What Credit Score Do I Need to Buy a House? (2026)
You can qualify for a mortgage with a credit score as low as 500, but most buyers need at least 620, and a higher score saves you a lot of money. The minimum depends on the loan type, while the rate you are offered depends on how high your score is above that minimum. Two people can both get approved and pay tens of thousands of dollars apart over the life of the loan, purely because of their scores.
Minimum credit score by loan type
| Loan type | Typical minimum score | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Conventional | 620 | The standard for most buyers |
| FHA (3.5% down) | 580 | Government-backed, first-time-buyer friendly |
| FHA (10% down) | 500 | Possible with a larger down payment |
| VA (military) | No official minimum | Lenders usually want ~620 |
| USDA (rural) | No official minimum | Lenders usually want ~640 |
| Jumbo (large loans) | 700+ | Stricter because amounts are bigger |
These are lender guidelines, not guarantees. Individual lenders often set their own “overlays” a bit higher.
Why a higher score saves real money
Mortgage rates are tiered by credit score. The difference between “fair” and “excellent” credit can be a full percentage point or more, which on a $300,000 loan adds up fast:
- A higher rate can mean $150 to $250+ more per month.
- Over 30 years, that is tens of thousands of dollars in extra interest.
This is why it often pays to spend a few months raising your score before applying, even a 20-point jump can move you into a better rate tier.
It is not only about the score
Lenders look at the whole picture:
- Down payment. More money down lowers their risk and can offset a lower score.
- Debt-to-income (DTI) ratio. Most lenders want your total monthly debts under about 43% of gross income.
- Income and employment history. Steady, documented income matters.
- Cash reserves. Savings left after closing reassure lenders.
How to boost your score before buying
- Pay every bill on time (payment history is the biggest factor).
- Pay down credit card balances to lower your utilization (aim for under 30%, ideally under 10%).
- Avoid opening new credit or making big purchases on credit before applying.
- Check your credit reports for errors and dispute them.
Bottom line
- 620 is the practical floor for most buyers; FHA goes to 580 (or 500 with 10% down).
- A higher score does not change whether you qualify so much as what rate you get, and that is worth thousands.
- Down payment, DTI, and income matter alongside the score.
Estimate your monthly payment at different rates with our mortgage calculator, and knock down card balances first with the credit card payoff calculator. This article is general information, not financial advice.
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Rakesh Choudhary, PhD · Founder & Editor
Rakesh Choudhary, PhD, is the founder of Calcinum. A sociologist by training, he builds every calculator on the site and maintains its 2026 federal and state tax data, sourced from primary references (IRS, SSA, state revenue departments, DFAS) and re-verified whenever the law changes. Tax data is sourced from primary references (IRS, state revenue departments, SSA, DFAS) and re-verified annually each tax year.
Editorial standards: Every article cites primary sources and is reviewed against current tax-law data before publication. See our full methodology & accuracy for sourcing and review process.
Not financial advice: This article is for general informational purposes only. Calcinum does not provide regulated tax, legal, or investment advice. Consult a qualified professional for decisions specific to your situation.