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What Credit Score Do You Need for a Mortgage

Mortgage Score Requirements

Loan TypeMinimum ScoreBest Rate Score
FHA580 (3.5% down)740+
VANo official minimum620+ preferred
Conventional620740+
Jumbo700-720760+
USDA640680+

Which Score Do Mortgage Lenders Use?

Mortgage lenders use specific FICO models:

  • Equifax: FICO Score 5
  • Experian: FICO Score 2
  • TransUnion: FICO Score 4

    • They take the middle score of all three bureaus. If only two are available, they use the lower one.

    How to Prepare

  • Check your mortgage-specific FICO scores
  • Dispute any errors at least 3-6 months before applying
  • Don't open new accounts in the 6 months before applying
  • Pay down credit cards to under 10% utilization
  • Don't close any accounts