Credit score minimums for each loan type
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to the questions we hear most.
Credit score requirements can vary by lender, but general guidelines are:
FHA Loan: Typically a 580 score for the 3.5% down payment option. Borrowers with scores between 500-579 may qualify with a 10% down payment.
VA Loan: While the VA itself doesn’t set a minimum, most lenders look for a score of 620 or higher.
USDA Loan: Most lenders require a minimum credit score of 640, though some may accept lower scores with strong compensating factors.
FHA Loan: Typically a 580 score for the 3.5% down payment option. Borrowers with scores between 500-579 may qualify with a 10% down payment.
VA Loan: While the VA itself doesn’t set a minimum, most lenders look for a score of 620 or higher.
USDA Loan: Most lenders require a minimum credit score of 640, though some may accept lower scores with strong compensating factors.
The absolute minimum depends on the loan program:
Conventional Loan: Typically 620
FHA Loan: 500 (with 10% down) or 580 (with 3.5% down)
VA Loan: Varies by lender, but often 620
USDA Loan: Varies by lender, but often 640
It’s important to note that these are minimums, and a higher score will always secure better terms.
Conventional Loan: Typically 620
FHA Loan: 500 (with 10% down) or 580 (with 3.5% down)
VA Loan: Varies by lender, but often 620
USDA Loan: Varies by lender, but often 640
It’s important to note that these are minimums, and a higher score will always secure better terms.
There is no single universal minimum, as it depends on the loan type. Generally, a FICO score of 620 is a common benchmark for conventional loans. Some government-backed loans (like FHA) may accept scores as low as 500 with a larger down payment, but a higher score will always secure you a better interest rate.
The loan term (e.g., 15, 20, or 30 years) directly impacts the APR. Because fees are amortized over the life of the loan, a shorter-term loan (like a 15-year mortgage) will often have a higher APR than a 30-year loan with the same fees, as the costs are spread over fewer years.
Lenders include all recurring, installment, and revolving debts that show up on your credit report, such as:
Projected new mortgage payment (PITI)
Auto loans or leases
Student loans
Minimum monthly credit card payments
Personal loans
Alimony or child support payments
Projected new mortgage payment (PITI)
Auto loans or leases
Student loans
Minimum monthly credit card payments
Personal loans
Alimony or child support payments
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