerings for conventional loans, becoming one of the first major wholesale lenders to accept VantageScore 4.0 alongside FICO®. Independent mortgage brokers partnering with UWM now have access to both scoring models, and when brokers use UWM's No-Cost Credit Reports, both scores run automatically. The move follows FHFA's green-lighting of VantageScore 4.0 across Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and signals how quickly the industry is operationalizing dual-score capabilities for conventional lending.
What This Means for You
Dual scoring has officially moved from regulatory possibility to production reality. VantageScore 4.0's use of expanded payment history data, including rent and utilities, means previously unqualified borrowers may now be eligible for conventional loans, widening the eligible borrower pool. Borrowers who already qualify with FICO but carry a higher VantageScore may also secure better pricing through more favorable LLPAs. Lenders who prepare their systems, pricing engines, and borrower workflows around dual-score scenarios now will be positioned to capture newly qualified borrowers and compete on cost as VantageScore acceptance becomes the industry standard.
| April 2026
GSEs Open the Door to VantageScore 4.0
FHFA has pushed both Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac into a new phase of credit scoring, officially green-lighting VantageScore 4.0. Fannie Mae has revised its Selling Guide to permit immediate adoption, with FICO 10T to follow at a later date, while Freddie Mac is already processing loans using the new model. Full industry integration, including AUS and LOS updates, is expected to continue through 2026.
What This Means for You
VantageScore 4.0's use of payment history data (including rent and utilities) means previously unqualified borrowers may now be qualified for conforming loans, widening the eligible borrower pool. Lenders who begin evaluating their systems and workflows now will be better positioned to capture newly qualified borrowers and compete on cost as dual-score capabilities become the industry standard.
Full Operational Integration Expected
While VantageScore 4.0 has been approved by FHFA, full operational readiness across the entire mortgage ecosystem is expected to be achieved in 2026. This includes complete integration with loan origination systems, automated underwriting systems, pricing matrices, and building investor confidence in the new scoring model.
What This Means for You
You have time to plan your technology upgrades and staff training, but shouldn't delay implementation planning. Early adopters may gain a competitive advantage by reaching newly scoreable borrowers, while latecomers risk being left behind as the industry standardizes around dual-score capabilities. Start budgeting now for system updates and consider phased rollout strategies.
Lenders Begin System Integration
Lenders across the industry began updating their loan origination systems, pricing engines, and underwriting platforms to accommodate VantageScore 4.0. This operational shift requires significant technology investments and workflow changes to support dual scoring capabilities.
FHFA Clarifies Lender Choice Model
FHFA clarified that lenders may choose between Classic FICO or VantageScore 4.0 under a "lender choice" model, giving originators flexibility in which scoring system to use. The agency also confirmed that the tri-merge credit report requirement remains in place, reversing an earlier plan to move to bi-merge reports.
FHFA Announces GSE Acceptance of VantageScore 4.0
FHFA officially announced that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will accept VantageScore 4.0 for mortgage loans. This historic policy shift opens the door for competition in credit scoring and potentially expands homeownership opportunities for millions of Americans.
Federal Agencies and Lenders Begin Early Adoption
Lenders began delivering VantageScore 4.0 scores for newly originated loans in pilot programs and portfolio lending initiatives. Federal Home Loan Banks and the Veterans Administration also began accepting VantageScore 4.0 for mortgage underwriting, demonstrating early confidence in the new scoring model.
| Q2 2023
FHFA and GSEs Begin Implementation Planning
FHFA and the GSEs began stakeholder engagement, published Uniform Loan Delivery Dataset specifications, and released historical VantageScore 4.0 scores to support industry analysis. This groundwork phase allowed lenders and technology vendors to begin preparing for eventual implementation.
FHFA Validates Alternative Credit Scoring Models
FHFA validated VantageScore 4.0 and FICO 10T as approved models for GSE use, marking the beginning of the transition toward accepting alternative credit scoring models. This validation confirmed that VantageScore 4.0 could meet GSE standards for credit risk assessment.
Credit Score Competition Act Signed Into Law
The Credit Score Competition Act was signed into law as part of the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act. The legislation required FHFA to establish a process for validating alternative credit scoring models for use by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, introducing competition into GSE credit scoring.
