What credit score do you need to buy a house?
Your credit score is one of the first things a mortgage lender checks. It affects everything from whether you're approved to which loans you can get and even how much you'll pay in interest over the life of the loan. The good news is that the bar is lower than many people think.
Key takeaways
- FHA loans allow scores as low as 580 with 3.5% down, or 500 with 10% down.
- VA and USDA loans don't have official minimums, but most lenders look for about 620 to 640.
- Conventional loans no longer have a hard 620 minimum, but most lenders still expect about 620.
- A higher score usually means a lower interest rate and cheaper mortgage insurance.
Every loan program has its own rules, so shop around.
Minimum scores by loan type
| Loan type | Typical minimum score | Minimum down payment |
|---|---|---|
| FHA | 580 (500 with 10% down) | 3.5% |
| VA | No official minimum, but many lenders want 620 | 0% |
| USDA | No official minimum, but many lenders want 640 | 0% |
| Conventional | Most lenders want at least 620 | 3% |
- The Federal Housing Administration backs FHA loans, which are for buyers with lower scores or who have less saved. Many lenders set their own floor at 580 or higher.
- VA loans are for eligible service members, veterans, and some surviving spouses. The Department of Veterans Affairs doesn't set a minimum score, but lenders do.
- USDA loans are for buyers in eligible rural and suburban areas with “moderate” income. Lenders often want a 640 credit score.
- Conventional loans aren't backed by the government. Most lenders still look for 620 or higher.
Why your score matters beyond approval
Your score also affects your price. A borrower with a 760 score will usually get a lower interest rate than one with a 640, and over 30 years, even a small rate difference can add up to thousands of dollars.
On conventional loans with less than 20% down, your score also affects the cost of private mortgage insurance.
The score lenders use may surprise you
The score you see in a free app may not match what a mortgage lender sees. Lenders usually pull reports from all three credit bureaus and use the middle of your three scores. Many still use older versions of the FICO score. In 2025, regulators also said lenders could start using VantageScore 4.0 for loans sold to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
How to raise your score before you apply
If you're a little short, these steps can help within a few months:
- Pay down credit card balances: How much of your available credit you're using is a big part of your score. Getting balances under 30% of your limits helps. Under 10% is even better.
- Fix errors: Pull your free reports at AnnualCreditReport.com. Dispute anything that isn't yours or isn't accurate.
- Pay every bill on time: Payment history is the biggest factor in your score, so keep paying everything on time.
- Hold off on new credit: New accounts and hard inquiries can lower your score for a while. Don't finance a car or open store cards before you buy a home.
- Ask about rent history: Some lenders will count a record of on-time rent payments when they review your application.
Shopping for a mortgage won't wreck your score
Comparing several lenders is smart, and several mortgage-related inquiries on your credit report in the same window of time get counted as the same one. So shop around, but do it within a few weeks.
What this is
Why it matters
What it means for you
What to do next
Sources
Related FAQs
Common questions about this topic, answered simply.
Can I buy a home with no credit score?
Sometimes. Some lenders can use alternative records, like rent, utility, and phone payments, especially for FHA loans.
Does a co-borrower's score matter?
Yes, lenders usually look at both borrowers' scores, and the lower one often counts the most.
How long does it take to raise my score?
It depends on the problem. Paying down balances can help within a month or two, once the new balances are reported. Recovering from late payments or collections usually takes longer, often a year or more.
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