There is no single credit score that qualifies you for a mortgage. The minimum depends on the loan program, the lender, and the rest of your application. As a rough guide, many conventional loans generally look for a FICO score around 620 or higher, FHA loans can allow scores as low as 580 with a 3.5% down payment, and VA loans carry no official score minimum even though most lenders set one of their own. Higher scores widen your options and typically lower your rate.
Why there isn’t one number
Two borrowers with identical scores can get different answers from different lenders. That’s because three things vary at once: the loan program’s minimum, the lender’s own overlay (rules it adds on top of the program), and the rest of your file—income, debts, down payment, savings, and employment.
Lenders also don’t all use the same score. Most mortgage decisions rely on a FICO score, and lenders commonly pull scores from all three major bureaus and use the middle one. A score from a free app may use a different model and read differently, so it’s a starting point rather than the final word.
Typical credit score minimums by loan type
The figures below reflect widely published program guidelines and common lender practice. They are general guideposts, not guarantees, and individual lenders can and do set stricter rules.
| Loan type | Credit score typically considered | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Conventional | Around 620 minimum for many programs | Not government-backed; lenders often require higher |
| FHA | 580 for 3.5% down; 500–579 possible with 10% down | Government-insured; mortgage insurance required |
| VA | No official minimum set by the program | Most lenders set their own floor, often in the mid-600s or higher |
| USDA | No universal published minimum | Rural and some suburban areas; lender guidelines apply |
| Jumbo | Often higher, commonly in the 700s or above | Loan amounts above the conforming limit; stricter underwriting |
If your score sits below a lender’s floor, you may still have options through a different program or lender—but expect higher costs or a larger down payment.
Conventional loans
Conventional loans are not government-backed; they follow guidelines set by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The commonly cited minimum is a 620 credit score, though many lenders price their most competitive offers for scores well above that. A higher score can also reduce the cost of private mortgage insurance if you put down less than 20%.
FHA loans
FHA loans are insured by the Federal Housing Administration and are popular with first-time buyers because of their lower score and down payment thresholds. A score of 580 or above generally qualifies for a 3.5% down payment. Scores between 500 and 579 may qualify with a 10% down payment. FHA loans require mortgage insurance, which adds to the monthly cost.
VA loans
VA loans are for eligible service members, veterans, and some surviving spouses. The program does not set an official minimum credit score, but most participating lenders apply their own, often in the mid-600s or higher. VA loans frequently allow no down payment and no monthly mortgage insurance.
USDA loans
USDA loans support buyers in eligible rural and some suburban areas. The program does not publish a single universal minimum, and lenders apply their own guidelines. These loans can allow no down payment for qualifying borrowers.
Jumbo loans
Jumbo loans exceed the conforming loan limit and aren’t backed by the government agencies. Because the lender carries more risk, underwriting is stricter and credit score expectations are usually higher—commonly in the 700s or above.
How your credit score changes what you pay
Your score affects more than approval. It influences your interest rate, and because a mortgage is a large, long-term loan, a small rate difference translates into a meaningful difference in total cost.
| Score band (general) | Typical effect on your mortgage |
|---|---|
| Very high (roughly 760+) | Access to the most competitive advertised rates |
| Strong (roughly 700–759) | Competitive rates, occasionally a small premium |
| Fair (roughly 620–699) | Approval likely, but higher rate and costs |
| Below typical minimums | Fewer options; may need a different program or to improve first |
The exact score brackets that trigger better pricing vary by lender and are updated over time, so ask for a rate quote rather than assuming.
What else lenders consider
Lenders don’t read these factors in isolation. Strong income and a larger down payment can sometimes offset a middling score, which is why a borrower below a program’s usual threshold may still be approved at a specific lender. That’s also why a quick online estimate is only a starting point—it can’t see the full file.
- Debt-to-income ratio (DTI): how much of your monthly income goes toward debt payments. Lower is generally better.
- Down payment: a larger down payment reduces the lender’s risk and can offset a lower score.
- Income and employment: stable, documentable income matters as much as the score.
- Cash reserves: savings left after closing can strengthen an application.
- Credit history details: recent late payments, collections, or a prior foreclosure weigh more than an older, isolated issue.
How to find out where you stand
Get a pre-approval or talk to a loan officer before you start house hunting. They can tell you which programs you qualify for and at what rate, which is far more useful than a general number. You can also review your credit reports for errors first, since a reporting mistake could be holding your score down for no reason.
If your score is below the minimum
You have three broad paths: improve your score and reapply later, adjust your target loan program, or increase your down payment. Which makes sense depends on your timeline and budget. Improving a score is usually the cheapest of the three, but it takes time. Raising your down payment can work immediately if you have the funds, though it ties up more cash. Switching to a program with a lower threshold may bring trade-offs, such as mortgage insurance or geographic limits. Weighing those against one another is exactly the kind of decision a licensed mortgage professional can help with.
Do the same score rules apply to a refinance?
Refinance guidelines generally mirror the purchase rules, with a few extras. Many refinance programs—especially cash-out refinances and jumbo loans—set higher score and equity requirements than a purchase loan, because the lender is underwriting a new loan on a home you already own. Rate-and-term refinances, which lower your rate or change your term without taking cash out, often follow the same minimums as a comparable purchase loan. Streamline programs for government-backed loans may have their own, sometimes more flexible, guidelines.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the lowest credit score a lender will accept for a mortgage?
Some government-backed programs allow scores in the 500s with a larger down payment, and a few lenders work with lower scores. However, most mainstream lenders set their own floors, often higher than the program minimum.
Is a 620 credit score good enough for a mortgage?
A 620 is generally the commonly cited minimum for many conventional loans, so it can be enough to qualify. Expect higher costs than a borrower with a stronger score, and note that some lenders require more.
Does a higher down payment make up for a lower credit score?
It can help. A larger down payment reduces the lender’s risk, and some programs and lenders allow lower scores when you put more down. It doesn’t remove the requirement entirely.
Which credit score do mortgage lenders use?
Most use a FICO score. When scores are pulled from all three bureaus, lenders commonly use the middle one. Different scoring models can produce different numbers, so the score in a free app may not match the lender’s.
Can I get a mortgage with no credit score?
It’s possible with some lenders that offer manual underwriting or alternative documentation, such as a history of on-time rent and utility payments. These programs are less common and often come with stricter requirements.
Bottom line
The credit score you need for a mortgage depends on the loan, the lender, and the rest of your finances. Many conventional loans generally want around 620, FHA loans can go lower with a bigger down payment, and VA loans have no official minimum but vary by lender. The most reliable next step is a pre-approval, which tells you exactly which programs you qualify for and at what rate. If your score is close to a threshold, a few months of paying down balances and correcting report errors may move you into better pricing.