Global analytics software firm FICO has partnered with MeridianLink to expand access to its FICO Mortgage Direct License Program, a move aimed at streamlining credit score delivery and lowering costs for mortgage lenders.
Through the integration, the FICO Mortgage Direct License Program will be embedded within MeridianLink’s lending platform, allowing approved resellers to generate and deliver FICO Scores directly within their existing workflows. The partnership is designed to improve operational efficiency, increase pricing flexibility, and enhance transparency for lenders relying on credit data to evaluate mortgage applicants.
The direct delivery model enables tri-merge resellers to provide FICO Scores to lenders without relying on traditional intermediaries, giving lenders more control over credit score access while potentially reducing associated costs. The program also simplifies onboarding for resellers using MeridianLink’s Mortgage Credit Link technology, allowing faster adoption across the mortgage ecosystem.
"Mortgage lenders are under constant pressure to control costs while maintaining the highest standards for credit decisioning," said Mike Griffith, vice president of product at MeridianLink. "This integration is aimed at supporting both fronts — by enabling resellers to deliver FICO Scores directly through our platform, we help lenders reduce costs and streamline operations without compromising the accuracy and reliability they expect from FICO."
The initiative builds on growing industry momentum behind FICO’s direct licensing approach. Several credit reporting resellers and service providers — including Cotality, Ascend Companies, Xactus, and CIC Credit — have already joined the program, reflecting increased demand for more efficient and cost-effective credit score distribution.
FICO said the collaboration represents a significant step toward expanding access to its scoring tools and improving competitive options for mortgage lenders.
“Demand for the FICO Mortgage Direct License Program continues to grow across the industry," said Julie May, vice president and general manager of B2B scores at FICO. “Integrating with MeridianLink allows us to bring its benefits to a much larger segment of lenders and resellers. This is a meaningful step in expanding choice and reducing costs for lenders and resellers alike.”
