The FICO Models Mortgage Lenders Use
When you apply for a conventional mortgage, lenders are required to pull three specific FICO scores — one from each bureau — and they use older models that most consumers never see in their apps:
- Equifax: FICO Score 5 (also called Equifax Beacon 5.0)
- Experian: FICO Score 2 (also called Experian/Fair Isaac Risk Model v2)
- TransUnion: FICO Score 4 (also called TransUnion FICO Risk Score 04)
The lender typically uses the middle of the three scores for qualification. If you're applying with a co-borrower, they use the lower middle score of the two applicants.
Why Mortgage Scores Are Often Lower Than App Scores
The FICO 2, 4, and 5 models were developed in the early 1990s and 2000s. They weight credit factors differently than FICO Score 8 (the model used by most credit card issuers and the one your bank app likely shows).
Common reasons your mortgage score is lower than what you see in apps:
- Medical collections: FICO 8 ignores medical collections under $100. Older mortgage models may still count them.
- Collections in general: Older models are stricter about collections and public records.
- Utilization weighting: Some older models weight credit card utilization differently.
It's not unusual to see a 10–40 point gap between your FICO 8 score and your mortgage scores.
FHA Loans Use Different Models Too
FHA loans follow the same bureau-specific models (FICO 2, 4, 5), but typically have lower minimum score requirements — 580 for a 3.5% down payment, and 500–579 for a 10% down payment.
VA and USDA loans have their own standards as well.
How to Check Your Mortgage FICO Scores
Your mortgage FICO scores aren't available through free services like Credit Karma. Options to check them:
- myFICO.com: Offers a plan that includes all three mortgage-specific FICO scores (paid service).
- Ask your lender: When you apply, the lender must tell you what scores they pulled.
- Some credit unions: A few provide access to FICO 5 or similar scores as a member benefit.
Learn more about the different FICO models at https://www.firstcard.app/learn/what-is-my-fico-auto-score. While mortgage-specific scores require a paid service, you can still monitor your general credit health for free with Creditship, which provides free credit monitoring and AI-powered advice to help you improve your score before you apply. If you want a broader action plan that covers pay stubs, down payment timing, and DTI targets in addition to your score, start with our checklist on how to prepare for a mortgage application.
Creditship
Creditship
Get free credit monitoring and concrete advice how to improve your credit from Creditship AI.
Standout feature
AI Credit Coach. AI analyzes your credit report in depth and gives you tailored, actionable steps to raise your score.
Fees
Free
Pros
Free credit report access plus monitoring and alerts
Cons
No credit repair feature
What Score Do You Need for a Mortgage?
- Conventional mortgage: Typically 620 minimum, but 740+ for the best rates. If your score is hovering near the low end, our walkthrough of whether you can buy a home with a 600 credit score covers what conventional underwriters push back on and the FHA workaround.
- FHA loan: 580 minimum for 3.5% down; 500 for 10% down.
- VA loan: No official minimum, but most lenders want 620+.
- Jumbo loan: Usually 700–720 minimum.
The Bottom Line
Mortgage lenders use older FICO models (FICO 2, 4, and 5) that your credit card app almost certainly doesn't show. Check your mortgage-specific scores at myFICO.com before starting the home-buying process so there are no surprises at application time.
Knowing your mortgage score well in advance gives you time to improve it if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which FICO score do mortgage lenders actually use? Mortgage lenders use FICO Score 2 (Experian), FICO Score 4 (TransUnion), and FICO Score 5 (Equifax). They take the middle score of the three for your qualification. These are older models, not the FICO 8 that most credit card apps show.
Is FICO 8 used for mortgage applications? No. FICO 8 is used for most credit cards and personal loans, but not mortgages. Mortgage lenders are required by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac guidelines to use the older FICO 2, 4, and 5 models.
Why is my mortgage FICO score lower than my FICO 8? The older mortgage models (FICO 2, 4, 5) treat certain factors differently — including collections and credit utilization. A 10–40 point gap between your FICO 8 and mortgage scores is normal. Always check your mortgage-specific scores before applying.
Where can I check my mortgage FICO scores for free? Unfortunately, mortgage FICO scores aren't available for free. Your best options are myFICO.com (paid), some credit unions that offer FICO 5 as a member benefit, or by asking your lender directly after you've applied.
What credit score do I need for a conventional mortgage? Most conventional mortgages require a minimum score of 620 using the middle mortgage FICO score. To get the best interest rates, aim for 740 or higher. Higher scores can save you tens of thousands of dollars over the life of a mortgage.
