Quick answer
On a typical purchase, a lender pulls your scores from all three credit bureaus and uses the middle one. With more than one borrower, many lenders use the lower of the middle scores, though program rules differ. The score in a credit-monitoring app is calculated somewhat differently, so it may not match. Your actual mortgage score comes from the lender’s credit report.
Rules on this page were checked on against the Fannie Mae Selling Guide. Program terms are subject to agency and lender guidelines and may change, and individual lenders can set stricter rules.
Why lenders pull three scores
Transcript: Do we look at multiple credit scores when we look at your pre-approval? The short answer is yes. We pull all three credit scores and then we base your credit decision off of the middle of the three. There are other products that may not require all the credit scores but for a typical purchase it's three scores and then use the middle. If there are multiple people on the application then it is the lower of the middle two scores. If you're looking and have questions feel free to give us a call to buy with confidence and buy with Valor.
With more than one borrower, many lenders use the lower of the middle scores. For conventional eligibility, Fannie Mae uses an average median score on loans with more than one borrower, and lenders can have their own rules.
How does the middle score work?
The three bureaus (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion) can hold slightly different information, so they often produce three different numbers. If they come back as 640, 655 and 672, the score used is 655.
What happens with two borrowers?
| Method | Borrower A middle score | Borrower B middle score | Score used |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lower of the middle scores, common at many lenders | 700 | 640 | 640 |
| Average median score, Fannie Mae conventional eligibility | 700 | 640 | 670 |
Illustrative numbers only. Lenders can set their own rules, and a score alone doesn’t decide an approval.
Before you add or remove a borrower, ask to see it both ways. A second income can help you qualify, while a lower score may change your options.
Why doesn’t your credit app match?
As Christopher says in the video below, apps like Credit Karma and Credit Sesame show a consumer score, and the score mortgage investors use is calculated somewhat differently. Use your app to watch the trend, not to predict the exact number on your loan.
What if one bureau shows something wrong?
A mistake on one report can pull down that bureau’s score and change your middle score, so it’s worth checking all three reports before you apply. If you find an error, tell your loan officer and dispute it with the bureau. Paying down card balances may also help, since scoring models look at how much of your limits you use. Don’t open new credit to try to raise a score right before you apply. The CFPB warns that a new card or car loan at that point can lower your scores.
Do mortgage lenders use VantageScore?
Some do now. Fannie Mae’s Selling Guide lists classic FICO and VantageScore 4.0 as eligible on the loans it buys, and says FHFA has also approved FICO 10T as it moves to a newer framework. Because this is changing, ask your loan officer which model is being used.
More from Christopher on this
Credit app scores vs. mortgage scores
There's a lot of talk of two different credit scores. There's one that you can get when you're with Credit Karma or Credit Sesame or the other third-party apps you get on your phone. But then there's the actual mortgage score that the investors are going to be using. Those are calculated just slightly different. But there's also a new thing that's come out, the Vantage credit score. So if you're looking to learn more, give me a call and we'll talk. You can buy with confidence and buy with Valor.
Fannie Mae now lists both classic FICO and VantageScore 4.0 as eligible score models. Which one is used on your loan depends on the program and lender.
Mortgage credit score FAQ
Why is my mortgage score lower than my app score?
It may be calculated with a different model, and the bureaus can hold different information. The number your lender uses comes from the credit report pulled for your loan.
Does every loan use three scores?
Not always. Christopher notes that some products may not require all three, but a typical purchase uses three scores and the middle one.
Does my spouse have to be on the loan?
No. Whether to include a spouse depends on your income, debts and credit. Ask a loan officer to compare both ways. Program and state rules can still affect how a spouse is treated.
Where these rules come from
| Rule or figure | Source | As of |
|---|---|---|
| Score models; average median score with multiple borrowers | Fannie Mae Selling Guide B3-5.1-01; Fannie Mae Selling Guide B3-5.1-02 | Nov 5, 2026 |
Related answers and guides
- What credit score do you need to buy a house?
- Should you pay off debt before applying?
- Can you buy a house after bankruptcy?
- More answers on credit and qualifying.
- About Christopher Armantrout.
Call me at (615) 671-9178. That’s the fastest way to get a straight answer on what you’d qualify for and what your mortgage credit score means.
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Valor Mortgage, LLC · Christopher Armantrout, Mortgage Loan Originator, NMLS #1210804 · Valor Mortgage, LLC is powered by Encore Lending Group, LLC, NMLS #1249911 · Licensed in Tennessee · Equal Housing Opportunity
724 S Main St, Springfield, TN 37172 · (615) 671-9178 · christopher@valor.mortgage · NMLS Consumer Access
The dollar figures on this page are illustrative examples for general information only and are not an offer, a rate quote, or a commitment to lend. Actual interest rates and APRs vary based on loan program, borrower qualifications, property, market conditions and other factors. Program fees, limits and terms are set by the agencies named above and change without notice; all loans are subject to credit approval, income verification and property appraisal. Not all applicants will qualify.