FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 24, 2025
Tri-merge Essential for Affordable and Stable Housing Market
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In October, FICO announced a new pricing structure, which doubled its royalty for a credit score for 2026, another escalation in FICO’s multi-year increases.
The tri-merge system in place today is an indispensable part of the work to help more prospective homebuyers safely enter the mortgage market. Complete and accurate data is the foundation of powerful and predictive mortgage underwriting and are critical to the safety and soundness of the U.S. mortgage market.
More data, not less, is required to protect lenders and taxpayers and open up more opportunities for borrowers. The solution to bringing down costs for consumers isn’t less data, it’s greater choice in the mortgage-scoring market.
The price increases we are seeing play out in the industry are primarily the result of FICO’s price increase and actions.
CDIA and its member companies believe that comprehensive data solutions are a key component to helping more Americans achieve the dream of homeownership and supporting an affordable and stable housing market.
About CDIA: The Consumer Data Industry Association (CDIA) is the voice of the consumer reporting industry, representing consumer reporting agencies, including the nationwide credit bureaus, regional and specialized credit bureaus, background check and residential screening companies, and others. Founded in 1906, CDIA promotes the responsible use of consumer data to help consumers achieve their financial goals and to help businesses, governments, and volunteer organizations avoid fraud.
Contact:
Ben Corb
bcorb@cdiaonline.org
202.841.2701
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