Credit Score to Buy a Home: 2026 Mortgage Guide

Quick answer: Many conventional lenders look for scores around 620 or higher. Under FHA program rules, a 580 or higher decision score can support the 3.5% minimum down payment, while 500–579 generally requires at least 10% down. VA does not publish one program-wide minimum score, and USDA eligibility and underwriting involve more than a score. Approval is never based on credit score alone.

Credit score considerations by mortgage type

Loan type	Credit-score starting point	Important context
Conventional	Many lenders use approximately 620 as a starting point	Automated underwriting, lender rules, down payment and overall risk determine eligibility and pricing.
FHA	580+ for 3.5% minimum down under FHA rules; 500–579 generally requires 10%	Participating lenders may require a higher score or impose additional conditions.
VA-backed	No single VA program-wide minimum	The lender evaluates credit and income and may set its own minimum. Service eligibility and a Certificate of Eligibility also matter.
USDA	No single score guarantees approval	Property location, household income, repayment ability and agency or lender underwriting requirements apply.

Program guidance and lender overlays can change. Confirm current requirements with participating lenders before making a purchase decision.

A qualifying score is not necessarily a money-saving score

Meeting a lender's minimum may open the door, but stronger credit can improve pricing. Mortgage rates and fees are risk-based, and small differences can affect costs over a long term. A 20-point increase could matter if it moves the application into a better pricing band, but there is no universal threshold and no guaranteed dollar amount.

Compare official Loan Estimates from multiple lenders. Look at the interest rate, APR, monthly principal and interest, mortgage insurance, lender credits, points, closing costs and cash needed at closing—not just the advertised rate.

What else determines mortgage approval?

Debt-to-income ratio: required debt payments compared with gross monthly income.
Employment and income stability: documentation appropriate to the loan and income type.
Down payment and reserves: cash to close plus remaining funds when required.
Credit history: late payments, collections, bankruptcies, foreclosures and recent new debt.
Property: appraisal, condition, occupancy and program eligibility.
Loan size and type: conforming, government-backed and jumbo loans use different standards.

How the major home-loan programs differ

Conventional loans

Conventional mortgages are not insured by FHA or guaranteed by VA or USDA. A score around 620 is frequently cited by lenders, but approval depends on the automated underwriting decision and lender requirements. Better scores and lower loan-to-value ratios can improve pricing.

FHA loans

FHA insurance can support borrowers with smaller down payments or less-than-perfect credit. HUD's rules tie the maximum financing level to the decision credit score, but lenders can apply stricter standards. Review HUD's FHA homebuyer information and compare the mortgage-insurance costs with other options.

VA-backed loans

The Department of Veterans Affairs does not describe a single minimum score applying to every VA-backed purchase loan. Eligible Veterans and service members still must meet the lender's credit and income requirements. The VA home-loan portal explains eligibility, Certificates of Eligibility and available loan types.

USDA loans

USDA programs are designed for eligible rural areas and have household-income and property requirements. Credit is one part of the underwriting decision. Start with USDA Rural Development's housing program information rather than assuming an advertised lender score is a nationwide agency rule.

Six steps before applying for a mortgage

1. Review reports from all three bureaus

Get reports through AnnualCreditReport.com. Look for unfamiliar accounts, incorrect late payments, duplicate collections and outdated balances.

2. Correct genuine errors early

Mortgage preparation is not the time for vague or mass disputes. Challenge specific inaccuracies with evidence and allow time for investigation. Follow our step-by-step dispute guide.

3. Reduce card utilization without draining reserves

Lower balances may help after creditors report them, but homebuyers also need funds for inspections, closing and emergencies. Avoid shifting debt or closing old accounts without understanding the effect.

4. Avoid unexplained new debt

New auto loans, cards or large financed purchases can change both credit and debt-to-income. Ask your loan officer before opening, closing or significantly changing credit during underwriting.

5. Build a complete housing budget

Include property taxes, homeowners insurance, mortgage insurance, association dues, utilities, repairs and maintenance. Approval for a payment does not mean the payment is comfortable.

6. Compare multiple Loan Estimates

The CFPB's Owning a Home tools explain shopping, Loan Estimates and closing documents. Compare offers issued for the same loan type, amount and timeframe.

Frequently asked questions

Can I buy a house with a 580 score?

Potentially. A 580 decision score meets an important FHA program threshold for maximum financing, but a lender may require a higher score and must approve the full application.

Is 620 enough to buy a home?

It may meet the starting point used by many conventional lenders, but it does not guarantee approval or the best pricing. Income, debts, down payment, reserves and property all matter.

How long should I work on credit before applying?

Start reviewing reports three to six months ahead when possible. Some changes can report within a billing cycle, while recovering from recent serious delinquencies can take much longer. Read our realistic credit-improvement timeline.

Which mortgage score will the lender use?

Mortgage lenders may use specialized versions and reports from multiple bureaus. The result can differ from a free consumer score. Ask the lender which score and bureau information influenced its decision.

For another breakdown of program requirements, see What Credit Score Do I Need to Buy a House?.

Prepare your credit before home shopping

SmartCredit offers credit monitoring and credit-management tools that may help you track reported changes while preparing for a mortgage. Review the current membership terms and remember that the lender—not SmartCredit—decides approval and pricing.

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Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission if you join SmartCredit through this link, at no additional cost to you. SmartCredit is not a mortgage lender and cannot guarantee approval, a rate or a score increase. This article is educational, not financial or legal advice.