What is the credit score needed to buy a house? | U.S. Bank (2024)

A credit score isn’t the only deciding factor on your mortgage application, but it’s a significant one. So when you’re house shopping, it’s important to know where your credit stands and how to use it to get the best mortgage rate possible.

First, let’s talk about credit scores.

Your credit score (commonly called a FICO® Score) can range from 300 at the low end to 850 at the high end. A score of 740 or above is generally considered very good, but you don’t need that score or above to buy a home. Credit scores are maintained by the national credit bureaus and include debt like credit cards, auto loans or student loans.

Your score is influenced by many factors, but the two biggest are whether you pay your bills on time and how much debt you owe. Having a credit score based on these factors gives lenders a quick way to see if you’re likely to pay your future bills – like your mortgage, for example.

Credit score and mortgages

Though your credit score is a big factor in the mortgage process, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you won’t be able to get a mortgage if you don’t have a great score. Lenders will also consider your income, employment history and debt, along with the amount of the mortgage you’re requesting and your down payment. If lenders review all the information and determine that you are likely to make your mortgage payments in full and on time, you may be able to get better loan terms.

The minimum credit score needed for most mortgages is typically around 620. However, government-backed mortgages like Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans typically have lower credit requirements than conventional fixed-rate loans and adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs). Ourmortgage loan officerscan help you figure out what mortgage options would best fit your situation and lifestyle.

Boosting your credit score

If you have bad credit but are a first-time homebuyer, start maximizing your score before you begin house hunting. Check your credit score so you know where you stand, review your credit history to make sure it’s accurate and remember to consistently pay your bills on time. You cancheck your credit score for free with our toolif you’re a current U.S. Bank client.

When lenders see multiple applications for credit reported in a short period of time, it can discourage them from giving you a loan. So here’s a short list of things to try to avoid when applying for a mortgage so that you can keep your options open.

  • Avoid opening new credit cards.
  • Avoid closing credit cards (since this can also impact your credit score).
  • Avoid applying for new loans.
  • Avoid co-signing on any new loans.

Looking for more ways to improve your credit score? Here are somecredit-boosting tips that can help.

You don’t have to have a top credit score to get a mortgage, but it will help you compete for the house you want by potentially giving you more financing options. So, take steps to try to boost your credit, avoid applying for credit products at the same time you’re house hunting and talk over your options with a mortgage loan officer who can help.

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FAQs

What is the credit score needed to buy a house? | U.S. Bank? ›

Credit score and mortgages

What credit score does the U.S. Bank use? ›

The credit score you see in U.S. Bank mobile and online banking is a unique score derived from the VantageScore 3.0 model to help you understand your creditworthiness. The model incorporates the same data considered by the three main credit reporting companies (TransUnion, Equifax and Experian).

What credit score do I need to buy a $250000 house? ›

You typically need at least a 620 credit score to qualify for a conventional loan. Though, the higher your score, the better your chances of getting approved for the best rates.

What is the lowest acceptable credit score to buy a house? ›

For a conventional mortgage in California, you typically need a minimum score of at least 600. If you qualify for certain government-backed loans, however, you may be able to buy a home with a score as low as 500. Read on to learn about credit scores and how they affect your ability to make a home purchase.

What credit score do you need for a $400000 house? ›

Require a minimum down payment of 3% of the home's sale price. Tend to have much lower mortgage rates than most. Require no upfront mortgage insurance for down payments of at least 20% Have no set minimum credit score but most lenders will probably be looking for 620+

Does U.S. Bank give instant approval? ›

Instant approval always is possible when applying for a U.S. Bank credit card online, though getting approved for an account immediately is never guaranteed.

Which U.S. Bank credit card is easiest to get? ›

U.S. BANK SECURED VISA ® CARD

It's easy to enroll, easy to use and free to U.S. Bank customers.

What FICO score is used to buy a house? ›

While most lenders use the FICO Score 8, mortgage lenders use the following scores: Experian: FICO Score 2, or Fair Isaac Risk Model v2. Equifax: FICO Score 5, or Equifax Beacon 5. TransUnion: FICO Score 4, or TransUnion FICO Risk Score 04.

What credit score is needed to buy a house with an FHA loan? ›

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.

Can you buy a house with a 600 credit score? ›

Yes, you can buy a house with a 600 credit score — but it would be less challenging if your score were higher. A 600 score will not be high enough to qualify for a conventional home loan, so look into FHA loans, which have lower requirements: 500 with a 10 percent down payment, and 580 with a 3.5 percent down payment.

How much money do you need for a down payment on a $400000 house? ›

Putting down 20% of the home's purchase price is a traditional and ideal down payment option. For a $400,000 home, a 20% down payment would be $80,000. This option may help you avoid private mortgage insurance (PMI) and can lead to more favorable loan terms.

What salary do you need for a $400000 house? ›

Your payment should not be more than 28%. of your total gross monthly income. That means you'll need to make 11,500 dollars a month, or 138 k per year. in order to comfortably afford this 400,000 dollar home.

How much income do you need to qualify for a $300,000 mortgage? ›

How much do I need to make to buy a $300K house? To purchase a $300K house, you may need to make between $50,000 and $74,500 a year. This is a rule of thumb, and the specific annual salary will vary depending on your credit score, debt-to-income ratio, type of home loan, loan term, and mortgage rate.

Does U.S. Bank use TransUnion or Equifax? ›

Reports indicate U.S. Bank pulls credit scores and reports from TransUnion most often, but this isn't always the case. The card issuer also sometimes pulls credit scores from Equifax and Experian.

What is the credit rating of U.S. Bank? ›

Rating History
Date :16-Oct-202307-May-2021
Rating :A+AA-
Action :AffirmedAffirmed
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What credit score do you need for a U.S. Bank go card? ›

Chip Lupo, Credit Card Writer

The credit score that you need for the U.S. Bank Altitude Go card is 750, at a minimum.

What credit bureau does us use? ›

The three major credit reporting bureaus in the United States are Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. They compile credit reports on individuals, which they sell to prospective lenders and others.

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