what credit score you need to buy a home

What Credit Score You Need To | Buy A Home

Lenders typically use these baseline scores for the major 2026 mortgage programs: : 580 minimum for a 3.5% down payment.

: 700 to 720+ is standard for loans exceeding conforming limits (typically $806,500 in most areas for 2026). How Your Score Impacts Monthly Costs what credit score you need to buy a home

: No official government minimum score, though most lenders require 580–620 . Lenders typically use these baseline scores for the

: 640 is typically required for automated approval. : 640 is typically required for automated approval

As of late 2025, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have moved toward more holistic risk assessments, but most individual lenders still enforce the 620 floor.

To buy a home in 2026, the minimum credit score you need generally starts at for a low down payment, though some programs allow scores as low as 500 with a larger down payment. While a higher score isn't always required for approval, it is the primary factor in securing a lower interest rate, which can save you tens of thousands of dollars over the life of your loan. Minimum Credit Scores by Loan Type