FHA Updates Credit Score Policy: VantageScore 4.0 and FICO Score 10T Added as Acceptable Models Alongside Classic FICO
The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) published Mortgagee Letter 2026-11 on October 8, formalizing the addition of VantageScore 4.0 and FICO Score 10T as acceptable credit score models alongside Classic FICO. The letter establishes guidance for determining the Minimum Decision Credit Score (MDCS) at the transaction level when multiple models are submitted.
The policy applies to Title II mortgage programs for FHA case numbers assigned on or after January 1, 2027. As announced on September 10, FHA has developed an Alternative Credit Scores Preparedness Guide and other resources, and will hold office hours to assist mortgagees and industry partners with implementation.
FHA said it continues to encourage mortgagees to reach out to their credit and technology partners to ensure the necessary systems, processes and capabilities are in place to support the change. Credit scores are a core measure of borrower credit risk in mortgage underwriting, and the update expands the acceptable models from Classic FICO alone to three.
Source: GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 图：位于华盛顿的 HUD 总部 Robert C. Weaver 联邦大楼。照片：CC BY 2.0，经 Wikimedia Commons。 / The Robert C. Weaver Federal Building, headquarters of HUD, in Washington, D.C. Photo: CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Realtor.com Weekly Data: Homes for Sale Up 8% From a Year Ago in the Fastest Growth Since Late January, New Listings Down 1.5% and the Median Asking Price Slips to $414,0002026-11-01
Fall Housing Market Ranking: Appleton Takes the Top Spot as 19 of the Top 20 Metros Cluster in the Midwest and Northeast2026-11-01