Loan programs
Mortgage credit scores: what changed in September 2026
VantageScore 4.0 is broadly available to approved Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac lenders, and their pricing frameworks were aligned with Classic FICO beginning October 1. FHA follows a separate timetable.
Announcements: September 9–30, 2026 · GSE pricing alignment effective October 1, 2026 · FHA implementation announced for 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: a future date, not a current replacement
On September 10, FHA INFO 2026-21 announced January 1, 2027 implementation for VantageScore 4.0 and FICO Score 10T alongside Classic FICO. The TOTAL update covers Title II forward mortgages with case numbers assigned from that date. The preparedness guide does not change current policy. Existing guidance continues until formal updates appear.
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 5, 2026