Requirements

Minimum Credit Score to Buy a House, by Loan Type

Editorial Team · Updated July 2, 2026

The lowest credit score that will buy a house depends entirely on the loan. A conventional loan generally needs 620, an FHA loan just 580 for the 3.5% minimum down payment (or 500 with 10% down), a USDA loan around 640, and a jumbo loan roughly 700. VA loans set no minimum at all, though most lenders look for about 620.

A higher score does more than open the door — it lowers your rate. On the same loan, the gap between a 760 and a 620 score can be half a percentage point or more, which is tens of thousands of dollars over 30 years. Meeting the minimum gets you approved; beating it gets you a better deal.

Minimum credit score by loan type

These are the program floors; individual lenders often add their own higher requirements, called overlays. Government-backed loans (FHA, VA) are the most forgiving on credit, conventional and jumbo the strictest.

Minimum credit score by mortgage type

Loan type	Minimum score	Notes
Conventional	620	Fannie Mae / Freddie Mac floor
FHA	580 or 500	580 for 3.5% down; 500 for 10% down
VA	No VA minimum	Lenders typically want ~620
USDA	640	For automated (GUS) approval
Jumbo	~700	Varies by lender; larger loan, more risk

Why the minimum varies

Government-backed loans (FHA, VA, USDA) can accept lower scores because the agency insures or guarantees part of the lender’s risk. Conventional loans carry no such backing, so they lean harder on your credit. Jumbo loans exceed the limits Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will buy, leaving the lender fully exposed — which is why they set the highest bar.

How to reach the next tier

Pricing improves in roughly 20-point bands, so nudging your score up can pay off fast. Pay revolving balances below 30% of their limit, dispute report errors, and avoid new credit before applying — each can lift a score within a billing cycle or two. If you sit just under a threshold (say 615), a small move to 620 can change the loans available to you.

Frequently asked

What is the lowest credit score to buy a house?

With an FHA loan you can qualify at 580 for the 3.5% minimum down payment, or as low as 500 with 10% down. That is the most forgiving mainstream option; conventional loans need 620 and jumbo loans about 700.

What credit score do I need for a conventional loan?

At least 620, and your rate improves as the score climbs. Below 620 an FHA loan is usually the more realistic route; at 680 and above a conventional loan typically beats FHA on total cost.

Is there a credit score minimum for a VA loan?

The VA sets no minimum, but because the loan still comes from a private lender, most require about 620. A stronger score can still earn you a better rate on a VA loan.

Does a higher credit score lower my mortgage rate?

Yes, significantly. On the same loan, moving from a 620 to a 760 score can cut the rate by half a point or more, saving tens of thousands over the life of the loan. It is the single biggest lever you control.