What credit score do you need for a mortgage?
It depends on the program. FHA starts at 580, conventional around 620, and VA sets no minimum at all. Lenders then add their own rules on top.
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Minimums
Minimums by programme
Where each floor sits
Program floors, not lender requirements. Lenders add overlays on top.
There is no single credit score that qualifies you for a mortgage. Each loan program sets its own floor, and individual lenders often set a higher one.
Your score also affects your rate, not just whether you are approved. That part matters for thirty years.
Minimum credit score by program
Where each program's floor sits on the 300 to 850 scale
Program floors only. Individual lenders often set a higher bar, which is called an overlay.
By program
The minimums
These are program floors. The lender in front of you may want more.
| Program | Minimum score | Down payment | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| FHA | 580 | 3.5% | 500 to 579 possible at 10% down |
| Conventional | Around 620 | From 3% | Pricing improves as your score rises |
| VA | None set by the VA | 0% | Most lenders look for 580 to 620 |
| USDA | Commonly 640 | 0% | Lower may work with manual underwriting |
| Jumbo | Typically 700+ | 10 to 20% | Some lenders want 720 or 740 |
Scroll sideways to see all columns.
Full comparison including insurance and eligibility: loan programs explained →
The catch
What a lender overlay is
Programs set a floor, lenders set their own
An overlay is a requirement a lender adds on top. A lender wanting 640 on an FHA loan the program allows at 580 is very common.
Which is why a no is not always a no
One lender declining does not mean every lender will. Overlays vary widely.
Score affects your rate too
Pricing moves in steps with your score and your down payment. Twenty points can change your monthly payment for the life of the loan.
Recent history matters more than old history
A missed payment last year weighs more heavily than one five years ago that you recovered from.
See where your score puts you
No credit inquiry at this stage, so checking costs nothing.
Get pre-approvedImproving it
What actually moves a score
Lower your card balances
Utilisation is one of the biggest factors. Getting balances well below your limits can move a score within a billing cycle or two.
Fix report errors
Pull your own report and dispute anything wrong. Corrections take weeks, so start early.
Pay on time, every time
Payment history carries the most weight. One recent miss can undo months of progress.
Do not open new accounts
New credit lowers your average account age and adds an inquiry at the worst possible moment.
Do not close old cards
Closing an old account can shorten your history and raise your utilisation at the same time.
Give it time
Most improvements show up over two to six months. There is no instant fix worth paying for.
Questions
Common questions
What credit score do you need to buy a house?
It depends on the program. FHA allows 580 with 3.5 percent down and 500 with 10 percent down. Conventional usually starts around 620. VA sets no minimum, though most lenders want 580 to 620.
Can I get a mortgage with a 500 credit score?
Possibly, through FHA with a 10 percent down payment. Few lenders write these loans, so you may need to look around.
What is a lender overlay?
A requirement a lender adds on top of the program minimum, such as wanting 640 on an FHA loan the program allows at 580.
Does my credit score affect my interest rate?
Yes. Pricing moves in steps with your score and your loan-to-value, so a higher score means a lower payment for the whole term.
How fast can I improve my score?
Lowering card balances can help within a billing cycle or two. Most meaningful improvement takes two to six months.
Keep reading
Related guides
How to qualify
The four factors lenders weigh together.
Loan programs
Conventional, FHA, VA, USDA and jumbo compared.
Credit checks explained
Soft and hard inquiries, and when each happens.
Independent sources
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau — how credit scores are calculated and what affects them
- US Department of Housing and Urban Development — FHA credit requirements
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