Overview

• FICO launched a Mortgage Direct License Program that allows tri-merge resellers to calculate and distribute FICO scores directly to mortgage lenders.
• Two pricing options were disclosed: a $4.95 per-score royalty plus a $33 funded-loan fee per borrower per score, or a flat $10 per score through resellers.
• FICO scores remain available via Equifax, Experian and TransUnion, but resellers will still rely on those bureaus for core consumer credit data and tradelines.
• Stocks moved sharply on the news, with FICO up about 20% as Equifax fell roughly 11%, TransUnion about 9% and Experian around 5%.
• Analysts warned bureau earnings could drop 10%–15%, trade groups voiced cautious optimism about transparency, FHFA Director Bill Pulte praised the shift, and resellers target readiness around January 1.