Credit Score Needed for a Mortgage (By Loan Type)
Conventional loans want 620+; FHA allows 580 (3.5% down) or 500 (10% down); VA and USDA lean on lender overlays near 620–640. See how scores move your rate.
By The RateFig Editorial Team · July 30, 2026 · reviewed against official mortgage and rate sources
Your credit score is the price tag on your mortgage. The same home can cost hundreds more per month depending on where your score lands. This guide breaks down the minimums by loan type and shows how the number drives your rate.
Minimum scores by loan type
| Loan | Typical minimum | Notes | |------|-----------------|-------| | Conventional | 620 | 3%–5% down; pricing improves sharply above 740 | | FHA | 580 (3.5% down) / 500 (10% down) | Most forgiving on score | | VA | ~620–640 (lender overlay) | No statutory minimum; no down payment | | USDA | ~640 (lender overlay) | No statutory minimum; 0% down in eligible areas |
If your score is below 620, FHA is usually the realistic door; below 580, you need 10% down for FHA.
How scores move your rate
Lenders do not price every borrower the same. Loan-level price adjustments add cost (or rate) as risk rises. The pattern is consistent:
| Score band | Typical rate treatment | |------------|------------------------| | 760+ | Best pricing, lowest adjusters | | 720–759 | Strong pricing | | 680–719 | Moderate adjusters | | 620–679 | Higher adjusters, noticeably higher payment | | Below 620 | Generally FHA/VA only |
Why it matters. A half-point rate difference on a $300,000 loan changes the monthly payment by roughly $90 and the total interest by about $30,000 over 30 years. A stronger score is often the cheapest "rate buydown" available.
What lenders actually pull
Most mortgage lenders use older FICO models (commonly FICO 2, 4, and 5, one per bureau) and take the middle score when there are joint applicants or multiple bureaus. The number you see on a free app may be a different model, so verify your real reports at annualcreditreport.com before you rely on it.
Before you apply
- Pull all three reports and dispute errors — they are common and fixable.
- Lower card balances to under 30% of limits; this is the fastest score lever.
- Avoid new credit (cards, auto, furniture) in the 3–6 months before applying.
- Keep accounts open — closing old cards can shorten your history and drop the score.
- Document steady income so the file compensates if the score is borderline.
Key Takeaways
Aim for at least 620 for conventional, or use FHA/VA/USDA if you are lower. Every score band you climb cuts your rate and your lifetime interest. Run your realistic rate through the mortgage calculator to see the payment difference, and read the guide on improving your score before you apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum credit score to buy a house?+
It depends on the loan. Conventional loans generally want a 620 score. FHA accepts 580 with 3.5% down, or 500 with 10% down. VA and USDA loans have no single statutory minimum, but most lenders overlay a floor around 620–640. Government-backed programs are the path when your score is in the low 600s or high 500s.
Do mortgage rates change with credit score?+
Yes, significantly. Lenders apply loan-level price adjustments: a borrower with a 760 score typically gets a lower rate than one at 620, and the gap can be half a point or more. On a large loan that difference is tens of thousands of dollars in interest over the term.
Can I get a mortgage with no credit score?+
It is harder but possible. Some lenders accept non-traditional credit (rent, utilities, insurance paid on time) through manual underwriting, especially for FHA and VA loans. You will need thorough documentation and should expect a longer process.
How fast can I raise my score before applying?+
Paying down card balances and correcting report errors can move a score within one to three billing cycles. Avoid opening new accounts or taking on new debt in the months before you apply, because both can hurt in the short run.
Is the score lenders use the same as the free one I see?+
Lenders usually pull a mortgage-specific score (often FICO Score 2, 4, or 5 from the three bureaus) and use the middle of the three. It can differ from the 'educational' score shown by free monitoring apps, so pull your real reports at annualcreditreport.com before relying on a number.
Run the Numbers Yourself
Reading is the first step. The next is plugging your own numbers into a calculator that runs the same US-standard formulas in real time — no signup, no paywall, instant results.
See your payment→Key Takeaways
Use the calculator linked above to confirm how these concepts apply to your specific loan amount, rate, and term. Small changes in any one input can shift your monthly payment and total interest by thousands of dollars over the life of the loan.