Do both people on a mortgage have to have good credit?

Asked by: Kayley Harris  |  Last update: June 27, 2025
Score: 5/5 (3 votes)

Lenders will look at factors like credit score, employment history, and debt, as well as the credit history of each borrower. The combined financial profile matters. If one applicant has a lower credit score, it can affect your eligibility and the terms of your mortgage.

What if a co-borrower has bad credit?

If one of you has a low credit score, we often recommend that the person with the higher credit score apply to get the best terms possible. You'll still be able to put both names on the title. However both people may need to apply if more funds are needed for your down payment, or to improve your debt to income ratio.

Do both tenants have to have good credit?

In the US, usually two adults who will be sharing a leased property will both be subject to credit checks. This is the normal practice because leases are written so that if one person leaves the property, the other person is completely responsible for paying the entire rent each month.

Can you buy a house if one partner has bad credit?

If your spouse's credit isn't so hot, applying for a mortgage jointly could make it harder for you to qualify. But if you need your spouse on the application to meet income requirements, there are mortgage options for bad credit—or you can spend some time working on improving their credit before you apply.

Do both people need a credit score for a mortgage?

On a joint mortgage, all borrowers' credit scores matter. Lenders collect credit and financial information including credit history, current debt and income. Lenders determine what's called the "lower middle score" and usually look at each applicant's middle score.

What NOT to tell your LENDER when applying for a MORTGAGE LOAN

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Can two people with bad credit get a loan?

A co-borrower is when two people take out a loan together and both have shared financial responsibility to pay it back. One person acts as the secondary on the loan to increase your chances of approval, usually because the other individual has a lower credit score.

Is it better to apply for a mortgage jointly or separately?

If you choose to buy a home through a joint mortgage, your combined income may help you secure a larger loan at a better rate. But there are potential downsides as well. Along with combining your income, a joint mortgage also combines your debt. It also looks at both of your credit scores.

Will my partner's bad credit affect me getting a mortgage?

Yes, though it won't be as straightforward as if you had a good credit score. Most lenders will naturally be more wary in such circumstances. Some may decline your application altogether, others may offer higher rates or less favourable terms, and you may need to seek specialist lenders to accommodate.

What if one spouse has high income but bad credit?

What if One Spouse Has High Income but Bad Credit? If you're trying to get a mortgage together, talk with lenders about the best strategy. If one spouse has a high income but bad credit, it might make more sense to have the person with better credit on the application.

Can I use my wife's credit score and my income to buy a house?

Nonetheless, you may utilize your wife's credit history or salary in order to increase your chances of being given loan approval by lenders granting residential mortgages. Combining your spouse's high credit ratings and your steady earnings will make you eligible for loans with less punitive terms.

What happens if one tenant has bad credit?

If an applicant doesn't have an ideal credit score, landlords have options and can still rent to them. Landlords can ask applicants to provide context about their low score, have a guarantor for the lease, show proof of income, pay a larger security deposit, and have a shorter lease term.

Do both applicants need good credit?

Yes. A lender vets a co-applicant by the same standards as the original applicant, meaning they need a positive credit history, good credit score, and stable job history to get approved.

How to build credit quickly?

9 ways to build credit fast
  1. Dispute credit report errors. ...
  2. Pay down your credit card balances. ...
  3. Become an authorized user. ...
  4. Deal with delinquent accounts. ...
  5. Open a credit card account. ...
  6. Take out a credit builder loan. ...
  7. Request a credit limit increase. ...
  8. Keep a mix of different account types.

Whose credit score is used when co-signing?

The best lenders consider the credit scores of both borrowers when co-signing an auto or other type of personal loan. If you have a lower credit score, having a co-signer with a higher score could work in your favor. In terms of which credit-scoring model is used for approvals, that can vary by lender.

What is the minimum credit score to buy a house?

Conventional loans typically require a minimum credit score of 620, though some may require a score of 660 or higher. These loans aren't insured by a government agency and conform to certain standards set by the government-sponsored entities Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

Do lenders look at both spouses' credit scores?

Meanwhile, when you apply together for credit or financing, lenders will consider both of your credit scores. So, if one spouse has a lower score, that could affect your results.

Can I get an FHA loan if my spouse has bad credit?

When the non-purchasing spouse must submit to a credit check FHA loan rules dictate that bad credit reports on the non-purchasing spouse can't be used to deny an FHA mortgage to the borrower, but the credit check is required nevertheless.

Who should be the primary borrower for a mortgage?

Some lenders, however, may indicate a “primary borrower.” The criteria for determining who this person is differs among mortgage lenders. Some may define the primary borrower as the person with the higher income, for instance, or as the person whose name appears first on the application.

Should both spouses be on the house title?

Adding your spouse's name to the title of your house can provide shared ownership and equal rights, but it also comes with financial and legal implications. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your individual circumstances and what's best for you and your spouse in the long run.

What if my co-borrower has bad credit?

If you need more income to qualify for your desired loan, you might consider bringing in a different co-signer. A parent or other close relative, for example. Their good credit can stand in for the bad credit of your spouse or partner while boosting your combined income.

Will my poor credit rating affect my husband?

Marrying someone with poor or damaged credit does not affect your credit scores. But if you and your spouse plan to seek credit jointly, their low credit score could affect your ability to get a loan, or lead to higher interest charges than you'd get if you applied yourself.

Do you need good credit to take over someone's mortgage?

If the loan originated before 1988, you will not need permission from the VA or the lender to assume the mortgage. That said, if the loan originated after 1988, any loan assumption must be lender-approved. While there isn't a minimum credit score, the lender will typically look for a score of 620 and above.

Will my bad credit affect my husband buying a house?

If your spouse has a bad credit score, it will not affect your credit score. However, when you apply for loans together, like mortgages, lenders will look at both your scores. If one of you has a poor credit score, it counts against you both. You may not qualify for the best interest rates or the loan could be denied.

Can my wife get an FHA loan if I already have one?

If you're already financing a primary residence with an FHA loan, you may be able to co-sign an FHA loan for a family member. Just keep in mind that the second FHA mortgage becomes your responsibility if your relative fails to make their monthly payments.

What credit score do you need for a joint mortgage?

What credit score do I need to get a joint mortgage? There isn't a specific score needed to get a mortgage, because there isn't a universally recognised credit score.