FeeAsset

Buying a house in the United States often starts with one important question: What credit score do you need to qualify for a mortgage?

The answer depends on the type of home loan you choose, the lender’s requirements, your down payment, and your overall financial situation. Some conventional mortgages commonly require a credit score of 620 or higher, while certain FHA loans may allow scores as low as 500 under specific conditions.

However, qualifying for a mortgage is only part of the equation. Your credit score can also affect your interest rate, monthly mortgage payment, and the total amount of interest you pay over the life of the loan.

In this guide, you’ll learn the credit score requirements for common mortgage types, how lenders evaluate your application, and practical ways to improve your chances of getting approved.

What Credit Score Do You Need to Buy a House?

There is no single credit score requirement for every homebuyer. Different mortgage programs and lenders use different eligibility rules.

The following figures are common reference points, not guarantees of approval.

Mortgage type	Common credit score guideline
Conventional mortgage	620 or higher is a common benchmark
FHA loan	580 or higher for the standard 3.5% minimum down payment option; scores from 500 to 579 generally require at least 10% down under FHA rules
VA loan	No universal minimum set by the VA, but individual lenders may impose their own requirements
USDA loan	No single universal minimum across all circumstances; lenders apply program and underwriting requirements
Jumbo mortgage	Requirements vary by lender and loan size; stronger credit is often expected

These guidelines can change, and individual lenders may have stricter requirements than the mortgage program itself. Automated underwriting systems may also evaluate applications differently from manual underwriting.

For example, a borrower with a 610 credit score might have difficulty qualifying for some conventional mortgages but could explore an FHA loan or another program for which they are eligible.

The best approach is to compare several mortgage options rather than assuming you must reach one specific score before applying.

Minimum Credit Score Requirements by Mortgage Type

Understanding the differences between mortgage programs can help you identify the most realistic path to homeownership.

1. Conventional Loans

Conventional mortgages are not directly insured by the Federal Housing Administration or guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

A credit score of 620 is a common benchmark for conventional mortgage eligibility, although requirements vary by lender, loan program, and underwriting method.

Some conventional programs offer down payments as low as 3% to eligible borrowers. However, a small down payment does not guarantee approval, and borrowers who put down less than 20% generally pay private mortgage insurance (PMI), subject to the applicable loan terms.

A higher credit score may help you qualify for better pricing and more favorable terms.

Conventional loans may be worth exploring if you have established credit, reliable income, manageable debt, and savings for your down payment and closing costs.

2. FHA Loans

FHA loans are insured by the Federal Housing Administration and are designed to make homeownership accessible to a broader range of borrowers.

Under standard FHA credit-score rules:

• A minimum decision credit score of 580 generally allows a borrower to qualify for maximum financing, typically with a 3.5% minimum down payment.
• Scores from 500 through 579 generally require at least a 10% down payment.
• Scores below 500 do not meet the standard FHA minimum credit-score requirements.

These thresholds do not mean every applicant with the required score will be approved. Lenders also evaluate income, debt obligations, property eligibility, and other underwriting factors. Individual lenders may impose stricter credit requirements.

FHA loans also involve mortgage insurance costs, which can increase your monthly housing expense.

If your credit score is below 620, an FHA loan may be worth discussing with a lender. Ask for the complete cost of the loan rather than focusing only on the minimum down payment.

3. VA Loans

VA loans are available to eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and certain surviving spouses who meet the program’s requirements.

The Department of Veterans Affairs does not establish one universal minimum credit score for all VA borrowers. However, individual lenders may set their own minimums or use other credit and underwriting standards.

Many lenders commonly look for scores around 620, although requirements vary.

Eligible borrowers may benefit from no required down payment in many circumstances and no monthly mortgage insurance. A VA funding fee may apply unless the borrower qualifies for an exemption.

If you are eligible for VA benefits, compare VA financing with conventional and FHA options before deciding which mortgage best fits your budget.

4. USDA Loans

USDA loans support eligible homebuyers purchasing qualifying properties in designated rural and some suburban areas. Income and other program requirements apply.

There is no single universal minimum credit score that guarantees eligibility across all USDA lending situations. Lenders may use credit benchmarks, automated underwriting, or additional review depending on the application.

A score around 640 is a common benchmark associated with streamlined underwriting in many situations, but some applicants may be evaluated differently.

