01/31/2020
From Forbes Magazine. NEW FICO MODEL COMING
FICO is launching a new scoring model this summer, called the FICO Score 10.
The new model will take into account a consumer’s account balances and missed payments over the last two years.
About 40 million consumers will see their scores drop as a result.
A whopping 110 million Americans will likely see their credit scores change this summer, thanks to a newly announced credit scoring model from Fair Isaac Corp.—the company behind FICO scores.
Though some consumers may experience a bump in numbers, about 40 million will see their scores drop—likely around 20 points, according to Fair Isaac reps.
The new approach will weigh delinquencies—particularly those in the last two years—more heavily than past models, putting borrowers with late payments on their records at a disadvantage. Consumers with a history of high utilization ratios (the amount of credit you use vs. what you have available) will also see their scores drop.
Additionally, Fair Isaac has said it plans to flag borrowers who apply for personal loans, which are generally considered riskier than other financial products.
Here’s how Dana Marineau, vice president at Credit Karma, sums it up: “The new model now incorporates consumers’ debt levels, taking into account account balances for the previous 24-plus months, while prior FICO scores have focused on more recent account balances. Consumers who fall or have fallen behind on paying their debts, as well as those with high credit utilization ratios in the past two years, will likely see a decrease in their score.”
For borrowers with already good credit, the new model will likely provide a boost. On loans and mortgages, it could even mean additional saved on interest and fees for this cohort, according to Mat Ishbia, president and CEO of United Wholesale Mortgage.
