FICO's Direct Mortgage Score Access Program: A Game Changer for the Industry

Fair Isaac (FICO) has launched the FICO Mortgage Direct License Program, allowing mortgage industry participants to access FICO scores directly from tri-merge resellers. This change may intensify competition among analytics providers and reshape the cost dynamics for lenders and borrowers. Investors must consider FICO's leadership in credit scoring and the potential threat from alternative scoring options like VantageScore.

In October 2025, Fair Isaac Corporation (FICO) introduced the FICO® Mortgage Direct License Program, enabling mortgage industry participants to access FICO scores directly from tri-merge resellers, bypassing the traditional three major credit bureaus. This move, accompanied by new fee structures and enhanced price transparency, signifies a foundational change in credit scoring distribution Fair Isaac (FICO) Is Up 12.1% After Launching Direct Mortgage Score Access Program – What's Changed^[1].

The shift is expected to intensify competition among analytics providers and potentially reshape the cost dynamics for mortgage lenders and borrowers. By offering direct access to FICO scores, the company aims to maintain its leadership in credit scoring, which remains a critical factor in the mortgage industry.

However, the launch of the FICO Mortgage Direct License Program may not materially impact FICO’s most important near-term catalyst, broad adoption of new scoring models. Instead, it could heighten the biggest risk: accelerating competition from alternatives like VantageScore, which could pressure FICO’s market share and pricing power Fair Isaac (FICO) Is Up 12.1% After Launching Direct Mortgage Score Access Program – What's Changed^[1].

In response, Equifax recently announced that it would make the VantageScore 4.0 available for $4.50 a score over the next two years, and for free to all Equifax customers who purchase FICO scores in 2025 and 2026. This move underscores the competitive threat and pricing pressure FICO faces as alternative scoring options gain traction Equifax Strikes Back in Battle of the Credit Scores. Fair Isaac Stock Tumbles.^[2].

Investors should consider FICO's future growth outlook and market position in light of these developments. While FICO projects $2.9 billion in revenue and $1.1 billion in earnings by 2028, the company's ability to sustain its leadership in credit scoring amidst increasing competition remains a key factor to watch Fair Isaac (FICO) Is Up 12.1% After Launching Direct Mortgage Score Access Program – What's Changed^[1].