Loan Comparison
Credit Score Needed to Buy a House: 2026 Guide by Loan Type
There's no single credit score you need to buy a home — the real minimum depends entirely on which loan program you use.
| Loan Type | Typical Minimum | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| FHA | 500-580 | 580 for 3.5% down; 500-579 requires 10% down |
| Conventional | ~620 | Program floor removed in late 2025; most lenders still require ~620 |
| VA | No official minimum | Most lenders require 580-620 |
| USDA | ~640 | Varies by lender |
| DSCR / Non-QM | Varies by program | Often paired with a larger down payment |
Minimum vs. optimal
Qualifying and qualifying well are two different things. A 620 score gets you in the door for a conventional loan, but scores of 740 and above typically unlock meaningfully better pricing. The jump from "fair" to "good" credit saves more than the jump from "good" to "excellent," but every tier helps.
Fast Ways to Improve Your Score
Paying down credit card balances, disputing report errors, and avoiding new credit inquiries before applying are the highest-impact moves in the 30-90 days before you apply for a mortgage.
Below the minimums
If your score sits under 580, FHA financing with a 10% down payment is typically the most accessible path, alongside a plan to raise your score before applying elsewhere.
Find out what your score actually qualifies for
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