What Are The Minimum Credit Scores for Home Loan?

How mortgage credit score minimums work

The minimum credit score for a mortgage depends on the loan program you choose. Each loan type has its own requirement, and a couple of them don't set a floor at all. VA loans are the best example — the Department of Veterans Affairs doesn't publish a minimum score.

That doesn't mean every score works. Investors who buy loans on the secondary market often look for a score in the 580–620 range, but requirements vary by lender and individual circumstances. Below that range, fewer lenders will take the loan.

The tough truth about lower scores is that they're usually low for a reason. Recent late payments, high credit card balances, collections, charge-offs, foreclosures, repossessions and bankruptcy all pull your score down. With a VA loan, the bigger concern is often a history of re-established, on-time credit rather than the score itself, though the exact requirement varies by lender and individual circumstances.

FHA loans: the lowest minimum

FHA loans are backed by the Federal Housing Administration and offer flexible credit requirements. The FHA sets its own guidelines, but individual lenders may apply their own minimum score requirements, and approval depends on underwriting.

FHA loans go through one of two underwriting paths. Manual underwriting has a human reviewing your credit and debt-to-income ratio the old-school way. Automated underwriting lets a computer pre-underwrite the file before a person validates the data. I often say garbage in, garbage out — if the income or bank balances entered are wrong, the result can look very different.

On a manually underwritten FHA loan, lenders commonly review a history of re-established, on-time credit over roughly 12–24 months, though the exact requirement varies by lender and underwriting guidelines.

Conventional loans and credit scores

Conventional loans have changed a lot recently. As of 2026, conventional loans do not carry a single set minimum credit score. Whether you qualify depends on the applicable underwriting and program requirements, and putting less than 20% down generally calls for mortgage insurance, which lenders evaluate according to their own guidelines.

Without that need, you may qualify with a lower score if the automated system approves your loan. The whole picture matters, not just the number — but approval is always subject to the applicable underwriting and program requirements.

That's more common sense than it used to be. Not long ago, conventional loans commonly required a 620 score.

Jumbo loans: their own rules

Jumbo loans live in a world of their own. Each one comes with its own credit score requirement, and many times it's tied to the down payment, though not always. If you're borrowing above the conforming loan limit that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac set, you're in jumbo territory and the usual guidelines go out the window.

Jumbo guidelines can be tricky, because each investor has its own hot-button concerns.

USDA loans and credit scores

USDA loans are for buyers in eligible rural and suburban areas, and requirements vary by lender. Most USDA-approved lenders look for a solid credit score, though some manual underwriting may allow a lower score with compensating factors. Approval is subject to USDA guidelines and the applicable underwriting requirements.

USDA runs on its own automated underwriting engine called GUS, which reviews the full picture of the application. Approval through GUS depends on the applicable underwriting requirements, and a stronger score generally supports a smoother outcome. USDA loans also carry income limits tied to your area's median income, and the property must sit in an eligible area.

Non-qualified mortgages for unique situations

Non-qualified mortgages, or non-QM loans, are for people who don't fit neatly into the other programs. They can help self-employed borrowers who don't report high net income to the IRS but have steady deposits flowing into their business or personal accounts. Some of those deposits may count as income. Qualification for bank statement and other non-QM options is subject to the applicable program guidelines and underwriting approval.

They're also a fit for buyers with plenty of assets but limited reported income. I helped a client this year who owned several properties and had strong bank balances, but his income reported to the IRS was thin. We used an asset-based approach for him, which depends on the applicable program guidelines and underwriting approval.

Foreign nationals and ITIN borrowers can also get a home loan with a larger down payment. The tricky part is that every investor sets its own guidelines and score requirements for non-QM loans, and approval is subject to the applicable program guidelines and underwriting.

What to do next

Credit score minimums vary by lender, so it's smart to have this conversation up front. Be open and honest about your situation — we'll find out soon enough anyway.

If you're planning to buy a home, have a loan officer review your situation before you start shopping. I'm Erika Slayton, Senior Vice President of Lending at CrossCountry Mortgage (NMLS #76823). Planning is the key to getting the best terms possible on your home loan.

CrossCountry Mortgage, LLC is an FHA Approved Lending Institution and is not acting on behalf of or at the direction of HUD/FHA or the Federal government.

CrossCountry Mortgage, LLC is not affiliated with or acting on behalf of or at the direction of the Veteran Affairs Office. Certificate of Eligibility required for VA loans.

Subject property and borrower income and credit must qualify to USDA guidelines.

All information provided in this publication is for informational and educational purposes only, and in no way is any of the content contained herein to be construed as financial, investment, or legal advice or instruction. CrossCountry Mortgage, LLC (“CrossCountry”) does not guarantee the quality, accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the information in this publication. While efforts are made to verify the information provided, the information should not be assumed to be error free. Some information in the publication may have been provided by third parties and has not necessarily been verified by CrossCountry. CrossCountry its affiliates and subsidiaries do not assume any liability for the information contained herein, be it direct, indirect, consequential, special, or exemplary, or other damages whatsoever and howsoever caused, arising out of or in connection with the use of this publication or in reliance on the information, including any personal or pecuniary loss, whether the action is in contract, tort, or other tortious action.

Equal Housing Opportunity. All loans subject to underwriting approval. Certain restrictions apply. Call for details. All borrowers must meet minimum credit score, loan-to-value, debt-to-income, and other requirements to qualify for any mortgage program. CrossCountry Mortgage, LLC NMLS3029 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org).