Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have expanded VantageScore 4.0 (VS4) availability to all originating lenders as of September 9, 2026. Unless specifically excluded in our guidelines, Radian Guaranty is aligned with these GSE guideline changes and can accept quotes and MI applications using VantageScore 4.0 credit scores when lenders include the credit score model in their loan submission data.

This article provides an overview of what VS4 is, what the GSE changes mean, and how Radian Guaranty is supporting mortgage lenders through the transition.

What Is VantageScore 4.0 (VS4)?

VS4 is a tri-bureau credit scoring model developed by VantageScore, an independently managed joint venture of the three major credit reporting agencies: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion^i.

Key characteristics of VS4:

• Tri-bureau model: The same model operates on consumer credit data from all three credit bureaus, providing consistent scores across agencies.
• Trended credit data: VS4 is the first tri-bureau credit scoring model to incorporate trended credit data, which reflects changes in credit behaviors over time rather than relying on a single point-in-time snapshot.
• Expanded scoring universe: VS4 is designed to score approximately 33 million more U.S. adults than previously scorable models, including consumers with limited or sparse credit histories.
• Machine learning: VS4 is the first credit scoring model to leverage machine learning in its design.

VS4 is one of the credit score models approved by FHFA for use with loans delivered to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, alongside Classic FICO and FICO Score 10T. FICO Score 10T is FHFA-approved but not yet available for loan delivery; Fannie Mae has indicated it will provide additional guidance on FICO Score 10T implementation in the future.

What the GSE Announcement May Mean for Lenders

The GSEs have expanded VS4 availability from a limited rollout to all originating lenders. Here is what lenders may want to know:

• Effective immediately: Lenders may begin originating and delivering eligible loans using VS4 as of September 9, 2026.
• Lender choice: A lender may select either Classic FICO or VS4 for an eligible loan. Lenders not operationally ready to use VS4 may continue using Classic FICO in accordance with existing GSE selling guide requirements.
• One model per loan: The same credit score model must be used for all borrowers on a single loan. Mixing credit score models between borrowers on the same loan is not permitted.
• Execution decisions: Lenders may pull both Classic FICO and VS4 to determine execution, but only one model may be used for loan submission.
• Credit report requirements: When a lender elects to use VS4, the lender must request VS4 from each of the three credit repositories when ordering a new credit report.
• LLPAs: Fannie Mae has updated its LLPA Matrix to include pricing guidance for loans delivered using VS4, structured similarly to existing FICO pricing grids.
• Data delivery: Lenders must deliver the representative credit score and all required borrower-level and loan-level credit score data in accordance with existing GSE loan delivery requirements.
• Lenders may want to reference the official announcements from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac for complete requirements:
  • Fannie Mae: Credit Score Models and Reports Initiative
  • Freddie Mac: Credit Score Models and Reports Initiative

How Radian Guaranty Accepts and Supports VantageScore 4.0

Radian Guaranty is aligned with GSE guideline changes, including the VS4 expansion, under One Underwrite (AUS) guidelines concurrent with the GSE-announced effective dates.

What Radian Guaranty supports:

• Accepts quotes and MI applications using VS4 credit scores from lenders that include the credit score model in their loan submission data.

Which Platforms Support VS4

Not all LOS and PPE platforms currently support delivery of credit score model information. As of September 17, 2026, here are the platforms that support VS4:

This list may grow as more platforms implement VS4 support. If a lender's vendor is not listed, they can contact Radian Guaranty Customer Experience at 877.RADIAN1 (723.4261) for vendor readiness and lender onboarding questions. If a lender's technology does not yet support VS4, they can quote via MI Rate Finder and submit orders via MI Online.

USMI and the Industry Perspective

USMI, of which Radian Guaranty is a member, supports the modernization of credit score models used by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

President of the U.S. Mortgage Insurers, Seth Appleton stated, "Modernized credit scoring helps promote expanded homeownership opportunities for creditworthy borrowers and prudent risk management for the housing finance system. We support Director Pulte's work to expand access to credit scores that more accurately reflect a borrower's credit profile; it is an important step toward making homeownership attainable for more Americans.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a lender use both Classic FICO and VS4 on the same loan?

No, GSE rules require one credit score model to be used consistently across all borrowers on a loan. Lenders may pull both Classic FICO and VS4 to determine execution, but only one model may be used for the loan submission to Radian Guaranty.

What happens if the credit score model is not included in the loan submission data?

The loan will be considered as using Classic FICO.

Are VS4 loans eligible for published rate cards?

No, not at this time. VS4 submissions are currently eligible for RADAR Rates, which provides quote-specific pricing. In limited jurisdictions where RADAR Rates are not available and, instead, published rate cards are utilized for certain products, including lender-paid products, VS4 submissions will not be eligible at this time.

What if a lender's LOS or PPE platform is not on the list above?

The list may grow as more platforms implement VS4 support. Lenders can contact Radian Guaranty Customer Experience at 877.RADIAN1 (723.4261) for vendor readiness and lender onboarding questions.

ⁱVantageScore, "VantageScore 4.0: Predictive Credit Scoring for Lenders": https://www.vantagescore.com/insights/vantagescore-4
VantageScore, "About VantageScore - Credit Model Development": https://vantagescore.com/about/about-vantagescore

© 2026 Radian Group Inc. All Rights Reserved. 550 East Swedesford Road, Suite 350, Wayne, PA 19087. “Radian” is a brand of Radian Group Inc., including its licensed insurance affiliates. Mortgage insurance is provided and underwritten by Radian Guaranty Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Radian Group Inc. with home offices at 550 East Swedesford Road, Suite 350, Wayne, PA 19087. Radian Guaranty Inc. is a monoline mortgage insurance company licensed to write business in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Guam. This communication is provided for use by real estate or mortgage professionals only and is not intended for distribution to consumers or other third parties. This does not constitute an advertisement as defined by Section 1026.2(a)(2) of Regulation Z.