What Credit Score Do You Need for a Mortgage?
Score minimums exist, but they are not the whole file. Income, down payment, debts, and credit history can matter as much as a three-digit number. Use the ranges below as a planning guide, then get a real review.
Typical score ranges by program
These are common market ranges, not guarantees. Lenders can set higher overlays.
- •FHA: often discussed around 580 with 3.5% down; some files work differently
- •Conventional: commonly 620+, with better pricing as scores rise
- •VA: no single VA-wide minimum, but lenders usually want a usable credit history
- •USDA: lender overlays vary; stable credit and income still matter
- •Jumbo: usually stronger scores, reserves, and documentation
What lenders look at besides the score
Late payments, collections, high credit-card balances, short credit history, and recent new accounts can weigh as much as the score itself. A thin file can be harder than a mid-600s score with clean history.
If your score is lower than you hoped
Do not guess and apply everywhere. One well-timed application is better than several hard pulls. Paying down revolving balances and correcting report errors often helps more than opening new accounts.
Frequently asked questions
Will checking my mortgage options hurt my score?
A soft discussion does not. A full application usually includes a hard credit pull. Mortgage inquiries in a short window are often treated more gently than random new credit.
Do all three bureaus have to be high?
Mortgage underwriting often uses the middle of three scores, or the lower of two. We will tell you which score the file is likely to use.
Can I get a mortgage with a bankruptcy or foreclosure in the past?
Sometimes, after waiting periods and with re-established credit. The right program depends on the event date and the rest of the file.
Does a higher score always mean a lower rate?
It often improves pricing, especially on conventional loans, but loan type, lock period, down payment, and property type also move the rate.