What credit score do you need for a non QM loan?

Asked by: Ima Walter  |  Last update: January 13, 2026
Score: 5/5 (32 votes)

While the requirements may differ depending on the lender and program, generally, a higher credit score is needed for non-QM mortgages compared to conventional loans. Typically, the minimum credit score required ranges from 640 to 680 or higher.

What credit score do you need for a non-QM mortgage?

For a Non-QM loan, credit scores can be as low as 620. As with a traditional mortgage, your score will influence other terms of the loan such as the interest rate and the maximum loan amount. Your credit history will be used to determine eligibility and the terms of the mortgage.

What is the down payment for a non-QM loan?

Qualified mortgages have a maximum debt-to-income ratio (the percentage of your income that goes toward monthly debt payments) of 43%, while some non-QM loans allow for ratios over 50%. Higher down payment requirements. Non-QM loan borrowers may be required to put a minimum down payment of 15% to 20%.

What disqualifies a loan from being a qualified mortgage?

A limit on upfront points and fees.

These limits will depend on the size of your loan. Not all charges, like the cost of FHA insurance premiums, for example, are included in this limit. If the points and fees exceed the threshold, then the loan can't be considered a Qualified Mortgage.

What are the requirements for a QM loan?

The statute generally defines a QM to mean any residential mortgage loan for which:
  • The loan does not have negative amortization, interest-only payments, or balloon payments;
  • The loan term does not exceed 30 years;
  • The total points and fees generally do not exceed 3 percent of the loan amount;

How to Apply for a Non-Qualified Mortgage? (What Are Non-QM Loans?)

17 related questions found

Is a non-QM loan a good idea?

Non-QM loans have more flexible income and credit standards, but they require higher down payments and charge higher interest rates. Non-QM loans also lack consumer protections required by the CFPB, so borrowers should be especially careful to understand the terms and conditions.

What is the APR threshold for QM?

For qualified mortgages (QMs) under the General QM loan definition in § 1026.43(e)(2), the thresholds for the spread between the annual percentage rate (APR) and the average prime offer rate (APOR) in 2024 will be: 2.25 or more percentage points for a first-lien covered transaction with a loan amount greater than or ...

What is the 3% qm rule?

Mandatory product feature requirements for all QMs

Points and fees are less than or equal to 3% of the loan amount (for loan amounts less than $100k, higher percentage thresholds are allowed); No risky features like negative amortization, interest-only, or balloon loans (BUT NOTE: Balloon loans originated until Jan.

What 3 factors are considered in qualifying for a mortgage?

Lenders look at your income, employment history, savings and monthly debt payments, and other financial obligations to make sure you have the means to comfortably take on a mortgage.

Can you refinance out of a non QM loan?

Yes, you can refinance out of a non QM loan, however if you're thinking about refinancing to a government-backed loan with lower rates, it's important to consider all the costs and benefits. Speak with an expert loan officer to understand your options.

What property types are eligible for non-QM loans?

Non-QM loans are available for owner occupied properties, foreign national home purchases and non owner occupied properties like investment properties or second homes.

What is the interest rate for a non QM loan?

Interest Rates for Non-QM Loans

While rates can vary depending on the loan type and current interest rate environment, it is safe to assume that rates can land in the 8-12% range at the cost of 1-2 points for origination.

What is the down payment for a non-QM mortgage?

Minimum down payment of 15% is required. Gift funds allowed with a minimum down payment of 20%. Alternative Income Documentation Options: Profit & Loss statement; an Alternative to using your Bank Statement.

What's the lowest credit score to get a mortgage?

What Credit Score Do I Need to Buy a House?
  • Conventional Loans Minimum Credit Score: 620. ...
  • Jumbo Loans Minimum Credit Score: 700. ...
  • FHA Loans Minimum Credit Score: 500. ...
  • VA Loans Minimum Credit Score: 620. ...
  • USDA Loans Minimum Credit Score: 580.

What are QM requirements?

General definition category of QMs

Any loan that meets the product feature requirements with a debt-to-income ratio of 43% or less is a QM.

What is not a qualified mortgage requirement?

Nonqualified mortgages allow borrowers who otherwise wouldn't qualify for a mortgage to be eligible for a home loan. If you have a low credit score, a high debt-to-income ratio or an income that varies enough for a traditional mortgage not to be an option, a nonqualified loan may be the right fit for you.

What is the difference between QM and non-QM loans?

Non-QM mortgages are not subject to the same rules and limitations as QM loans. These loans typically have less stringent requirements for down payment, debt to income ratio and repayment schedules. In addition, non-QM loans do not require your self employed income be verified by an outside source.

Is there PMI on non QM loans?

Unlike conventional investment property loans that max out at 70% LTV, a NON-QM Mortgage Program maxes at 85% LTV and with no PMI. This allows the borrower to put less money down on their purchase.

Is a 40 year loan a non QM loan?

Forty-year mortgages are a type of non-qualified mortgage (non-QM loan), however. That means most mortgage lenders don't offer them as a means to buy a home or refinance. More often, you'll see a 40-year mortgage as a loan modification option for borrowers in need of payment relief.

How many points can you charge on a QM loan?

To make sure borrowers don't pay very high fees, a lender making a Qualified Mortgage can only charge up to the following upfront points and fees: For a loan of $100,000 or more: 3% of the total loan amount or less. For a loan of $60,000 to $100,000: $3,000 or less.

Who is the best non-QM lender?

Continuous Climb in Rankings. Over the past three years, A&D Mortgage has made significant strides in the Scotsman Guide rankings across various categories: Top Non-QM Lender: Progressed from #7 in 2022 to the #1 position in 2024. Top DSCR Lender: Debuted at #2 in 2024.

Do banks do non-QM loans?

First National Bank of America has 2 distinct Non-QM loan programs, 'Alt-A Premier' and 'Near Miss'. Both options accommodate SSN and ITIN borrowers and each loan program can be obtained utilizing our alternative income documentation options for purchases or cash out refinancing.

Can I refinance a non-QM loan?

Homeowners may consider refinancing NON-QM loans to conventional mortgages due to changes in their financial situations.