What is FHA credit score minimum?

Asked by: Elliott Schaden  |  Last update: November 6, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (13 votes)

To qualify for an FHA-insured loan, you need a minimum credit score of 580 for a loan with a 3.5% down payment, and a minimum score of 500 with 10% down. However, many FHA lenders require credit scores of at least 620.

What is the lowest credit score FHA will accept?

FHA minimum credit score

If you put just 3.5 percent down, the minimum credit score for an FHA loan is 580. You can qualify with a score as low as 500, but you'll need to make at least a 10 percent down payment.

Can you get approved for FHA with a 600 credit score?

Yes, you can! While a lower score may limit your options, it doesn't mean homeownership is off the table. Lenders may offer loans for a 600 credit score, such as FHA, VA, or USDA loans that cater specifically to borrowers with less-than-perfect credit.

What will disqualify you from an FHA loan?

You may be denied for an FHA loan if you have declared bankruptcy but you have not had the bankruptcy discharged. You may be denied if you are delinquent on federal taxes or otherwise owe money to the federal government but without an approved payment plan.

Can I get an FHA loan with a 550 credit score?

You can get an FHA loan with a 500-579 credit score but you need 10+ down. if your score is 580+ you can get a loan with 3.5% down. FHA loans generally have lower rates and is better if your credit is below 680/700 and you have a low down payment.

What Is The Minimum Credit Score Required For An FHA Loan? | CountyOffice.org

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What is the downside to an FHA loan?

FHA Loan: Cons

Here are some FHA home loan disadvantages: An extra cost – an upfront mortgage insurance premium (MIP) of 2.25% of the loan's value. The MIP must either be paid in cash when you get the loan or rolled into the life of the loan. Home price qualifying maximums are set by FHA.

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

What is the minimum credit score for a USDA loan? Approved USDA loan lenders typically require a minimum credit score of at least 620 to get a USDA home loan. However, the USDA doesn't have a minimum credit score, so borrowers with scores below 620 may still be eligible for a USDA-backed mortgage.

Who is not eligible for FHA?

The three primary factors that can disqualify you from getting an FHA loan are a high debt-to-income ratio, poor credit, or lack of funds to cover the required down payment, monthly mortgage payments or closing costs.

What disqualifies you as a first time home buyer?

Credit score requirements

Most first-time home buyer programs require a minimum credit score, often around 620, to qualify for conventional loans. However, some programs, like FHA loans, are more lenient, allowing scores as low as 580 or even lower with higher down payments.

Is a 900 credit score possible?

What is the highest credit score possible? To start off: No, it's not possible to have a 900 credit score in the United States. In some countries that use other models, like Canada, people could have a score of 900. The current scoring models in the U.S. have a maximum of 850.

What is a good FICO score to buy a house?

A 620 credit score is typically what you'll need to get a mortgage for a home purchase. Although you can buy a house with a credit score as low as 500, you'll pay a higher rate and make a larger down payment.

What is the minimum down payment for an FHA loan?

For instance, the minimum required down payment for an FHA loan is only 3.5% of the purchase price.

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.

What credit score is needed to buy a house with no money down?

What Credit Score Do You Need for a No Down Payment Home Loan? If you're hoping to purchase a home without a down payment, you'll have to prove a specific income and have a credit score that's at least in the mid-600 range.

Is FHA always 3.5% down?

Down payments and gift funds

The minimum down payment required for an FHA loan is 3.5% if you have a credit score of 580 or higher. If you have a credit score from 500 to 579, you'll have to put down at least 10% of the purchase price.

Is FHA better than conventional?

An FHA loan may be a better option if you have a lower credit score, a higher DTI ratio, or less money saved for a down payment. On the other hand, a conventional loan may work better if your finances are sound and you can qualify for favorable loan terms.

How to qualify for an FHA loan?

FHA loan requirements: Who qualifies?
  1. Credit score: 500 (10% down payment), 580 (3.5% down payment)
  2. Down payment: 3.5% (score 580 or higher), 10% (score of 500 to 579)
  3. Debt-to-income ratio: 43%
  4. Mortgage insurance: Required.
  5. Income limits: None.
  6. Occupancy: Primary residence only.
  7. Loan limits: Yes.

What is the FHA 85% rule?

FHA loan rules do not forbid identity of interest transactions are permitted, but many want to know why the higher down payment may be a factor. According to HUD 4000.1: “The maximum LTV percentage for Identity-of-Interest transactions on Principal Residences is restricted to 85 percent.

What can disqualify you from an FHA loan?

Here are some common reasons why you might be disqualified from an FHA loan:
  • High debt-to-income ratio: If your monthly debt payments exceed 43% of your income, it could be difficult to qualify.
  • FHA loan limits: Your requested loan amount might exceed the set loan limits in your area, especially in high-cost areas.

Why do sellers avoid FHA?

Some reasons a seller might refuse an FHA loan include misconceptions about longer closing times, stricter property requirements, or the belief that FHA borrowers are riskier.

What credit score is needed to buy a $300k house?

You can buy a $300,000 house with only $9,000 down when using a conventional mortgage, which is the lowest down payment permitted, unless you qualify for a zero-down-payment VA or USDA loan. Different lenders have different rules, but typically they require a 620 credit score for conventional loan approval.

What disqualifies you for a USDA loan?

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the most common reasons for a failed USDA loan application include insufficient income, debt-to-income ratios that are too high, and credit history or score issues. A study conducted in 2020 found that 24% of USDA loan applications were denied due to credit score issues.

What is the easiest tribal loan to get?

The easiest tribal loans to get are typically short-term payday or installment loans offered by tribal lenders. These loans often focus on your income or ability to repay rather than only your credit score. You will need to provide proof of income and a valid ID to qualify.