USDA loans may offer no-down-payment financing to eligible borrowers. However, property location, household income, repayment ability, and program rules all matter.

If you are considering a home outside a major city, check the property’s eligibility and ask a USDA-approved lender which credit standards apply.

5. Jumbo Loans

Jumbo loans are mortgages that exceed the applicable conforming loan limits for standard conventional financing.

Because these loans involve larger balances and may not be eligible for purchase by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac under standard conforming rules, lenders often apply more demanding financial requirements.

A higher credit score, substantial savings, a larger down payment, and a lower debt-to-income ratio may strengthen your application.

There is no single credit score requirement for every jumbo loan. Requirements vary by lender, loan amount, property, and borrower profile.

If you need a jumbo mortgage, ask lenders about their minimum score, reserve requirements, down payment expectations, and pricing tiers before submitting a full application.

What Is a Good Credit Score for Buying a House?

You may qualify for some mortgage programs with a relatively modest score, but a stronger score can expand your choices and potentially reduce your borrowing costs.

The following ranges are broad planning guidelines, not official approval categories.

Credit score range	What it may mean for a homebuyer
760–850	Strong credit profile that may help qualify for competitive pricing
720–759	Generally a favorable range for many mortgage applications
680–719	May qualify for several options, depending on other financial factors
620–679	Some conventional options may be available, but pricing and eligibility can be more restrictive
580–619	Certain FHA options may be worth exploring, subject to lender requirements
500–579	Some FHA borrowers may qualify with a larger down payment and other requirements
Below 500	Standard FHA minimum credit rules generally are not met; specialized circumstances and other options require careful review

Your actual mortgage score may differ from the score displayed by a credit card app or general credit monitoring service.

Mortgage lenders may use specific scoring models and information from multiple credit bureaus. They may also evaluate your application using underwriting systems that consider factors beyond the score itself.

Before applying, ask your lender which credit score model and credit-reporting agencies will be used.

How Your Credit Score Affects Your Mortgage Interest Rate

Your credit score can affect more than approval. It can also influence the interest rate and loan terms offered to you.

A higher score generally indicates a lower estimated risk of repayment problems, which can help you qualify for more competitive offers.

A lower score may lead to a higher interest rate, additional pricing adjustments, fewer lender options, or a requirement to strengthen other parts of your application.

Even a relatively small rate difference can matter because mortgages are large loans that are often repaid over decades.

Example: How Interest Rates Affect Monthly Payments

Imagine you borrow $300,000 with a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage.

The following illustration compares principal-and-interest payments at two hypothetical interest rates:

Interest rate	Approximate monthly payment
6.0%	$1,799
6.5%	$1,896
7.0%	$1,996

These estimates include only principal and interest. They exclude property taxes, homeowners insurance, mortgage insurance, homeowners association fees, and closing costs.

At 6.0%, the monthly principal-and-interest payment is approximately $97 lower than at 6.5%. Over a long repayment period, differences in interest rates can add up to a substantial amount.

These rates are examples, not current market quotes. Actual offers depend on market conditions, credit profile, loan type, down payment, and other factors.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau provides a tool for exploring mortgage rates and comparing how credit scores and other variables can affect loan offers:

https://www.consumerfinance.gov/owning-a-home/explore-rates

Does a Larger Down Payment Help If Your Credit Score Is Low?

A larger down payment can strengthen some mortgage applications, but it does not automatically replace a minimum credit requirement.

For example, a borrower who puts 10% down may meet the standard FHA down payment requirement for a score between 500 and 579, assuming the other applicable rules are satisfied.

For conventional loans, a larger down payment can reduce the amount borrowed and may improve the overall risk profile of the application. It may also reduce or eliminate the need for certain mortgage insurance arrangements, depending on the loan.

However, you should not use all your available savings simply to increase your down payment. Homebuyers also need money for closing costs, moving expenses, repairs, and emergency savings.

Before deciding how much to put down, compare the benefits of a larger down payment with the importance of maintaining adequate cash reserves.

What Else Do Mortgage Lenders Look At?

Your credit score is important, but it is only one part of the mortgage approval process.

Lenders generally review several aspects of your finances to determine whether you can afford the loan.

