TransUnion today rolled out a new mortgage pricing model built around VantageScore 4.0, charging $4 per score—roughly 60 % less than the price of FICO’s 2026 mortgage score license. The launch coincides with a broader push for competition in the credit‑scoring market, as the Federal Housing Finance Agency has required Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to accept VantageScore 4.0 for loans since 2025.
The new model bundles up to 30 months of trended credit data with rental and utility tradelines, giving lenders a more complete view of borrowers who traditionally lack credit history. TransUnion’s unique access to long‑term credit trends positions the score as a powerful tool for evaluating “thin‑file” consumers and expanding home‑ownership opportunities.
TransUnion’s move is a direct response to FICO’s recent royalty hikes—over 100 % for 2026 and more than 1,600 % over the past four years—which have driven up mortgage‑lending data costs. By offering a lower‑priced, data‑rich alternative, TransUnion aims to capture market share from lenders seeking cost savings while benefiting from the regulatory shift that now allows lenders to choose between FICO and VantageScore 4.0 for mortgage underwriting.
President and CEO Chris Cartwright said the launch “supports a safe and cost‑effective mortgage market” and highlighted the predictive power of VantageScore 4.0 when combined with TransUnion’s 30‑month trended data. Senior vice president Satyan Merchant added that the new approach “unlocks vital data in the mortgage lending industry, benefiting homebuyers, lenders and investors.”
Analysts noted the launch as a strategic win for TransUnion, though the broader market environment kept investor sentiment muted. The company’s stock was trading below its 200‑day moving average at the time, indicating that while the product launch signals potential volume growth, it has not yet translated into a sharp market reaction.
The lower price point is expected to drive higher adoption rates, potentially increasing TransUnion’s mortgage‑scoring revenue over time. However, the company will need to sustain its data advantage and navigate competitive responses from FICO and other entrants to maintain momentum.
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