Equifax has announced a move to reduce mortgage costs for American homebuyers and the mortgage industry. The credit reporting agency has announced it will be offering VantageScore 4.0 mortgage credit scores at more than a 50% reduction from FICO 2026 prices (or $4.50) through the end of 2027.
In addition, Equifax will be offering free VantageScore 4.0 credit scores to all Equifax customers in mortgage, automotive, card, and consumer finance who purchase FICO scores for the remainder of 2025 and throughout 2026.
"Equifax plays an essential role in the financial lives of consumers and the mortgage industry, and we take that responsibility very seriously — particularly in the most challenging mortgage and housing market in 20 years. We support Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Pulte's decision in July to end the 30-year FICO scoring monopoly in the mortgage industry, and believe that the best way to drive change in the marketplace, and to lower costs for consumers and our customers, is through open competition," said Equifax CEO Mark W. Begor. "Equifax is supporting U.S. consumers and our mortgage customers with 2026 VantageScore 4.0 pricing at over 50% below FICO's aggressive 2026 $10 pricing. We are committed to holding the $4.50 score pricing for two years to give lenders the confidence they need to convert to the higher-performing VantageScore."
Equifax’s VantageScore 4.0 utilizes trended data and alternative data (including rental, utilities and telecommunications payment histories) to enhance the assessment of creditworthiness. Trended credit data reflects changes in credit data over time, instead of relying on static, point-in-time credit history records leveraged by conventional FICO credit scores. These deeper insights have proven to provide a 20% lift in originations without adding incremental risk — thus enabling greater mainstream financial opportunities.
"American homebuyers have been challenged by high interest rates, rapidly increasing home values, and limited inventory. Offering higher-performing VantageScore 4.0 scores at over 50% below FICO's 2026 score pricing will provide value to our customers and consumers in this challenging time. Providing a fuller, data-driven view of their purchasing potential is critical to helping them achieve their goals," said Joel Rickman, General Manager and SVP of U.S. Mortgage and Verification Services at Equifax.
Equifax’s reduction in VantageScore 4.0 pricing is a response to last week’s move by FICO with the launch of its FICO Mortgage Direct License Program, which allows tri-merge resellers the option to calculate and distribute FICO Scores directly to their customers. With their move FICO is looking to drive price transparency and cost savings to mortgage lenders, mortgage brokers, and other industry participants.
The move by Equifax to adjust VantageScore 4.0 pricing opens up expanded cost-savings for industry participants. In addition, the credit insights provided offer a more complete financial picture of a borrower that can streamline mortgage underwriting, and assist more consumers on the path to homeownership.
