VantageScore: Consumers Borrow ‘Selectively’ as Delinquencies Ease, Mortgage Demand Strengthens

Consumer credit conditions continued to stabilize in April as delinquency trends improved across most stages, supported by seasonal tax-related relief, according to the latest edition of CreditGauge from VantageScore.

The average VantageScore 4.0 credit score held stable at 701, indicating that consumer credit health remains stable despite elevated interest rates and persistent affordability pressures.

“April’s data points to a consumer that is exercising restraint,” said Susan Fahy, executive vice president and chief digital, data and technology officer at VantageScore. “Mortgage activity strengthened during the spring homebuying season, while consumers continued to preserve credit capacity and borrow selectively despite ongoing affordability pressures.”

The report said mortgage originations increased by 0.12% in April, following seasonal trends and marking the largest month-over-month increase since April 2021. “Mortgage activity in April 2026 improved as the spring homebuying season began, likely buoyed by the downward trend in interest rates in early 2026,” VantageScore said.

VantageScore is an independent joint venture company owned by Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.