Does a co-borrower need good credit?

Asked by: Miss Kasandra Mraz DDS  |  Last update: August 1, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (59 votes)

Easier to qualify. If your co-borrower has good credit and a low debt-to-income ratio, it'll be easier to qualify for the loan.

Can I be a co-borrower with bad credit?

IN most cases it is easier to qualify for a home mortgage by applying with another person — be it a spouse or partner, or even a close friend or sibling. But problems may arise if the other person's credit score is less than stellar.

Do both borrowers have to have good credit?

Yes, it's still possible to get a joint mortgage, even if one of you has bad credit. However, it'll be more difficult than if you both had perfect credit scores. When lenders look at your application, your partner's credit history will be viewed alongside your own.

Does a co-applicant need good credit?

When selecting a co-applicant, you need to look for someone you trust that lenders can, as well. This means focusing on people with a healthy income and excellent credit. That tells lenders that this person can handle their debts responsibly.

What are the requirements for a co borrower?

Lenders have specific criteria for co-borrowers, varying by loan type and lender. Co-borrowers typically must not have a financial interest in the property sale and need to meet credit, residency, work history, and debt-to-income ratio requirements.

Can A Co-Borrower Help Offset My Low Credit Score?

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How does being a co-borrower affect your credit?

Shared debt liability: Both co-borrowers are liable for the debt. That means that any missed or late payments can potentially hurt your credit. On the other hand, on-time payments may help your credit score.

What is the difference between a cosigner and a co-borrower?

A co-borrower shares claim over any distributed loan funds or the asset, such as a home or car. Cosigners, on the other hand, don't have any legal claims to money from the lender or the property that the borrower purchases. Another important distinction is that co-borrowers are responsible for recurring payments.

Can I still get denied with a cosigner?

You can still be denied, but only in rare circumstances, most of which will likely not apply to a first-time borrower. A borrower with a poor credit history or negative financial situations, such as bankruptcies or repossessions, will have a harder time getting approved for a loan—even with a good co-signer.

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.

What credit score does a cosigner need?

Although requirements can vary by lender, a cosigner typically needs to have good to excellent credit (670 and up) to cosign a loan or credit line. Lenders look at a cosigner's credit score and report as well as their income and assets to determine whether they qualify for a loan.

Does a co-borrower show up on a credit report?

“It's his loan” they say “I'm just the co-borrower.” But if you are on the loan as a co-borrower, you are just as responsible to repay the loan as the student. This loan will show up on your credit report. If the lender identifies you as the primary applicant, the bills or statements will be sent to you.

Can I buy a house with a 723 credit score?

Borrowers with a 723 credit score likely won't encounter any issues when trying to get a mortgage loan, as long as they meet other lender requirements, such as steady income, sufficient funds for a down payment, and a low enough debt-to-income ratio.

Is it easier to get a loan with a co-borrower?

Adding a co-borrower or a co-signer can improve your approval odds and help you secure better terms. Co-signers back the loan but don't have access to the funds, whereas co-borrowers can access the borrowed funds.

Does it matter who is borrower and co-borrower?

Since the borrower and co-borrower are equally responsible for the mortgage payments and both may have a claim to the property, the simple answer is that it likely doesn't matter. In most cases, a co-borrower is simply someone who appears on the loan documents in addition to the borrower.

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.

Does being a co buyer build credit?

However, it's also an opportunity to have a positive impact for a borrower in a tight financial spot. For example, co-signing a personal loan allows you to help a young friend or family member build a credit history, thus preparing them to qualify for even more new credit later.

Does a co-applicant have to have good credit?

A co-applicant should be someone who has earned not only your trust, but also will be likely to earn the lender's as well. Co-applicants should generally have: High, stable income. Excellent credit.

Whose credit score is used on a joint 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.

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.

Can a cosigner have bad credit but good income?

The lender will only consider your income when determining whether you meet the requirements. Your co-signer's income will not factor into this part of the application. So, a co-signer with bad credit but good income won't help with approval or better rates.

How do I protect myself as a cosigner?

5 ways to protect yourself as a co-signer
  1. Serve as a co-signer only for close friends or relatives. One of loan co-signing's biggest risks is potential damage to your credit score. ...
  2. Keep copies of all the loan documents. ...
  3. Create a contract. ...
  4. Track monthly payments. ...
  5. Ensure you can afford payments.

What credit score is needed to buy a car?

Still, you typically need a good credit score of 661 or higher to qualify for an auto loan. About 69% of retail vehicle financing is for borrowers with credit scores of 661 or higher, according to Experian. Meanwhile, low-credit borrowers with scores of 600 or lower accounted for only 14% of auto loans.

What are the rights of a co-borrower?

Rights of co-borrowers

All areas of the property are accessible to each individual. Also, each owner decides who receives her share of the property when she dies. So not all owners will receive their share. The other co-owners must consent to the sale of an owner's share.

Can I get a personal loan with bad credit and a cosigner?

Benefits of Using a Cosigner to Get a Personal Loan

In some cases, it could be the thing that enables you to get approved. It can unlock better interest rates. You may qualify for lower annual percentage rates (APRs) if you have a financially strong cosigner.

Whose credit score is used when buying a car with a co-signer?

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.