If you have ever applied for a mortgage, auto loan, or credit card, you are likely aware of your FICO score. You likely have quite a few. This is so that lenders can use various versions of your FICO score based on other factors and the type of credit you need. Heres a quick guide to the various FICO scores and which lenders use which ones.
Spoiler alert: Yes, some mortgage lenders do use FICO 9. But it’s not as simple as that. Buckle up, because we’re diving deep into the world of credit scores FICO versions, and which lenders are using what.
First things first, what’s the deal with FICO scores?
FICO stands for Fair Isaac Corporation, the company behind the most widely used credit scoring system in the U.S. These scores are like a numerical snapshot of your creditworthiness, based on factors like payment history, debt levels, and credit mix Lenders use them to assess the risk of lending you money.
Okay but there’s more than one FICO score right?
You got it. Throughout the course of its long existence, FICO has created several iterations of its scoring system. The most common ones are FICO 8 and FICO 9.
So, which FICO score do mortgage lenders use?
It depends. For conventional loans, the answer is a bit complicated. Which FICO scores are acceptable to lenders is determined by the government-backed mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. And to think what, they’re still using FICO Score 2, 4, and 5—the outdated versions.
But wait, there’s more!
For FHA loans, things are a bit different. For borrowers with medical debt, this is good news because the FHA permits lenders to use FICO 9. This is because FICO 9 does not include medical collections in its calculations, which could result in a higher score for you.
So, how do I find out which FICO score my lender is using?
The best way is to ask your lender directly. They should be able to tell you which version they use for your specific loan type.
Here’s a quick summary of which FICO scores are used for different loan types:
- Conventional loans: FICO Score 2, 4, and 5
- FHA loans: FICO Score 9 (and potentially other versions)
- Auto loans: FICO Auto Score 8 and 9 (and potentially other versions)
- Credit cards: FICO Bankcard Score 8 and 9 (and potentially other versions)
The bottom line:
FICO 9 is slowly gaining traction in the mortgage lending world, but it’s not the standard yet. If you’re shopping for a mortgage, be sure to ask your lender which FICO score they use and how it might impact your loan terms.
Bonus tip: You can check your FICO 8 score for free through myFICO.com. This can give you a good idea of where you stand and what you might need to improve.
And remember:
No matter which FICO score your lender uses, the basics of building good credit remain the same: pay your bills on time, keep your debt low, and use credit responsibly.
Now go forth and conquer the mortgage market!
Which Lenders Use Which FICO Scores?
Lenders typically have the option of selecting which FICO score to use when doing a credit check, with the exception of the highly regulated mortgage market. They use versions depending on the kind of credit for which you apply. Heres a look at the most common FICO scores for each type of credit.
What Is an Adverse Action Notice?
A lender who denies you credit is required by law to provide an explanation in the form of a letter known as an adverse action notice. The lender must give the score and the creation date if your credit score played a role in the decision.
Which FICO Score Do Mortgage Lenders Use? ( Mortgage Credit Score Explained )
FAQ
Do any lenders use FICO 9?
What FICO model is used for mortgages?
Who looks at FICO Score 9?
Is FICO 8 or FICO 9 better?
Will FICO score 9 overtake FICO 8?
FICO Score 9 is already being used by hundreds of lenders, and eight of the nation’s top 10 lenders have either evaluated it, are in the process of evaluating it or plan to do so, according to FICO’s Lee. He said he expects FICO 9 to overtake FICO 8, but lenders’ testing of the new model could take years.
What FICO score do mortgage lenders use?
While most lenders use the FICO Score 8, mortgage lenders use the following scores: Experian: FICO Score 2, or Fair Isaac Risk Model v2. Equifax: FICO Score 5, or Equifax Beacon 5. TransUnion: FICO Score 4, or TransUnion FICO Risk Score 04.
How many lenders use FICO® scores?
According to the Fair Isaac Corporation, over 90% of lenders use FICO ® Scores to make lending decisions. The three credit bureaus use the following FICO® scoring models for mortgage loan applications:
Do lenders use a FICO credit score?
Most lenders use the FICO credit score when assessing your creditworthiness for a loan. According to FICO, 90% of the top lenders use FICO credit scores. The information presented here is created independently from the TIME editorial staff.