Why don’t mortgage lenders use the newest FICO scores?
B
Mortgage lenders use FICO 2, 4, and 5 because these models are required by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. These government-sponsored enterprises validated these specific models for mortgage risk assessment. Changing to newer models requires industry-wide regulatory approval, which is a lengthy process in the heavily regulated mortgage market.
Last updated March 27, 2026 · Informed Mortgage LLC, NMLS #2523172. General information, not a rate quote or a commitment to lend.