The rapid adoption follows the Federal Housing Finance Agency’s decision to approve VantageScore 4.0 for use in Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac mortgages. Unlike traditional models, this scoring system incorporates 24 months of trended data and alternative payment histories, such as utility and rental bills. This inclusion allows lenders to evaluate "thin file" applicants who might otherwise be excluded from the housing market.

Equifax CEO Mark W. Begor credited the shift to a landmark decision by FHFA Director William Pulte and HUD Secretary Scott Turner, which opened the door for increased competition in credit scoring. Beyond the score itself, lenders are now integrating Equifax’s Work Number Report Indicator and other alternative data streams at no additional cost. AmeriSave Mortgage Corporation is among the early adopters, citing the model’s ability to speed up loan decisions and improve flexibility in applicant evaluation. With nearly 165 lenders already exclusively using the model for specific loan types, the industry move marks a significant departure from legacy scoring reliance.