FICO Score (FICO)
Direct definition
The most widely used credit score in U.S. mortgage lending, ranging from 300 to 850.
Written by the Vabasso Mortgage Editorial Team · Reviewed against agency and federal sources · Read our editorial policy for how we research and review mortgage content
Plain-English explanation
Mortgage lenders typically pull FICO scores from all three bureaus and use the middle score for a single borrower, or the lower middle score across joint borrowers.
Why it matters
Your mortgage FICO can differ from consumer app scores; it's the number that drives your rate and program tier.
Where you may see it
- Credit report
- Underwriting conditions
A real-world example
Your bureau scores are 720/735/745; the middle score, 735, is used for your mortgage.
Educational and illustrative only
A common misunderstanding
The FICO score a lender uses for a mortgage can differ from the score shown in consumer credit apps or free credit monitoring tools.
Ask Vabasso AI
This glossary provides general educational information. Mortgage terminology, qualification methods, forms, timelines, fees, program rules, and legal meanings may vary by lender, investor, loan program, property, occupancy, state, and transaction. Definitions do not represent loan approval, legal advice, tax advice, or a commitment to lend.
- Author
- Vabasso Mortgage Editorial Team
- Reviewed by
- Vabasso Mortgage Licensed Advisory Team
- Last reviewed
- July 30, 2026