Rocket Mortgage Adopts VantageScore as Preferred Credit Scoring Model
Rocket Mortgage, a division of Rocket Companies (NYSE: RKT), has become the first mortgage lender to adopt VantageScore 4.0 as its preferred credit scoring model for all eligible loans. The decision follows four months of testing that showed more clients qualified and benefited from lower costs using this new model compared to traditional FICO scores. During Q4 2026, Rocket Mortgage will default to VantageScore on mortgages delivered to major entities like Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. VantageScore 4.0 evaluates credit behavior over time and includes rent and utility payments in its scoring process when available, allowing more consumers with limited credit histories to qualify for loans. The model helped some clients secure better pricing terms, saving an average of $1,600 at closing. Rocket Mortgage has already obtained 1.4 million credit reports this year using both VantageScore and FICO as part of its evaluation process. The transition will not apply uniformly across all loan types—FHA loans, jumbo mortgages, home equity products, and others will continue to use FICO scores for now. Rocket Mortgage’s broker division, Rocket Pro, will offer both scoring models to maintain flexibility.
Tickers: $RKT
Topics: FHFA FICO mortgage Rocket Mortgage VantageScore