What Credit Score Do You Need to Buy a Home?
Your credit score is one of the first things a lender checks, and it affects both whether you qualify and what interest rate you're offered. The minimum you need depends entirely on which type of loan you're applying for — some programs are far more forgiving than others.
Minimum Credit Scores by Loan Type
| Loan Type | Typical Minimum Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Conventional Loan | 620 | Set by individual lenders following Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac guidelines. Scores well above the minimum typically get the best rates. |
| FHA Loan | 580 (3.5% down) / 500 (10% down) | Backed by the Federal Housing Administration, designed for buyers with thinner or lower credit. |
| VA Loan | No official government minimum, though most lenders look for 580–620 | Available to eligible veterans, service members, and some surviving spouses. |
| USDA Loan | No official government minimum, though most lenders look for 640 | For eligible rural and some suburban properties, with no down payment required. |
These are general guidelines, not guarantees — individual lenders can set higher requirements than the program minimum, and a score just above the cutoff often means a higher interest rate than a score comfortably above it. As of August 2026, these figures reflect commonly published lender guidelines, but it's always worth confirming current requirements directly with a lender before you apply.
Collection Accounts Can Drag Your Score Down
Even a small collection account can knock meaningful points off your score, and some loan programs require certain collections to be paid or resolved before your loan can close. If you have older debt sitting in collections, it's worth addressing before you start shopping for a mortgage. See our Paid Collections guide for what resolving one can do for your credit profile.
Improving Your Score Before You Apply
If your score is close to a program's minimum, a few months of focused work can move it meaningfully. Paying down revolving balances (especially credit cards) lowers your credit utilization, which is one of the fastest levers available. Making every payment on time, avoiding new credit inquiries, and correcting any errors on your credit report can also help.
For a full breakdown of what actually moves your score and how long it typically takes, see our Rebuild My Credit guide.
Is Debt Holding Your Score Back?
If existing debt is what's keeping your credit score below where it needs to be, understanding your options first can save you time.
Get My Free Debt Assessment