What Credit Score Do You Need to Buy a House?

Most borrowers have scores in the high 600s to 700s. Lenders set their own minimum requirements by loan type.
The Credit Score Needed to Buy a House

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Updated · 4 min read
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Written by Bev O'Shea
personal finance writer
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Reviewed by Michelle Blackford
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Assistant Assigning Editor
Fact Checked
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Co-written by Kate Wood
Lead Writer/Spokesperson
Nerdy takeaways
  • Most mortgages, including conventional loans, require a credit score of 620 or higher.

  • It’s possible to get an FHA loan with a credit score as low as 500, but many lenders require higher scores.

  • Borrowers with higher credit scores get better rates and terms than those with low scores.

Nerdy takeaways
  • Most mortgages, including conventional loans, require a credit score of 620 or higher.

  • It’s possible to get an FHA loan with a credit score as low as 500, but many lenders require higher scores.

  • Borrowers with higher credit scores get better rates and terms than those with low scores.

Often, a mortgage is the biggest loan you’ll take out in your lifetime, so it makes sense that lenders require a minimum credit score for mortgages. A good score suggests to lenders that you can make your payments on time.

If you have below average credit, you still have options when it comes to a mortgage. But if you have a higher credit score, you'll generally qualify for more loan options and lower interest rates.

Credit score requirements differ by lender and loan type. For example, conventional loans typically require a higher credit score than government-backed loans insured by the Federal Housing Administration.

Whether your credit is flawless or average, here’s what to expect when you apply for a mortgage.

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Mortgage loans from our partners

New American Funding - PURCHASE logo
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on New American Funding

New American Funding

4.5

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New American Funding - PURCHASE logo

4.5

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Min. credit score 
500

Min. down payment 
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on New American Funding

Rocket Mortgage - PURCHASE logo
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5.0

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Rocket Mortgage - PURCHASE logo

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580

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Veterans United - PURCHASE logo
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on Veterans United

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4.5

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Veterans United - PURCHASE logo

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620

Min. down payment 
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Mortgage loans from our partners

New American Funding - PURCHASE logo
Check Rate

on New American Funding

New American Funding

4.5

NerdWallet rating 
New American Funding - PURCHASE logo

4.5

NerdWallet rating 
Min. credit score 
500

Min. down payment 
3.5%

Check Rate

on New American Funding

Rocket Mortgage - PURCHASE logo
Check Rate

on Rocket Mortgage

Rocket Mortgage

5.0

NerdWallet rating 
Rocket Mortgage - PURCHASE logo

5.0

NerdWallet rating 
Min. credit score 
580

Min. down payment 
3.5%

Check Rate

on Rocket Mortgage

Veterans United - PURCHASE logo
Check Rate

on Veterans United

Veterans United

4.5

NerdWallet rating 
Veterans United - PURCHASE logo

4.5

NerdWallet rating 
Min. credit score 
620

Min. down payment 
0%

Check Rate

on Veterans United