A major change to mortgage credit scoring is now underway.
VantageScore 4.0 is now available to all Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac-approved lenders for eligible conventional mortgages. The two government-sponsored enterprises announced the expanded availability on September 9, 2026, following an initial limited rollout to approved lenders.
That means VantageScore 4.0 is no longer limited to a select group of participating lenders. But there is an important distinction for homebuyers: just because lenders can use VantageScore 4.0 doesn’t mean every lender is using it yet.
What Changed With VantageScore 4.0?
Fannie Mae’s September 9 Lender Letter announced that VantageScore 4.0 is now broadly available to all Fannie Mae-approved lenders.
Freddie Mac made a similar announcement, stating that all Sellers may now use VantageScore 4.0 when originating and selling eligible mortgages to the GSEs without prior written approval.
This is an important step in the transition toward newer credit score models for mortgage lending.
Earlier this year, VantageScore 4.0 was introduced through a limited rollout to approved lenders. The purpose was to allow lenders and the GSEs to work through the operational requirements before expanding availability.
That expansion has now happened.
Does That Mean Every Lender Is Using VantageScore 4.0?
No.
This is one of the most important points for homebuyers to understand.
Fannie Mae specifically says that lenders that are not yet operationally ready to use VantageScore 4.0 may continue using eligible Classic FICO credit score models under the existing requirements.
In other words, VantageScore 4.0 is now available, but lender implementation can still vary.
A lender needs to have its systems and processes properly set up to obtain, evaluate and deliver loans using the new credit score model.
So if you’re applying for a mortgage today, don’t assume your lender is automatically using VantageScore 4.0 simply because Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac now allow it.
Which VantageScore 4.0 Scores Can Be Used?
Fannie Mae identifies VantageScore 4.0 scores from all three major credit repositories:
- Equifax VantageScore 4.0
- Experian VantageScore 4.0
- TransUnion VantageScore 4.0
When a lender chooses VantageScore 4.0, Fannie Mae says the lender must request the VantageScore 4.0 model from each of the three credit repositories when ordering a new credit report.
The existing requirements regarding unavailable scores, insufficient credit information and frozen credit remain in place.
Can a Lender Choose Between Classic FICO and VantageScore 4.0?
Yes.
For eligible loans, a lender may choose either Classic FICO or VantageScore 4.0.
However, the same credit score model must be used for all borrowers on a single loan.
That means the introduction of VantageScore 4.0 does not mean Classic FICO suddenly disappears.
For now, lenders have a choice between the eligible models, provided they meet the applicable requirements and are operationally prepared to use VantageScore 4.0.
What About FICO Score 10T?
VantageScore 4.0 is not the only part of the broader credit-score modernization effort.
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have also identified FICO Score 10T as an approved credit score model, but it is not currently available for delivery.
Fannie Mae says additional guidance will be provided before FICO Score 10T becomes available.
For now, the major change homebuyers should know about is the expanded availability of VantageScore 4.0.
What This Means for Homebuyers
The biggest takeaway is simple:
VantageScore 4.0 is now an available option for eligible conventional loans sold to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
That gives approved lenders another credit score model they can use when evaluating eligible loans.
However, because lenders still have to implement and support the new model within their own systems, availability may vary from one lender to another.
That’s why it is important to ask questions when you’re getting ready to apply for a mortgage.
If you have questions about your credit score, don’t assume that the score you see through a credit-monitoring service is necessarily the same score or scoring model being used for your mortgage.
Credit scoring can be complicated, and the model being used matters.
A New Option for Conventional Mortgage Lending
VantageScore 4.0 has now moved from a limited lender rollout to broad availability for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac-approved lenders.
That’s a meaningful step forward in the modernization of mortgage credit scoring.
But we’re still in a transition period.
Some lenders may be ready to use VantageScore 4.0 immediately, while others may need additional time to update their systems and processes. And for eligible loans, Classic FICO remains an available option.
If you’re planning to buy a home and you’re wondering how your credit scores may affect your mortgage options, it’s worth having that conversation with your lender before you apply.
My goal at MJ Mortgage is to help you understand not just what the rules are, but what they mean for you as a homebuyer.
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Sal Trapani, Mortgage Banker & Owner, MJ Mortgage LLC, 281-608-2846 cell, sal@mjmortgagellc.com, www.mjmortgagellc.com, Magnolia, TX 77354, NMLS 1055510 / NMLS 2381195
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