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There is no single credit score model used by every mortgage lender. For eligible loans sold to Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, approved lenders may use either Classic FICO or VantageScore 4.0. FHA has separately announced VantageScore 4.0 and FICO 10T as eligible models for FHA-insured mortgage underwriting. The loan program and lender determine which rules apply, so ask which model will be used for your application.
Which credit score models can mortgage lenders use?
The answer depends on the loan channel. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have one set of rules for eligible loans delivered to those Enterprises; FHA-insured loans follow a separate policy. Those policies do not establish a universal rule for every lender or mortgage product.
| Loan context | Models identified by the policy | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Eligible loan sold to Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac | Classic FICO or VantageScore 4.0 | Approved lenders may select either model under current Enterprise requirements. FHFA policy |
| Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac delivery using FICO 10T | FICO 10T | FHFA says FICO 10T is not currently eligible for delivery to the Enterprises. FHFA policy |
| FHA-insured mortgage underwriting | VantageScore 4.0 and FICO 10T | FHA announced these as eligible models in April 2026. Confirm operative FHA guidance and your lender’s implementation for your application. FHFA announcement |
| Other lenders or products | Not established by these agency policies | Do not assume that Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, or FHA rules apply. Ask the lender which model and program requirements govern your loan. |
What changed for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac?
FHFA says that on September 9, 2026, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac expanded VantageScore 4.0 availability to all approved lenders, removing the previous requirement for prior written approval. For eligible loans sold to either Enterprise, an approved lender may now choose Classic FICO or VantageScore 4.0 in accordance with the relevant Selling Guide. FHFA credit-score policy
FICO 10T is a separate model from Classic FICO. Although it was approved for Enterprise use in 2022, FHFA’s current policy says it is not eligible for delivery to Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac at this time. Approval for possible use and current delivery eligibility are not the same thing. FHFA credit-score policy
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- Loan Amortization and Remaining Balances
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How does FHA differ?
On April 22, 2026, FHFA announced that FHA would permit VantageScore 4.0 and FICO 10T as eligible models for FHA-insured mortgage underwriting. That is an FHA policy announcement, not an extension of Enterprise delivery rules; Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loans remain governed by their own requirements. For an FHA application, confirm the current FHA guidance and whether your lender has implemented the eligible models. FHFA announcement
Can co-borrowers use different score models on an Enterprise loan?
No. Under current Enterprise policy, the same selected model must be used for all borrowers on a given loan. The lender chooses between the permitted models for the loan; this does not give an individual borrower the right to select whichever model produces the highest score, and the lender cannot mix models across co-borrowers. FHFA credit-score policy
Rank #2
- 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 much more
- CONFIDENTLY AND EASILY SOLVES: All your clients' financial questions whether they are 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
- 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: 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: Reduce your clients' 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 batteries
Why might a mortgage score differ from the score in an app?
A score shown by a bank or consumer app may come from a different model than the one used for mortgage underwriting. The number alone does not identify its model or tell you which model your lender will use. Compare scores only after identifying the model and loan channel; figures from different models should not be treated as interchangeable measurements.
The Enterprise policy also distinguishes a score model from the credit-report configuration. FHFA says introducing VantageScore 4.0 does not initially change Enterprise credit-reporting requirements: its interim policy retains the tri-merge requirement. Ask your lender what report configuration applies to your particular program. FHFA credit-score policy
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- DEDICATED FUNCTION KEYS for Quick Financial Solutions: Clearly labeled function keys enable you to quickly and confidently provide financial answers and options for your clients, whether in the office, in the car or at an open house. Compare loan options and provide payment solutions to give your client choices
- INSTANT FINANCIAL PROBLEM SOLVING: Solve the financial questions your clients have whether they are buyers, investors or renters; increase your perceived professionalism and close more home sales by quickly answering real estate finance problems including remaining balances
- RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE FINANCE TERMS: Keys labeled in residential real estate finance terms like Loan AMT, Int, Term, PMT; Calculator is super easy to use to determine a mortgage loan that works for your client
- VERSATILE LOAN CALCULATION OPTIONS: Calculate 80:10:10 or 80:15:5 combo loans at the press of a button; check to see if ARMs or bi-weekly loans, quarterly payments or if interest-only payments are the answer; giving your client more choices
- COMES COMPLETE: Comes with a protective slide cover, quick reference guide, pocket user's guide, two long-life batteries, and 1-year warranty
What should you ask your lender?
Ask: “For my loan program, which score model will underwriting use, and what credit-report requirements apply?” If you are comparing a consumer-app score with information from the lender, first find out which model each score uses and which loan channel applies. These questions clarify the relevant rules; they do not predict your score, approval, or mortgage rate.
Quick Recap
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- Extra large 12-digit angled display.
- Loan Wizard.
- Automatic Tax Keys.
- Selectable decimal setting.
- Input any three loan variables to compute the fourth.
Rank #4
- 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
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