Credit bureau TransUnion has followed its peers in slashing prices for mortgage lenders that purchase VantageScore 4.0, responding to Fair Isaac Corp. (FICO)’s newly implemented pricing model.
Starting in 2026, TransUnion will offer VantageScore 4.0 for $4 per score and provide it at no cost to lenders that purchase a FICO score through the end of that year. The company said the pricing compares to FICO’s $10 per score announced for 2026.
“Our approach reaffirms TransUnion’s commitment to expanding affordable mortgage credit by delivering best-in-class credit information combined with easy-to-use tools for consumers and lenders,” Chris Cartwright, TransUnion president and CEO, said in a statement.
The move follows similar announcements from TransUnion’s competitors.
Experian said this week it will make VantageScore 4.0 available at no cost indefinitely, pledging that if it ever begins charging, its pricing will remain at least 50% lower than FICO’s.
A week earlier, Equifax said it will offer VantageScore 4.0 at $4.50 per score through 2027, while also providing it for free through 2026 to customers who purchase FICO scores during that period.
TransUnion said it remains the only bureau that offers 30 months of trended credit data. It plans to integrate alternative data assets — including rental, utility and short-term lending information — into its mortgage credit reports. The company will also roll out a free VantageScore 4.0 simulator to help consumers understand and improve their scores.
According to TransUnion, its new multiyear pricing model provides lenders with predictability and stability “in an industry burdened by steep annual FICO price increases.”
Competition is intensifying in the credit scoring market. It was fueled by the Federal Housing Finance Agency’s decision to allow Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to purchase loans underwritten with VantageScore 4.0 as an alternative to the Classic FICO score.
VantageScore is jointly owned by Equifax, TransUnion and Experian.
FICO recently rolled out a performance-based pricing model for scores distributed through tri-merge resellers. The structure includes a $4.95 royalty fee per score and a $33 “funded loan fee” — per borrower, per score — when a loan closes.
Lenders that choose the traditional per-score model will pay $10 per score, or they can continue purchasing directly from the credit bureaus.
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