Freddie Mac Begins Accepting VantageScore 4.0 for Mortgage Loans

On April 22, 2026, Freddie Mac announced it will begin accepting mortgage loans assessed using the VantageScore® 4.0 credit scoring model. This move aligns with recent actions by the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) and the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) to modernize credit scoring across the government-sponsored mortgage sector.

The implementation follows FHFA’s July 2025 approval of VantageScore 4.0 for use in Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac mortgages. Freddie Mac’s initial rollout will be limited to approved lenders to ensure operational readiness before broader availability. The company emphasized that this step supports a transition to a more modern and competitive credit scoring framework.

VantageScore 4.0 incorporates trended credit data, alternative data sources, and advanced analytics to improve predictive performance. It evaluates millions of consumers who may be overlooked by traditional scoring models, enhancing access to housing finance for creditworthy Americans.

Freddie Mac noted that similar implementation efforts are underway for FICO® Score 10T, another approved credit score model. Historical credit score data for FICO Score 10T is slated for publication later in 2026, paving the way for its future adoption.

According to Sonu Mittal, Freddie Mac’s executive vice president and head of Single-Family Acquisitions, the new model includes on-time rent payment history as part of its expanded data considerations. “With today’s announcement, we are accepting a credit score model that incorporates additional data, including on-time rent payment history,” Mittal stated.

The initiative aims to promote robust competition in credit scoring, which can benefit consumers, lenders, and the broader housing market. Over time, newer models like VantageScore 4.0 and FICO Score 10T are expected to improve risk management by enhancing the predictiveness of default risk while potentially lowering costs and increasing efficiency across the mortgage lifecycle.

FHFA and FHA jointly confirmed on the same day that implementation of VantageScore 4.0 is now in place at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and that the FHA has accepted the model and commenced its own implementation. These coordinated actions are projected to deliver over $1 billion in savings for consumers and mortgage lenders in the first year through increased competition and modernization.

Approved sellers can use VantageScore 4.0 from each credit bureau via a tri-merge credit report. Sellers not participating in the rollout will continue to use Classic FICO® in accordance with the Freddie Mac Single-Family Seller/Servicer Guide until broader availability is announced.

This development marks a significant step in the ongoing Credit Score Models and Credit Reports initiative led by U.S. Federal Housing (FHFA), which seeks to update selling policies to allow for the use of VantageScore® 4.0 and future use of FICO® Score 10T alongside Classic FICO®.

Key Takeaways

• Freddie Mac began accepting mortgage loans assessed with VantageScore® 4.0 on April 22, 2026, through a limited rollout with approved lenders.
• The move aligns with FHFA’s July 2025 approval and FHA’s acceptance of VantageScore 4.0 for mortgage lending.
• VantageScore 4.0 uses trended data, alternative data, and advanced analytics to improve predictive accuracy and expand access to credit.
• Similar implementation efforts are underway for FICO® Score 10T, with historical data publication expected later in 2026.
• The joint FHFA and FHA announcement projects over $1 billion in savings for consumers and lenders in the first year of VantageScore 4.0 implementation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is VantageScore 4.0?

VantageScore 4.0 is a credit scoring model that uses trended credit report data, alternative data sources (such as rental payment history), and advanced analytics to generate more predictive consumer credit scores. It is designed to evaluate consumers who may be missed by traditional models.

Why is Freddie Mac adopting VantageScore 4.0?

Freddie Mac is adopting VantageScore 4.0 to support a more modern, competitive credit scoring framework. The model enhances risk prediction, promotes fairer access to mortgage lending, and contributes to industry-wide cost savings and efficiency.

When will VantageScore 4.0 be broadly available?

Freddie Mac is implementing VantageScore 4.0 through a limited rollout with approved lenders to ensure operational readiness. Broad availability will follow after this initial phase, though no specific date has been announced.

How does VantageScore 4.0 differ from Classic FICO®?

Unlike Classic FICO®, VantageScore 4.0 incorporates trended data (showing how balances and payments change over time) and alternative data like on-time rent payments. It uses advanced analytics to improve score accuracy, particularly for consumers with limited credit histories.

Will FICO Score 10T also be used?

Yes. Freddie Mac has confirmed that FICO® Score 10T is also an approved credit score model. Implementation efforts are underway, with historical credit score data slated for publication in summer 2026 to support future adoption.