Credit scoring modernization accelerated in 2026 as the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) approved two new models—VantageScore 4.0 and FICO Score 10T—that incorporate alternative data sources including rent, utility, and telecom payment histories. On April 22, 2026, the FHFA announced validation of the new models, with Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) moving to adopt them for mortgage underwriting.
The shift marks a significant departure from decades of reliance on traditional FICO scoring. Newer credit score models incorporate additional data that can provide a more complete view of borrower creditworthiness, according to Fannie Mae’s announcement, particularly on-time rent payment history and trended credit data—a 24-month view of payment behavior that shows whether a borrower’s financial situation is improving or worsening.
Fannie Mae began accepting VantageScore 4.0 immediately through a limited rollout to approved lenders as of April 22, 2026, with broader availability to follow. FICO Score 10T approval came with a future implementation timeline. The FHA and Freddie Mac also adopted both models for their loan programs, according to an ABA Banking Journal report from April 22, 2026.
The inclusion of alternative data stands to benefit millions of Americans. VantageScore 4.0 lets on-time rent and utility payments boost credit scores, helping millions of renters qualify for better mortgage rates, according to VantageScore. Dr. Rikard Bandebo, VantageScore’s Chief Strategy Officer and Chief Economist, noted that if someone is paying their rent regularly, it signals they will do the same with a mortgage. Reporting on-time payments may boost some scores by 100 points, he added.
Trended data and alternative credit data reshape mortgage underwriting by offering a more nuanced picture of borrower risk. Traditional credit models often overlook rental payment history despite rent being one of the largest monthly expenses for many Americans. The new models address this gap, potentially expanding access to credit for borrowers with limited traditional credit histories.
Data Release and Market Implementation
On July 1, 2026, Freddie Mac published historical credit score data for both FICO Score 10T and VantageScore 4.0, providing lenders and investors with performance benchmarks. Fannie Mae also published historical credit score data for both models, with data for FICO Score 10T covering loans acquired between April 2013 and September 2025, and additional VantageScore 4.0 data spanning April 2023 through September 2025.
The data release supports a measured transition for the mortgage industry. Fannie Mae emphasized that the updates foster competition and innovation while potentially lowering lending costs. Jake Williamson, Executive Vice President and Head of Single-Family at Fannie Mae, stated that credit score model modernization is an important step toward a more competitive, innovative, and resilient housing finance system.
The modernization effort reflects a broader shift in how lenders evaluate creditworthiness. By incorporating trended and alternative data, the new models provide a more complete picture of borrower behavior, expanding tools available for lenders to responsibly evaluate borrower creditworthiness and supporting sustainable access to homeownership.
Sources
- Fannie Mae — April 22, 2026 press release announcing VantageScore 4.0 acceptance and FICO 10T future use, detailing incorporation of trended data and rent payment history
- FHFA (Federal Housing Finance Agency) — April 22, 2026 announcement validating VantageScore 4.0 and FICO 10T models and their use of alternative data sources including rent payment history
- VantageScore — April 27, 2026 article on how on-time rent and utility payments help borrowers qualify for mortgages, including quote from Dr. Rikard Bandebo on potential 100-point score boost and trended data benefits
- Freddie Mac — July 1, 2026 announcement of historical credit score data publication for FICO 10T and VantageScore 4.0
- ABA Banking Journal — April 22, 2026 article confirming HUD/FHA adoption of both models and Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac implementation timeline
