Chris O'Shea
If you’re planning to buy a home, your credit score will play a major role in determining which mortgage options are available to you — and how much you’ll ultimately pay over the life of the loan.
Many Programs Available to Buy a Home
Many people assume there’s one “magic number” needed to qualify for a mortgage, but the reality is more nuanced. Different loan programs have different minimum credit score requirements, and a higher score can often unlock lower interest rates and better loan terms.
The good news? You don’t need perfect credit to become a homeowner.
Minimum Credit Scores by Loan Type
Here’s a general breakdown of common mortgage types and the credit scores typically required to buy a home.
- Conventional loan – 620. Key Information. Standard mortgage loan. Higher scores usually qualify for better rates.
- FHA Loan – 580. Key Information. Allows down payments as low as 3.5%.
- FHA Loan (Lower Score) – 500-579. Key Information. May still qualify with a larger down payment, often around 10%.
- USDA Loan – 640. Key Information. Designed for eligible rural and suburban homebuyers.
Keep in mind that lenders may set their own requirements above these minimums depending on your income, debt levels, and overall financial profile.
Why Your Credit Score Matters When Buying a Home
Your credit score doesn’t just determine whether you qualify for a mortgage — it also affects your interest rate. A small difference in your rate can have a major impact on your monthly payment and the total cost of your loan. For example:
- A borrower with a 760 credit score may qualify for significantly lower rates than someone with a 630 score.
- Over a 30-year mortgage, even a 1% difference in interest can save — or cost — tens of thousands of dollars.
That’s why improving your credit before applying for a mortgage can be one of the smartest financial moves you make.
What Is Considered a Good Credit Score to Buy a Home?
Although you may qualify for some loans with lower scores, lenders generally reserve the best rates for borrowers with stronger credit. Here’s a rough guide:
- 760 and above: Excellent rates and loan terms
- 700–759: Very good rates
- 680–699: Good approval odds with competitive pricing
- 620–679: May qualify, but likely with higher rates
- Below 620: Fewer options outside of government-backed loans
A higher score signals to lenders that you’re less risky to lend to, which is why better credit often translates into lower borrowing costs.
Can You Buy a Home With Bad Credit?
Yes, but it may be more expensive.
Government-backed loans like FHA loans are designed to help borrowers with lower credit scores buy a home. However, lower scores often come with:
- Higher interest rates
- Larger down payment requirements
- More expensive mortgage insurance
- Stricter lender review
If your score is currently low, you may benefit from spending time improving it before starting the mortgage process.
How to Improve Your Credit Before Applying to Buy a Home
If your score is close to a loan cutoff, a few months of improvement may help you qualify for better mortgage rates. Focus on:
- Paying down credit card balances
- Making all payments on time
- Avoiding new credit applications. Learn how credit inquiries impact your score.
- Checking your credit reports for errors
Even small score improvements can lead to lower monthly payments and long-term savings.
Should You Wait Before Buying?
If your credit score is right on the edge of qualifying, waiting six to twelve months to improve it could potentially save you a substantial amount of money over time. For example, raising your score may help you:
- Qualify for lower interest rates
- Reduce monthly payments
- Lower mortgage insurance costs
- Increase your buying power
Buying a home is one of the largest financial commitments most people will ever make. Taking time to strengthen your credit beforehand can create long-term savings.
Other Factors Lenders Consider
Your credit score is important, but it’s not the only factor lenders evaluate.
Mortgage lenders also look at:
- Income and employment history
- Debt-to-income ratio (DTI)
- Savings and cash reserves
- Down payment amount
- Recent financial history
Final Thoughts on Buying a Home
There’s no single credit score that guarantees mortgage approval, but understanding the typical requirements can help you prepare strategically. In general:
- 620 is often the minimum for conventional loans.
- FHA loans may allow scores as low as 580 — or even 500 with larger down payments.
- Higher credit scores usually qualify for significantly better interest rates.
If your score needs improvement, taking time to strengthen your credit before applying could save you thousands over the life of your mortgage.
Do one thing: If your credit score is low, focus on improving it before applying for a mortgage. Even a modest score increase could lead to better loan options and major long-term savings.
