Quick answer: VantageScore 4.0 is now an approved credit score option for certain conventional mortgages backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. It uses trended credit data and can reflect rent and utility payments, so your VantageScore 4.0 may be higher, lower or the same as your FICO score. Tithe Lending can compare available scoring options for eligible loans.
For decades, mortgage borrowers have been evaluated using traditional FICO credit scores. That’s beginning to change.
VantageScore 4.0 is now an approved credit-scoring option for certain conventional mortgages backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. And Tithe Lending has access to the new scores.
Why does that matter? Because your VantageScore 4.0 may be different from your traditional FICO score—and for some borrowers, that difference could mean better mortgage options.
What Is VantageScore 4.0 and How Is It Different From FICO?
VantageScore 4.0 is a newer credit-scoring model designed to evaluate how likely someone is to repay borrowed money.
Like traditional FICO scores, VantageScore 4.0 generally uses a 300-to-850 scoring range. But the models don’t evaluate your credit history exactly the same way.
VantageScore 4.0 considers patterns in how you’ve managed credit over time, known as trended credit data. It can also incorporate reported rent, utility and telecommunications payment information.
That can provide a different picture of a borrower’s creditworthiness.
Can VantageScore 4.0 Be Used for a Mortgage?
Yes.
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac now accept VantageScore 4.0 for eligible loans, following an April 2026 FHFA announcement. The rollout is still expanding, so availability can vary by lender and loan type.
Tithe Lending has access to VantageScore 4.0 for eligible mortgages.
Is VantageScore 4.0 Better Than FICO?
Not necessarily—and this is important.
Your VantageScore 4.0 could be higher, lower or similar to your traditional FICO score.
One model isn’t automatically better for every borrower. The advantage is having another way to evaluate your credit.
How Does Your Credit Score Affect Your Mortgage?
Credit scores can affect more than whether you’re approved for a mortgage. Depending on your loan and other factors, your score can influence:
- Your interest rate
- Mortgage insurance costs
- Available loan programs
- Your monthly payment
- Whether you qualify at all
For some borrowers, even a modest difference in the score used could affect their mortgage options.
Next step: Turned down, or quoted a rate you did not like because of your score? It may be worth a second look.
Your results depend on your full credit profile. A different score model does not guarantee a better outcome. It only takes a few minutes.
Which Credit Score Does Tithe Lending Use?
Here’s where the change gets interesting.
For eligible loans, Tithe Lending can compare the available credit-scoring options and use the score that benefits you the most under the applicable mortgage guidelines.
We’re not trying to find a way around the rules. We’re making sure we’re using the available scoring option that puts you in the strongest position.
Could VantageScore 4.0 Help Me Qualify for a Mortgage?
Potentially.
VantageScore 4.0 may be particularly helpful for some people with limited or less traditional credit histories. But you don’t need to figure out which scoring model is best before talking with us.
That’s our job.
If you’ve previously been told your credit score prevented you from qualifying—or resulted in mortgage terms you didn’t like—it may be worth taking another look.
See Which Mortgage Options Work for You
Mortgage guidelines change. Loan programs change. And now, the way your credit can be evaluated is changing too.
Let Tithe Lending compare your available options and determine whether the new credit-scoring choices could benefit you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What credit score do I need for a mortgage?
It depends on the loan program. Conventional loans generally start around 620. FHA loans allow scores as low as 580 with 3.5% down (500 to 579 with 10% down). Lenders can set higher minimums, and a higher score usually means better pricing.
Is VantageScore 4.0 the same as FICO?
No. Both use a 300 to 850 range, but they weigh credit history differently. VantageScore 4.0 looks at trended data and can include reported rent and utility payments.
Can I choose which credit score my lender uses?
Lenders must use the scores permitted under the loan program’s guidelines. Ask your loan officer which options are available for your loan.
Next step: Let Tithe Lending compare your available scoring options and see whether they could help you.
No obligation. You will answer a few quick questions about your home purchase so we can offer you the best options. It only takes a few minutes.
Sources
- FHFA, “Homebuying Advances into New Era of Credit Score Competition” (April 22, 2026)
- Fannie Mae Selling Guide, B3-5.1-01 General Requirements for Credit Scores
Tithe Lending LLC | NMLS #2439006 | Equal Housing Lender. General information only; not a loan offer or financial, tax or legal advice.