What this means for your plan
Fannie Mae now permits all approved lenders to use VantageScore 4.0 for eligible loans underwritten through Desktop Underwriter. A lender that is not operationally ready may continue using eligible Classic FICO models. The same model must be used for every borrower on one loan, and manually underwritten loans continue to use Classic FICO.
The September 30 revision removed the separate VantageScore pricing grids and aligned Fannie Mae's credit-score loan-level price adjustments across Classic FICO and VantageScore 4.0. The change applies to whole loans purchased on or after October 1, 2026 and loans delivered into mortgage-backed securities with issue dates on or after October 1. That is a Fannie Mae delivery rule, not a promise that a particular application, locked rate or lender's retail price changes on October 1.
The two scoring models can produce different numbers, while the rest of the loan still depends on income, debts, assets, property, occupancy, loan structure and lender requirements. Alignment of Fannie Mae's grid does not guarantee approval, a lower rate or identical offers. FHA, VA, USDA, Freddie Mac, jumbo and portfolio loans follow their own applicable rules.
Your next step
Ask which credit score model the lender used and whether it supports another model for the same scenario. If comparing lenders, request written options with the same loan amount, term, points and lock period, then compare rate, APR, lender credits, fees, cash to close and remaining approval conditions—not only the score number.
Related guidance
Educational information, not a rate quote or loan approval. Confirm current program and lender requirements for your transaction.