What happens if a co-borrower has bad credit?

Asked by: Valentine Kiehn  |  Last update: June 19, 2025
Score: 5/5 (8 votes)

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.

What if my co-borrower has bad credit?

Deciding to apply for a joint mortgage depends on which option will get you the best mortgage. On one hand, including the partner with bad credit could disqualify you for a loan. Even if you do qualify for a mortgage when one partner has bad credit, you might not qualify for a good interest rate.

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.

Can I get a loan with a 500 credit score with a cosigner?

Adding a co-borrower could reduce your rate or increase the amount you can borrow. Qualifications: Minimum credit score: 660, but can vary depending on the loan purpose and amount. Maximum debt-to-income ratio: 50%.

Does a co-buyer have to have good credit?

While having a co-signer does not guarantee you will be approved, if they have a high credit score and good credit history, lenders are far more likely to trust you as a borrower. If you have questions about what kind of co-signer will help you, talking with an auto advisor like the ones at IMCU can help immensely.

My Cosigner Has Stopped Paying and It's Wrecking My Credit!

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Can you remove yourself as a co buyer?

"Generally, you'll need the cooperation of the primary account holder to remove your name as a co-signer since, in many cases, it requires a new agreement with the lender to do so," says Leslie Tayne, a financial attorney and founder and managing director of New York's Tayne Law Group, which specializes in debt ...

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.

How to get $2000 fast with bad credit?

In addition to regular loans, many credit unions offer payday alternative loans (PALs) for amounts up to $2,000. These are an especially good option if you have fair or bad credit as rates are capped at 28%, and they're designed for borrowers who struggle to be approved for credit.

What is a hardship loan?

Hardship personal loans are a type of personal loan intended to help borrowers overcome financial difficulties such as job loss, medical emergencies, or home repairs. Hardship personal loan programs are often offered by small banks and credit unions.

Whose credit score is used 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.

What is the borrower co-borrower rule?

A co-borrower is any additional borrower whose name appears on loan documents and whose income and credit history are used to qualify for the loan. Under this arrangement, all parties involved have an obligation to repay the loan. For mortgages, the names of applicable co-borrowers also appear on the property's title.

Can two people with bad credit get a loan?

Qualifying For Joint Personal Loans

Most lenders require a minimum credit score of 640 – 650 for both co-borrowers. However, if one borrower has an excellent credit history, some lenders may allow one of the borrowers to have a credit score as low as 580-600.

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.

Can a cosigner have bad credit but high 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.

Can a co-borrower be removed from a loan?

You can remove a co‑borrower, but you'll need to renegotiate your loan.

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.

What to do when no one will give you a loan?

What Can I Do If No One Will Give Me a Loan?
  1. Research peer-to-peer lending.
  2. Explore loans from friends and family.
  3. Look at pawnshop loan options.
  4. Compare credit card cash loans.
  5. Seek information about government assistance programs.

What is proof of hardship?

Acceptable Documentation

Lost Employment. • Unemployment Compensation Statement. (Note: this satisfies the proof of income requirement as well.) • Termination/Furlough letter from Employer. • Pay stub from previous employer with.

What if I can't pay my loan?

Failing to pay could result in your account going into default, the balance being sent to collections, your lender taking legal action against you and your credit score dropping significantly. If money is tight and you're wondering how you'll keep making your personal loan payments, here's what you should know.

Can I borrow money with a 500 credit score?

The lower your credit score, the fewer loan options you have. However, borrowers with 500 credit scores will have a better chance of approval with the following loan types: Installment loans for bad credit: Some lenders offer no-credit-check or soft credit check loans that cater to people with bad credit.

What credit score do you need for $20000?

Check Your Credit Score

However, when applying for a larger amount of $20,000 and up, you may need a higher score. A score of around 670 or more will increase your chances of being approved for a larger loan amount at the lowest rates available.

How much would a 2000 loan cost a month?

The monthly payment on a $2,000 loan ranges from $27 to $201, depending on the APR and how long the loan lasts. For example, if you take out a $2,000 loan for one year with an APR of 36%, your monthly payment will be $201.

Can a co-borrower have 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.

What habit lowers your credit score?

Late or missed payments can cause your credit score to decline. The impact can vary depending on your credit score — the higher your score, the more likely you are to see a steep drop.

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.