Which credit score do mortgage lenders use?
Lenders pull all three bureaus and use your middle score. With two borrowers, they use the lower of the two middle scores. They also use older FICO models built specifically for mortgages, not the scores on free consumer apps.
That's why your app score may differ from what underwriting sees. We pull a true tri-merge report at the start so you know your real qualifying number.
The scores lenders actually pull
Mortgage lenders use older FICO models, not the score from a free app. They pull all three bureaus and take the middle number. Your app score is often higher than the one that counts.
For a couple, they use the lower middle score of the two. That surprises many buyers, so it pays to know early.
Checking the right number in Florida
Do not shop on a consumer app score. It can set false expectations. We pull the true mortgage scores so you plan with real data.
Let us run your tri-merge report. Then you will know the exact number lenders will see.
Verify the details for your own situation against these government and agency sources: HUD FHA loan program and HUD Handbook 4000.1 (FHA rules).