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CONSUMER COLLECTIONS PAYER PORTAL
 
Effective January 1, 2026, All Mortgage Credit Resellers Applying Pricing Changes Driven By FICO® and National Credit Reporting Agencies

 

Key Cost Drivers
  • Score Price Hike: FICO®’s new direct licensing framework is increasing the bureau-level per-score cost.
  • Bureau Adjustments: Equifax®, Experian®, and TransUnion® have implemented their own reseller price increases.
Sarma’s Score Strategy and Commitment
  • Sarma will continue using the FICO® Indirect Pricing Model because:
    • It remains the least costly, most operationally sound, and most compliant approach.
    • It avoids substantial bureau surcharges and the legal/compliance issues associated with the FICO® score card use in the direct-calculation environment.
    • Although FICO®  direct program would reduce direct score costs, the combination of bureau fees, platform usage charges, compliance assessments, and technical expenses makes the direct-license workflow materially higher. Sarma has determined that at this point the indirect model provides the best financial and regulatory outcome. We will continue to monitor the direct license program and will offer it if it becomes a more viable option.
Ongoing VantageScore® Updates
  • Sarma will continue to monitor the development and adoption of VantageScore® and regulatory progress from the FHFA and the GSEs.
  • We can make VantageScore® available to you at a very affordable price or free with certain terms and conditions.
Credit Report Cost as a Percentage to Total Mortgage Production Expense and Third Party Fees
  • Sarma approximates that it will still remain less then 2% of the total mortgage production cost according to a recent analysis by Freddie Mac.
  • Sarma also approximates that it will still remain less then 3% of the total of third party fees incurred by consumers. See detailed explanation.

As we look ahead to 2026, thank you sincerely for your business and partnership. Your continued support is what allows us to deliver industry-leading service, ensure compliance, and drive innovation. We encourage you to reach out to your Account Executive with any questions or to explore workflow and cost-efficiency opportunities through an account review.