Understanding FICO Score 10T

As the mortgage industry navigates FHFA’s credit score modernization initiative, lenders are facing new questions around model choice, implementation timing, and operational readiness. With multiple scoring models approved and a phased rollout underway, understanding how each model works—and where it fits in the broader framework—has become increasingly important. As a credit and data partner that supports both FICO and VantageScore, Informative Research helps lenders evaluate these changes objectively and prepare for what comes next.

FICO Score 10T is FICO’s most advanced credit scoring model approved by FHFA as part of the credit score modernization initiative. While it is not yet available for GSE loan delivery, FICO Score 10T is expected to play a role in the future state of mortgage underwriting as modernization efforts continue.

How FICO Score 10T Works

FICO Score 10T builds on traditional FICO methodologies by incorporating trended credit data. Rather than evaluating credit behavior at a single moment in time, the model analyzes patterns over multiple months, including changes in balances, payment consistency, and trends in credit utilization.

This approach is designed to provide a more nuanced view of borrower behavior, enabling lenders to better distinguish between consumers who manage their credit responsibly over time and those whose risk profiles may be deteriorating. By focusing on directionality, FICO Score 10T reflects the industry’s broader move toward dynamic credit assessment.

Approval Status and FHFA Modernization

FHFA approved FICO Score 10T alongside VantageScore 4.0 following extensive testing conducted by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. However, only Classic FICO and VantageScore 4.0 are included in the current lender choice phase.

A key development occurred in December 2025, when FHFA and FICO reached an agreement enabling the release of historical FICO Score 10T data. This agreement allows the Enterprises to continue validation and provides lenders, investors, and other market participants with access to historical datasets for analysis and preparation.

The release of historical data is widely viewed as a foundational step toward potential future implementation, rather than an indication of immediate readiness for delivery.

Credit Reporting Context

FICO Score 10T evaluates the information present on a consumer’s credit report. Recent changes in credit reporting—such as the removal of certain medical collections—apply across scoring models and are driven by reporting standards rather than model-specific design decisions.

As a result, differences in how models treat certain data elements often reflect the availability of information to be scored, rather than fundamental differences in risk philosophy.

Planning Considerations for Lenders

As lenders look ahead, evaluating FICO Score 10T may involve:

• Portfolio-level performance and back-testing analysis
• Alignment with pricing, capital, and risk management strategies
• Investor and execution considerations
• Operational readiness for trended data usage

Informative Research supports lenders with access to both traditional and trended credit solutions, helping teams understand how evolving scoring models may impact underwriting and secondary market outcomes over time.