No Credit Score Mortgage 2026: Programs That Exist and What They Require

No credit score means no tri-merge FICO from any of the three bureaus. This happens when a borrower has never opened traditional credit accounts or when all accounts have been closed for more than 24 months. The file is called an insufficient file. Agency programs have specific paths to handle it.

FHA Non-Traditional Credit

FHA does not require a minimum FICO score for manual underwrite files that use non-traditional credit. The lender documents 12 months of on-time payments from at least three non-traditional sources: rental housing (written landlord verification), utilities, phone, or insurance. No 30-day lates allowed. Maximum DTI is 31/43 for manual underwrites on non-traditional credit files unless compensating factors are documented.

VA Non-Traditional Credit

VA accepts non-traditional credit on manual underwrites. The lender must document at least three active credit references showing 12 months of satisfactory payment history. Rent is the most impactful. Utility and phone accounts support the file. The underwriter makes a holistic credit decision based on the full picture of the borrower's payment history and character references when needed.

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac

Conventional AUS (DU and LP) cannot score a no-FICO file. DU will return a Refer finding when FICO data is insufficient, which sends the file to manual underwrite or disqualifies it depending on lender policy. Most conventional lenders do not offer non-traditional credit programs. This is primarily FHA and VA territory.

Non-QM Alternative

Some non-QM lenders offer programs for borrowers without a FICO score using 12-24 months of bank statements or asset depletion to qualify income, and non-traditional credit references to establish payment history. These carry rate premiums of 150-300 bps over agency. LTV is typically capped at 70-75%. Reserve requirements are higher.