What Credit Score Do You Need to Buy a House?
The question Jodie hears most is, 'Is my credit good enough to buy?' The honest answer is that there's no single magic number — different loan programs have different bars, and there's a path for a wide range of scores. Here's what each program actually looks for in 2026, and how to move your number up if you need to.
By Jodie Barber, NMLS #76185 · 6 min read · Updated July 2026
- ✦There's no universal minimum — the program you choose sets the bar.
- ✦FHA starts at 580 (3.5% down); conventional typically wants 620+; VA and USDA are flexible.
- ✦A higher score usually earns better terms even when you already qualify.
- ✦On-time payments and lower card balances are the fastest ways to raise your score.
There's no single magic number
Your credit score is one piece of the picture, not the whole thing. Lenders weigh it alongside your income, your debt, your down payment, and your job history. A slightly lower score paired with strong income and savings can still get approved.
That said, the program you choose sets the baseline, and each one draws the line in a different place. Here's how they compare.
Minimums by loan program
These are common starting points. Individual lenders can set their own stricter overlays, and a stronger overall file can sometimes offset a lower score.
- ✦FHA: from 580 for the 3.5%-down option; some lenders go down to 500 with 10% down.
- ✦Conventional: 620 is the typical floor, with better pricing as your score climbs.
- ✦VA: no set minimum from the VA — lenders commonly look for around 580–620, with flexibility.
- ✦USDA: no set minimum — many lenders look for the mid-600s, with room to work in the right file.
Why a higher score still helps
Meeting the minimum gets you in the door, but a higher score generally earns better terms. Because pricing is tied to credit, moving up a tier before you buy can lower your long-term cost — even if you already qualify.
This is why it's worth a quick credit review before you shop, not after. Sometimes a small, targeted fix moves you into a better bracket with very little effort.
How to improve your score
If your score needs a lift, the good news is that a few focused moves can help faster than people expect. Start here:
- ✦Pay every bill on time — payment history is the single biggest factor.
- ✦Lower your credit-card balances; keeping utilization under about 30% (lower is better) helps.
- ✦Don't close old accounts — length of history counts in your favor.
- ✦Avoid opening new credit or financing big purchases right before you apply.
- ✦Check your reports for errors and dispute anything inaccurate — mistakes are common.
The bottom line for buyers
For most people, the credit bar to buy a home is lower than they think. FHA opens the door at 580, VA and USDA are flexible, and conventional rewards stronger credit with better pricing. Very few situations are truly hopeless.
The smartest first step is to get a real read on where you stand. Jodie can review your credit, tell you exactly which programs fit today, and lay out a simple plan to reach the next tier if that's worth doing before you buy.
Frequently asked questions
- What credit score do I need to buy a house?
- It depends on the loan. FHA starts at 580 for 3.5% down, conventional typically wants 620 or higher, and VA and USDA don't set a hard minimum but lenders often look for the high-500s to mid-600s.
- Can I buy a house with bad credit?
- Often, yes. FHA loans can go as low as 580 (or 500 with 10% down), and a strong income, savings, and job history can offset a lower score. It's worth getting a personalized review before assuming you can't.
- How fast can I raise my credit score?
- Some changes show up within a month or two — like lowering credit-card balances or correcting a reporting error. Building consistent on-time payment history takes longer but has the biggest impact.
- Does checking my own credit hurt my score?
- No. Checking your own credit is a soft inquiry and doesn't affect your score. Only certain new-credit applications create a hard inquiry.