The minimum credit score to buy a house is 500 for an FHA loan (with 10% down), 580 for an FHA loan with 3.5% down, and 620 for a conventional loan. VA loans have no official minimum. But to get the best mortgage rates, you need a score of 740 or higher.
The score you need depends almost entirely on which type of mortgage you're applying for. Each loan program has different minimums — and your score doesn't just determine whether you qualify, it also determines how much you pay. Before you start house hunting, use our house affordability calculator to see what price range makes sense for your income and debts.
Minimum credit scores by loan type — 2026
Credit score requirements by mortgage type
| Loan type | Minimum score | Down payment | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| FHA loan | 580 | 3.5% | First-time buyers, lower credit |
| FHA loan | 500–579 | 10% | Buyers rebuilding credit |
| Conventional loan | 620 | 3%–20% | Buyers with good credit |
| VA loan | No minimum* | 0% | Veterans, active military |
| USDA loan | 640 | 0% | Rural and suburban buyers |
| Jumbo loan | 700–720+ | 10–20% | High-value home purchases |
*VA lenders typically require 580–620 even though the VA itself sets no official minimum.
Keep in mind these are program minimums — the floor set by the government or loan guidelines. Individual lenders often set their own "overlay" requirements that are 20–40 points higher. A lender might require 640 even for an FHA loan that technically allows 580. Always check with your specific lender.
What your credit score tier means for buying a house
How your score affects your mortgage rate — real numbers
This is where credit score really matters. The difference between a 620 and a 760 score isn't just whether you qualify — it's how much you pay every single month for the next 30 years. Here's how a $300,000 mortgage at current rates breaks down by credit tier. Use our mortgage calculator to see your exact payment once you know your rate.
$300,000 mortgage — rate and cost by credit score tier
| Credit score | Typical rate | Monthly payment | Total interest (30yr) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 760+ | 6.5% | $1,896 | $382,560 |
| 700–759 | 6.75% | $1,945 | $400,200 |
| 680–699 | 7.0% | $1,996 | $418,560 |
| 660–679 | 7.25% | $2,047 | $436,920 |
| 640–659 | 7.75% | $2,151 | $474,360 |
| 620–639 | 8.25% | $2,257 | $512,520 |
The difference between a 620 and a 760 credit score on a $300,000 mortgage is $361 per month and over $130,000 in total interest over 30 years. That's the real cost of a lower credit score — not just a higher rate, but a dramatically different financial outcome.
See what your monthly payment would be
Once you know your rate tier, plug your numbers into the mortgage calculator or check how much home you can afford.
Mortgage Calculator → House Affordability →FHA vs conventional — which is better for your score?
If your score is between 620 and 680, you face a real choice: FHA or conventional? The answer isn't always obvious.
- FHA loans have lower rate premiums for lower scores, but require mortgage insurance for the life of the loan (if you put down less than 10%). That adds roughly $100–200/month permanently.
- Conventional loans have higher rates at lower scores, but PMI can be removed once you reach 20% equity — usually after a few years of payments or appreciation.
For most buyers with scores between 620–680, FHA often wins on monthly payment but conventional wins on long-term cost — especially if home values rise. If your score is above 700, conventional is almost always the better deal. Our first-time homebuyer guide covers this choice in more detail.
How to raise your credit score before buying a house
The good news: credit scores can move faster than most people expect. Here are the highest-impact moves, roughly in order of speed:
- Pay down credit card balances — getting your utilization below 30% can add 30–50 points in 30–60 days. Below 10% is even better.
- Dispute credit report errors — errors are more common than you'd think. Correcting a mistake can add 20–100+ points in 30 days.
- Don't open new accounts — each new credit application causes a hard inquiry that temporarily drops your score.
- Make all payments on time — payment history is the biggest single factor in your score (35%). Even one missed payment can drop your score significantly.
- Become an authorized user — being added to someone else's account with good history can boost your score quickly.
Moving from 580 to 620 typically takes 3–6 months. Moving from 620 to 740 takes 6–12 months of consistent on-time payments and lower utilization. If you have debts to pay down, our debt payoff calculator can help you build a plan — paying down credit card balances is one of the fastest ways to improve your score.
First-time homebuyer programs
Many state and local programs offer down payment assistance and sometimes lower rate options specifically for first-time buyers. These often have their own credit score minimums (usually 620–640) but can significantly reduce the cash needed to close. Our first-time homebuyer guide covers what's available and how to find programs in your state.
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Compare Mortgage Rates →Common questions
What credit score do I need to buy a house?
The minimum is 500 for an FHA loan with 10% down, or 580 for an FHA loan with 3.5% down. Conventional loans require 620. But to get the best rates, you need 740 or higher.
Can I buy a house with a 580 credit score?
Yes — a 580 score qualifies for an FHA loan with just 3.5% down. The tradeoff is mortgage insurance for the life of the loan. Use our mortgage calculator to see what your payment would look like.
What credit score gets the best mortgage rate?
A score of 740 or higher typically qualifies for the best rates. Scores above 760 get the most favorable pricing. The difference between 620 and 760 can be $300+ per month on a $300,000 loan.
Can I buy a house with a 620 credit score?
Yes — 620 meets the minimum for a conventional loan. You'll qualify but won't get the best rates. See our house affordability calculator to see what you can afford at your current rate tier.
How can I raise my credit score before buying a house?
The fastest moves are paying down credit card balances (can add 30–50 points in 30–60 days), disputing errors on your credit report, and making all payments on time. Use our debt payoff calculator to build a plan for paying down balances quickly.