A lower score usually leads to a higher interest rate and higher monthly Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) premiums.
While specific lender requirements can vary, these are the standard program minimums for 2026: 500 (with 10% down) or 580 (with 3.5% down). minimum score to buy a house
If your score is low, lenders may still approve you if you have large cash reserves , a low debt-to-income (DTI) ratio , or a large down payment . ✅ How to Improve Your Score Quickly A lower score usually leads to a higher
No official minimum , but most lenders require 580–620 . ✅ How to Improve Your Score Quickly No
Individual lenders often set their own minimums (called "overlays") that are 20–40 points higher than the program minimum.
The minimum credit score to buy a house generally ranges from , depending on the type of mortgage loan you use. 🏠 Minimum Scores by Loan Type
620 is the standard minimum for most private lenders.