HomeAfford
Back to home
Guide

What Credit Score Do You Need to Buy a House?

There is no single magic credit score to buy a house. The minimum depends on the loan program — and the score that gets you approved is not the same as the score that gets you the best rate.

Key takeaways
  • There is no single magic number. The minimum depends on the loan type — and the score that gets you approved is not the same as the score that gets you the best rate.
  • Conventional loans generally start around 620. FHA loans can go lower — often 580 with 3.5% down, or down to 500 with 10% down. VA and USDA loans have no government-set minimum, but lenders usually want roughly 620+.
  • Your score mostly moves your interest rate, not just yes/no. A higher score can mean a meaningfully lower rate, which over a 30-year loan can add up to tens of thousands of dollars.
  • You don't need perfect credit. You need a score high enough to qualify for a loan you can afford — and ideally high enough to land a competitive rate.

The honest answer: it depends on the loan

People want one number, but the real answer is that the minimum credit score depends entirely on which loan program you use. Each program sets its own floor, and individual lenders can layer stricter requirements on top (called overlays). So two people with the same score can get different answers from different lenders for the same loan. The useful way to think about it: first find the loan type that fits your situation, then look at the score that program expects.

Minimum scores by loan type

  • Conventional (Fannie Mae / Freddie Mac): generally a minimum around 620. This is the most common loan for buyers with established credit.
  • FHA: more forgiving on score. Many lenders allow 580 with a 3.5% down payment, and the program technically permits scores as low as 500 with a 10% down payment — though lenders often set higher floors in practice.
  • VA: no minimum score set by the Department of Veterans Affairs, but most lenders look for roughly 620 or higher.
  • USDA: no minimum score set by the program, but lenders typically want around 640.

These are program-level guidelines. The score a specific lender requires can be higher.

Approval is the floor; your rate is the real prize

Hitting the minimum gets you in the door. It does not get you the best deal. Mortgage pricing is tiered by credit score — lenders group borrowers into score bands, and each higher band typically earns a lower interest rate. This is why two buyers with the same loan amount can pay very different monthly payments: not because one was approved and one wasn't, but because one landed in a higher score tier. Over a 30-year mortgage, the gap between a mid-tier and a top-tier rate can add up to a large amount of total interest. Raising your score before you apply is often the highest-return thing you can do.

What actually moves your score

The biggest, most controllable factors before applying:

  • Payment history: pay every bill on time. This is the single largest factor. Even one recent missed payment can hurt.
  • Credit utilization: keep balances low relative to your limits. Paying cards down before you apply can lift your score noticeably.
  • Don't open new credit right before applying: each new account and hard inquiry can dip your score and add risk in the lender's eyes.
  • Don't close old accounts right before applying: it can shorten your average account age and raise your utilization.
  • Check your reports for errors: dispute anything inaccurate well before you apply, since corrections take time.

Buying with a lower score

A lower score is not a dead end. It usually means one of three paths: use a more flexible program like FHA, put down a larger down payment to offset lender risk, or spend a few months improving your score before applying. Often the smartest move is to wait and raise the score, because the better rate can save you far more over time than buying a few months sooner. Run the numbers both ways before deciding.

Last reviewed June 2026.

Try the math yourself

See how your rate changes your monthly payment. Our Mortgage Calculator lets you model different interest rates side by side, so you can see exactly what a higher credit score could save you.

Frequently asked questions

What is the minimum credit score to buy a house?

It depends on the loan. Conventional loans generally start around 620, FHA can go as low as 580 with 3.5% down (or 500 with 10% down), and VA and USDA loans have no program-set minimum but lenders usually want roughly 620 or higher.

Can I buy a house with a 600 credit score?

Often yes, through a more flexible program like FHA, which many lenders allow at 580 with 3.5% down. A conventional loan usually wants around 620, so at 600 an FHA loan or a larger down payment may be your path.

Does a higher credit score really lower my mortgage rate?

Yes. Mortgage rates are tiered by credit score — higher score bands typically qualify for lower rates. Over a 30-year loan, that difference can add up to a large amount of total interest.

How can I raise my credit score before buying?

Pay every bill on time, lower your credit card balances, avoid opening or closing accounts right before applying, and check your credit reports for errors you can dispute. These are the most controllable factors.

Should I wait to buy until my score is higher?

Sometimes. If improving your score moves you into a better rate tier, the long-term savings can outweigh buying a few months sooner. Run the numbers both ways before deciding.

HomeAfford provides educational estimates and general information, not financial, tax, or legal advice. Always confirm specifics with a licensed professional.

More guides