Income and Employment

Lenders typically review your income, employment history, and the stability of your earnings.

Depending on your circumstances, they may request recent pay stubs, W-2 forms, tax returns, or documentation of self-employment income.

If your income varies, be prepared to explain how you earn money and provide the documentation requested by the lender.

Debt-to-Income Ratio

Your debt-to-income ratio, or DTI, compares your monthly debt obligations with your gross monthly income.

For example, suppose your gross monthly income is $6,000 and your monthly debt payments total $2,100, including the proposed housing payment.

Your DTI would be:

$2,100 ÷ $6,000 × 100 = 35%

A lower DTI can strengthen an application, although acceptable limits vary by mortgage program and underwriting circumstances.

You can potentially improve your DTI by paying down debt, reducing monthly obligations, or choosing a home with a more affordable payment.

Savings and Assets

Lenders may want to confirm that you have enough money for the down payment, closing costs, and any required reserves.

Savings can also help demonstrate that you have resources available if an unexpected expense occurs after closing.

Avoid making unexplained large deposits or moving money between accounts without keeping records. Your lender may request documentation showing where the funds came from.

Payment History and Credit Utilization

Your credit report contains more information than the final score.

Lenders may review your history of paying bills, outstanding debt, account balances, and recent credit activity.

Late payments, collections, or high credit card balances can affect your application even if your score appears close to a lender’s preferred range.

How to Improve Your Credit Score Before Buying a House

If your credit score is lower than you would like, taking practical steps before applying may improve your options.

The amount of time needed depends on your credit history, the reason for the low score, and how quickly your lenders and credit bureaus update information.

1. Check All Three Credit Reports

Review your credit reports for errors, outdated information, duplicate accounts, and accounts that do not belong to you.

An incorrect late payment or collection account may damage your credit profile.

You can obtain your credit reports through the federally authorized website:

https://www.annualcreditreport.com

If you find an error, dispute it with the relevant credit reporting company and, where appropriate, the company that supplied the information.

Correcting an error does not guarantee a particular score increase, but accurate reporting is an important first step.

2. Pay Every Bill on Time

Payment history is an important factor in many credit scoring models.

Set up reminders or automatic payments for at least the minimum amount due on your credit cards and loans. Make sure your bank account has enough money to cover automatic withdrawals.

If you have already missed a payment, bring the account current if possible and maintain consistent payments going forward.

Accurate negative information generally cannot be removed simply because you want to improve your score.

3. Lower Your Credit Card Balances

Credit utilization measures how much of your available revolving credit you are using.

For example, if your credit card has a $5,000 limit and a $2,500 balance, your utilization is 50%.

Reducing the balance to $500 would lower utilization to 10%.

Lower utilization may help your score, although the impact varies by scoring model and individual credit profile.

There is no single utilization percentage that guarantees mortgage approval. Paying down revolving balances and avoiding new debt can nevertheless improve your overall financial position.

4. Avoid Opening Unnecessary Credit Accounts

Opening several new credit cards or taking out additional loans shortly before applying for a mortgage can complicate the underwriting process.

New credit applications may cause temporary score changes, and additional monthly payments can increase your DTI.

If you are preparing to buy a home, avoid unnecessary borrowing and discuss major financial changes with your mortgage lender before making them.

5. Keep Older Accounts in Good Standing

The age and history of your credit accounts may influence some credit scoring models.

Do not automatically close an old credit card just because you no longer use it. Closing an account can affect your available credit and utilization, depending on your overall profile.

Consider the account’s fees, security, and your spending habits before making a decision.

6. Give Credit Reporting Time to Update

Credit improvements do not always appear immediately.

A creditor may need to report a lower balance or updated payment status before the change is reflected in your credit report. Timing varies by creditor and bureau.

If you plan to apply for a mortgage soon, ask your lender whether a rapid rescore or other documented update process is available and appropriate. These services cannot legitimately erase accurate negative information or guarantee a higher score.

Can You Buy a House With No Credit Score?

It may be possible to qualify for a mortgage without a traditional credit score, but the process can be more complicated.

Some lenders may consider alternative credit information, such as a documented history of paying rent, utilities, insurance, or other recurring obligations.

Eligibility depends on the mortgage program, lender, underwriting method, and available documentation.

