The Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines Now Accepts VantageScore 4.0 for Mortgage Collateral

Member Banks Can Use VantageScore 4.0 to Originate Loans for 4 Million New, Creditworthy Borrowers

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Members of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines (FHLB Des Moines) can now pledge mortgage collateral using VantageScore 4.0 credit scores, effective immediately. The decision by FHLB Des Moines enables its over 1,200 member banks and institutions to use the VantageScore 4.0 model to score an additional 4 million consumers in the region. FHLB Des Moines joins other government-sponsored mortgage entities that now accept VantageScore 4.0 for mortgages, including Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, FHLB Cincinnati, FHLB Dallas, FHLB New York, FHLB Chicago, FHLB San Francisco and the Veterans Administration.

“The mortgage industry has rapidly transitioned to the VantageScore 4.0 credit score. From Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to the Federal Home Loan Bank system, mortgage market participants are benefiting from the enhanced predictive power, lower risk and higher cost effectiveness of VantageScore 4.0,” said Anthony Hutchinson, EVP and Head of Public Affairs at VantageScore. “The Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines is the largest geographic district in the FHLB system. Their decision to accept VantageScore 4.0 for mortgage collateral offers lenders industry-leading innovation to expand homeownership while enhancing risk management and transparency.”

In April 2026, the Federal Housing Finance Agency, which regulates the Federal Home Loan Bank System and government-sponsored enterprises, announced that VantageScore 4.0 adoption had begun for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. VantageScore estimates that using the VantageScore 4.0 credit score model will result in approximately 33 million more consumers nationwide having access to a credit score that may help them obtain a mortgage. This includes an estimated 4 million consumers within the FHLB Des Moines footprint, which comprises Alaska, American Samoa, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, North Dakota, North Mariana Islands, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington and Wyoming.

To learn more about implementing VantageScore 4.0 for mortgages, visit our Mortgage Resource Center.

About VantageScore®

VantageScore is the fastest-growing credit scoring company in the U.S., and is known for the industry’s most innovative, predictive and inclusive credit score models. In 2024, usage of VantageScore increased by 55% to hit 42 billion credit scores. More than 3,700 institutions, including nine of the top 10 U.S. banks, use VantageScore credit scores and digital tools to provide consumer credit products or generate greater insights into consumer behavior. The VantageScore 4.0 credit scoring model scores 33 million more people than traditional models. With the FHFA allowing the immediate use of VantageScore 4.0 for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac guaranteed mortgages, the company is also ushering in a new era for mortgage lending.

VantageScore is an independent joint venture company owned by Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.