Mortgage Credit Score Requirements Guide for Qualification (2026)
Understand mortgage credit score requirements: minimum scores by loan type, rate impact, credit improvement, and qualification strategies for mortgage approval.
Summary
Credit score determines mortgage qualification and rate. This guide explains minimum requirements, rate impact, and improvement strategies.
Key Steps
- 1Check conventional minimum: 620+ typical, 740+ for best rates.
- 2Verify FHA minimum: 500+ for 10% down, 580+ for 3.5% down.
- 3Understand VA minimum: no official minimum, 620+ typical lender requirement.
- 4Calculate rate impact: each 20-point score change affects rate 0.125-0.25%.
- 5Improve credit before applying: pay down debt, correct errors, avoid new credit.