VantageScore Named Innovator of the Year by HomeFree-USA for Expanding Access to Homeownership

Award Recognizes VantageScore's Leadership in Breaking Down Barriers to Homeownership Through Modern Credit Scoring

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--VantageScore has been named HomeFree-USA's 2026 Innovator of the Year, recognizing the company's leadership in breaking down barriers to homeownership and expanding access to mortgage credit for millions of Americans. The recognition from HomeFree-USA, a leading nonprofit dedicated to advancing homeownership opportunities nationwide, comes as VantageScore accelerates adoption of its VantageScore 4.0 credit scoring model across the mortgage industry, helping more creditworthy Americans pursue the dream of homeownership.

“During a time of financial uncertainty, it matters more than ever to have partners who care about the community and put the best interests of the people we serve at the heart of their work,” said Marcia Griffin, founder and CEO of HomeFree-USA. “VantageScore demonstrates that commitment by working alongside us to open doors, remove barriers and help more families build a stronger financial future.”

For millions of Americans, the path to homeownership can be limited by traditional credit scoring models that fail to capture a complete picture of their creditworthiness. VantageScore 4.0 addresses this challenge by evaluating approximately 33 million more U.S. adults than legacy scoring models, enabling lenders to identify creditworthy borrowers who might otherwise be excluded from housing finance. Independent research has also found that nearly five million additional consumers could qualify for a mortgage using VantageScore 4.0, without lowering underwriting standards. Through its collaboration with HomeFree-USA, VantageScore is helping advance credit readiness, financial education and greater awareness of the opportunities modern credit scoring can create for aspiring homeowners. This award recognizes the role innovation can play in helping more families be seen, evaluated and considered for financial opportunities.

“VantageScore has long remained dedicated to its mission of expanding homeownership opportunities to individuals across the United States,” said Anthony Hutchinson, Interim President and CEO at VantageScore. “It is an honor to be recognized by HomeFree-USA, an organization that shares VantageScore’s commitment to making the dream of owning a home possible for every creditworthy American.”

VantageScore 4.0 continues to gain significant traction across the mortgage market, as leading lenders and technology providers integrate the model into their existing workflows to improve risk assessment and expand access to homeownership. Major mortgage technology providers, including Xactus, Calyx and Optimal Blue, now offer VantageScore 4.0, while prominent lenders, including Rocket Mortgage, have adopted the model to better identify creditworthy borrowers. VantageScore 4.0 achieved important milestones across the broader housing finance system with approval or availability for use through Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, the Federal Home Loan Banks, the Federal Housing Administration and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Lenders interested in implementing VantageScore 4.0 to responsibly identify more qualified borrowers through modern, data-driven credit scoring can learn more at www.vantagescore.com/lenders.

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.

About HomeFree-USA

Founded in 1994, HomeFree-USA is a nonprofit, HUD-approved housing counseling organization and national intermediary dedicated to improving financial strength and expanding homeownership opportunities. Through financial education, homeownership guidance and a nationwide network of more than 50 affiliated organizations, HomeFree-USA connects consumers, community organizations, financial institutions and government partners to help families buy and keep their homes. Learn more at homefreeusa.org.