Fannie, Freddie release FICO 10T historical data

For the first time, the government-sponsored enterprises have published historical credit score data for the FICO 10T model. They have also released additional data for VantageScore 4.0.

The initial historical data release for VantageScore 4.0 was in July 2024. Historical data from these newer scores help mortgage industry players to better gauge their applications and could encourage further use of them.

The FICO 10T historical credit score dataset covers loans acquired by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac from approximately April 2013 to September 2025. Meanwhile the additional VantageScore 4.0 data is for loans acquired from approximately April 2023 to September 2025, an update to the partner playbook said.

"We're eager for market participants to dig into the data to independently validate the strength of the model and see how its use can expand access for borrowers while supporting a more resilient housing finance system," said Julie May, vice president and general manager of B2B Scores at FICO, in a press release.

Mortgage industry reaction

The Mortgage Bankers Association praised the release, underscoring the need for multiple options.

"We encourage continued collaboration to complete the remaining reviews needed to make both VantageScore 4.0 and FICO 10T broadly available," a statement from MBA President and CEO Bob Broeksmit said. "Doing so will give lenders greater flexibility while providing borrowers with the benefits of using either of the two validated, more predictive credit scoring models, which should score more consumers accurately and expand sustainable access to homeownership."

This data release is a solid step forward, said Rob Zimmer, head of external affairs for the Community Home Lenders of America. Its independent mortgage banker membership is looking for more choices "so costs don't continue to spiral upward," he added.

Its membership is looking forward to helping test FICO 10T, "which will be a better product for today's marketplace than FICO Classic," Zimmer continued.

Worries over more price hikes

Both mortgage groups expressed concerns about the potential for another increase in credit score costs.

"Our lenders continue to be concerned about more price hikes this fall, and we continue to press FHFA for more credit score choices should price escalation rear its ugly head yet again — as we expect it will," Zimmer warned.

The MBA is on record calling for secondary market acceptance of a single-pull rather than the current tri-merge requirement.

"MBA will continue working with FHFA, the GSEs, and industry stakeholders to support a smooth implementation of modernized scores and advocate for additional reforms to the costly tri-merge credit reporting requirement," Broeksmit said. "To increase competition and lower costs for consumers, MBA continues to urge the GSEs to adopt a single report option for GSE borrowers with strong credit profiles."

In April, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac began accepting mortgages scored with the VantageScore 4.0 model. At the same time, the Department of Housing and Urban Development said it would allow modernized credit scores for the Federal Housing Administration mortgage insurance program.

Several of the Federal Home Loan Banks already allow collateral that uses VantageScore 4.0. In June, the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines joined Dallas, New York, Chicago, Cincinnati and San Francisco, according to VantageScore Solutions.

The Department of Veteran Affairs mortgage guarantee program does not have a specific credit score model requirement. In August of 2024, VantageScore Solutions publicized that the VA would accept mortgages which used its model. The FICO 10T model is also acceptable for the VA program.