Loan programs
Mortgage credit scores: agency updates through October 2026
VantageScore 4.0 is broadly available to approved Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac lenders. FHA has now issued its final score-selection method for case numbers assigned on or after January 1, 2027.
Agency updates: September 9–October 8, 2026 · GSE pricing alignment effective October 1, 2026 · FHA methodology effective January 1, 2027
Fannie Mae: the change is effective
Fannie Mae issued LL-2026-06 on September 9, 2026, with immediate effect. All its approved lenders are eligible to originate and deliver qualifying loans using VantageScore 4.0. Lenders without operational readiness retain the option to use eligible Classic FICO models.
Fannie Mae updated the letter on September 30 to align its loan-level price adjustments for Classic FICO and VantageScore 4.0. The alignment applies to whole loans purchased on or after October 1, 2026, and loans delivered into mortgage-backed securities with issue dates on or after October 1. Alignment at the agency level does not guarantee the same consumer rate or price from every lender.
Sources: Fannie Mae · LL-2026-06 · September 9, 2026 · Updated September 30, 2026
Freddie Mac: broader access, not automatic adoption
Freddie Mac's September 9 announcement also removes prior written approval for sellers using VantageScore 4.0 on eligible mortgages. This expands access beyond the limited rollout. It does not establish which model a particular lender will use for your application.
On September 30, Freddie Mac also announced that credit fees across Classic FICO and VantageScore 4.0 were aligned to simplify seller pricing. Borrowers should still compare the lender's complete offer because agency fee alignment is only one input in retail mortgage pricing.
Sources: Freddie Mac · Credit Score Models · September 9 and September 30, 2026
FHA: the final score-selection method begins January 1, 2027
Mortgagee Letter 2026-11, published October 8, formalizes the use of VantageScore 4.0 and FICO Score 10T alongside Classic FICO for all FHA-insured Title II single-family programs with case numbers assigned on or after January 1, 2027. It does not change how cases assigned before that date are evaluated.
For each submitted score model, the lender selects the middle of three differing repository scores, the lower of two differing scores, or the only available score. If more than one model is submitted, the borrower's score is the lowest selected result across those models. The transaction's Minimum Decision Credit Score is then the lowest borrower-level score among all borrowers with scores.
FHA continues to require a tri-merge credit report, and its existing minimum score thresholds remain unchanged regardless of the model used. The same submitted model types must be used for every borrower on the loan. A new model does not guarantee approval or a higher qualifying score.
Sources: HUD · FHA Mortgagee Letter 2026-11 · October 8, 2026 · Effective January 1, 2027
A new model does not mean a single credit report
FHFA's September 9 update says this phase does not change existing credit-report requirements. All borrowers on the same loan must use the same score model. FICO Score 10T is not yet eligible for deliveries to Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. Do not apply FHA's future date to those programs.
Questions for your loan review
Bravo's practical guidance: confirm the actual loan program and lender before changing your purchase plans. A different model is not a promise of approval, a higher score, or lower financing costs.
- Which score model will be used for this application?
- Is the lender ready to accept the model for this loan program?
- What documentation and remaining conditions are required?
Sources reviewed on October 12, 2026