What changed in credit in 2025 and 2026
The rule changes, court rulings and new score products from the last two years, newest first. Each entry links to the official source and to our guide that explains what it means for you.
Most of the change is in mortgages: which scores lenders may use, and what they charge for them. Your everyday FICO 8 score is calculated the way it was in 2024. Medical debt rules are now a federal and state tug-of-war, and trigger leads after a mortgage credit pull are restricted.
2026
HUD sets FHA's new credit score rules (ML 2026-11)
For case numbers assigned on or after January 1, 2027, FHA accepts FICO 10T and VantageScore 4.0 alongside Classic FICO. The 580 and 500 thresholds didn't change.
GAO reports on trigger leads
GAO found homebuyers were often flooded with calls and texts after a mortgage credit pull, and said it's too soon to know how much the 2026 restrictions help.
Mortgage pricing fees aligned across score models
Fannie Mae's new loan-level price adjustment grid charges the same score-based fees whether the lender uses Classic FICO or VantageScore 4.0.
VantageScore 4.0 opens to every Fannie and Freddie lender
Any approved lender can now use VantageScore 4.0 instead of Classic FICO, as long as it uses the same model for every borrower on the loan.
Average FICO Score holds at 714
FICO's fall 2026 Credit Insights report puts the average FICO Score 8 at 714 and the median at 744, using April 2026 data.
Court rules Texas medical debt law preempted (CDIA v. Paxton)
A federal court held the FCRA preempts a Texas law that kept out-of-network medical debt off credit reports. Other state medical debt laws remain in effect or in litigation.
Historical FICO 10T data released to lenders
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac published FICO 10T data on past loans so lenders can test the score. 10T still isn't eligible for loan delivery.
- Source
- FHFA: Credit scores
Next-generation UltraFICO becomes available
Built with Plaid, it blends your FICO Score with bank account data. It only counts when a lender offers it and you agree to link your accounts.
FHFA and HUD announce VantageScore 4.0 and FICO 10T for mortgages
A joint announcement covering Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and FHA. FICO 10T was added to the Selling Guides but isn't yet eligible for delivery.
Education Department delays wage garnishment
Wage garnishment and Treasury offset for defaulted federal student loans were put on hold. Watch your mail for any notice that they're restarting.
2025
Fannie Mae's Desktop Underwriter drops the 620 floor
For casefiles created on or after this date, DU no longer applies a 620 minimum score and relies on its own risk assessment. Lenders can still require 620 or more.
CFPB says federal law preempts state credit reporting laws
An interpretive rule argues the FCRA leaves little room for state limits, including state medical debt laws. The rule itself says it doesn't have the force of law.
FICO launches its Mortgage Direct License Program
Mortgage credit report resellers can calculate FICO Scores themselves instead of buying them through the bureaus. It changes what lenders pay for scores, not how scores are calculated.
Homebuyers Privacy Protection Act becomes law
Public Law 119-36 limits trigger leads, the sale of your name to other lenders after a mortgage credit pull. Its restrictions took effect in March 2026.
Court vacates the CFPB medical debt rule
A federal court in Texas threw out the January 2025 rule that would have kept medical bills off credit reports. The bureaus' voluntary limits on medical collections still apply.
FHFA lets lenders choose VantageScore 4.0 or Classic FICO
Lenders selling loans to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac may use either model. Three-bureau credit reports are still required.
- Source
- FHFA: Credit scores
We add entries when a statute, regulator, mortgage investor or scoring company makes a change that affects consumers, and we update the linked guides at the same time. See our editorial standards. Spot something missing? Tell us.