What type of score will not be accepted for underwriting by lenders?

The lowest of 2 scores is not accepted for underwriting by lenders because underwriting criteria typically favor more favorable credit indicators. Lenders look for the most reliable representation of a borrower’s creditworthiness, and the lowest score can reflect negative credit behavior or higher risk. In contrast, using the average or the middle score tends to balance out any extremes among the scores, while the highest score tends to showcase the best credit behavior. In a situation where there are two scores, the middle score reflects a more moderate assessment of risk compared to the lowest score, making it the preferred choice for underwriting decisions. This aligns with the practices of many lenders who seek to mitigate risk by considering scores that suggest a higher likelihood of repayment.