If you have never used a credit card or taken out a loan, explain your situation to a lender rather than assuming you must build a conventional credit history before you can buy a home.

Ask whether the lender offers manual underwriting or programs that accept nontraditional credit histories.

How Long Should You Wait Before Applying for a Mortgage?

The right timing depends on your current credit profile and homebuying goals.

If your score is already within the range required for your preferred loan, you may be ready to compare lenders now.

If your score is lower because of high credit card balances, paying them down may improve your profile after the updated information reaches the credit bureaus.

If your report contains errors, allow time for the dispute process and for any corrections to appear.

If you have recent late payments, collections, bankruptcy, or foreclosure history, ask a mortgage professional about the applicable waiting periods and available loan programs.

You do not necessarily need a perfect credit score to buy a home. The goal is to understand your options, strengthen your application where possible, and avoid taking on a mortgage payment that is difficult to afford.

How to Compare Mortgage Lenders

Once you understand your credit profile, compare offers from multiple lenders.

Do not choose a lender based only on an advertised interest rate. Compare the full loan estimate, including fees and other costs.

Review the following:

• Interest rate and annual percentage rate (APR)
• Monthly principal and interest
• Estimated property taxes and homeowners insurance
• Mortgage insurance requirements
• Origination charges and other lender fees
• Down payment requirements
• Rate-lock terms
• Whether the loan has a fixed or adjustable interest rate

Ask lenders how your credit score affects their pricing and whether another loan program may offer a better fit.

When comparing mortgage offers, submitting applications within a relatively short shopping period can help limit the effect of multiple mortgage-related credit inquiries. The exact treatment depends on the scoring model and timing.

A mortgage preapproval can help you understand your likely budget, but it is not a final guarantee of approval. The lender still needs to verify your finances and evaluate the property before closing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a 620 credit score enough to buy a house?

It may be enough for some conventional mortgage programs and other loan options, depending on the lender and the rest of your application. A score of 620 does not guarantee approval or a particular interest rate.

Can I buy a house with a 580 credit score?

Possibly. FHA loans generally permit a 580 score for the standard 3.5% minimum down payment option under FHA credit-score rules. Individual lenders may have stricter requirements, and other eligibility conditions still apply.

Can I get a mortgage with a 500 credit score?

Some FHA borrowers with scores between 500 and 579 may qualify with a down payment of at least 10%, subject to FHA rules and lender requirements. A score below 500 does not meet the standard FHA minimum credit-score requirement.

What credit score gets the best mortgage rate?

There is no universal score that guarantees the lowest rate. Borrowers with scores in the mid-to-high 700s or above often have access to more competitive pricing, but actual offers also depend on loan type, down payment, debt, income, market rates, and lender rules.

Does checking my own credit score lower it?

Checking your own credit report or score generally does not hurt your credit score. A lender’s hard inquiry during a mortgage application may cause a small, temporary change.

Should I pay off all my credit cards before applying for a mortgage?

Reducing credit card balances can improve credit utilization and may lower your DTI. However, you should also maintain enough savings for the down payment, closing costs, and emergencies. Discuss your situation with a lender before using all your cash to pay down debt.

Can I get approved with a low credit score if I earn a high income?

A high income can strengthen your overall application, but it does not automatically override a mortgage program’s minimum credit requirements. Lenders evaluate income, debt, savings, credit history, and other factors together.

How often should I check my credit before buying a house?

Check your reports early in the planning process and review them periodically while preparing to apply. This gives you time to correct errors, reduce balances, and address any unexpected information before a lender reviews your application.

Final Thoughts

The credit score you need to buy a house depends on the mortgage program, lender, down payment, and your overall financial situation.

A score around 620 is a common benchmark for conventional mortgages, while FHA loans may offer a path for some borrowers with lower scores. Eligible military borrowers and buyers purchasing qualifying rural properties may also have access to VA or USDA financing.

Rather than focusing only on the minimum score, work on building a stronger credit profile, keeping debt manageable, saving for upfront costs, and comparing mortgage offers from multiple lenders.

A higher score may help you qualify for better terms, but the best mortgage is one you can afford comfortably over the long term.

Start by reviewing your credit reports, estimating your monthly housing budget, and speaking with lenders about the options that fit your circumstances. Taking these steps before shopping seriously for a home can help you make a more confident and informed decision.