Credit Bureaus Cut Mortgage Score Pricing to 99¢ in Direct Challenge to FICO Market Dominance

The three major credit bureaus announced 99 cent and $1 prices for mortgage origination scores leaning into the cause of creating greater affordability in the mortgage industry.

These slashed prices are for the VantageScore 4.0 credit scoring model, which TransUnion, Experian, and Equifax collectively own. 

In July, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) announced that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will accept mortgages originated using the VantageScore 4.0 credit scoring. This move brings direct competition into a market long dominated by the FICO scoring model.

Drastically lowering prices on mortgage origination scores is one way for the VantageScore 4.0 scoring model to stand out from the competition. And so each of the three major bureaus announced they were lowering these prices on March 9. 

TransUnion Expects $900 Million in Savings

TransUnion is offering a lower price of just 99 cents per mortgage origination score for VantageScore 4.0. TransUnion estimates the new pricing would lead to more than $900 million in savings for both lenders and consumers. 

With the low pricing of 99 cents, TransUnion hopes to encourage lenders to choose VantageScore 4.0 instead of a more expensive FICO score. TransUnion will also continue to provide a VantageScore 4.0 for free to any mortgage customer that buys a FICO score from TransUnion.

“TransUnion is committed to lowering the cost of mortgage origination for every American looking to buy or refinance a home,” said Satyan Merchant, Senior Vice President and Mortgage Business Leader at TransUnion.

Reaching Out to Lenders

TransUnion is the only major credit bureau to offer 30 months of credit data, which gives lenders a more complete view of consumer credit behavior, according to a TransUnion press release.

To assist lenders and investors in assessing and adopting VantageScore 4.0, TransUnion will continue to provide historical data and analytical support for free.

Experian Offers 99-Cent Mortgage Credit Score Pricing

Experian is offering VantageScore 4.0 at 99 cents per mortgage origination score. The credit bureau already offers VantageScore 4.0 for free to lenders who buy FICO scores in 2026 in its Score Choice bundle. 

“Competition should translate into measurable savings,” said Michele Bodda, President of Experian’s Housing, Verification Solutions, and Employer Services. 

“By reducing the price of a standalone VantageScore 4.0 to $0.99 while continuing to offer it at no cost through the Score Choice bundle, we are taking decisive action to help lenders lower expenses while maintaining rigorous credit standards.”

Equifax Charges $1 for Mortgage Credit Scores

Meanwhile, Equifax is offering VantageScore 4.0 mortgage credit scores for $1.

The credit bureau estimates that lowering the cost of VantageScore 4.0 to $1 will lead to a potential $1 billion in savings for the mortgage industry thanks to factors such as the cost difference between credit score providers and the savings in reducing loan acquisition costs for consumers.

Equifax will continue to offer free VantageScore 4.0 credit scores to all Equifax mortgage, automotive and consumer finance customers who buy FICO scores.

“Significantly reducing the cost of VantageScore 4.0 to $1, and offering it free to customers who also purchase a FICO score, makes it easier for even more lenders to evaluate the higher-performing score.” said Mark W. Begor, Equifax Chief Executive Officer.

The Bottom Line

In an effort to make mortgage lending more affordable, TransUnion, Experian, and Equifax have greatly reduced the pricing for mortgage origination scores using the VantageScore 4.0 scoring model. The move also is a way for the VantageScore 4.0 to distinguish itself from its competitor the FICO scoring model.