There's no single number -- it depends on the loan type

Credit score minimums vary by loan program, and lenders can set their own requirements on top of those minimums. Rough general ranges:

• Conventional loans: typically require a minimum around 620, though better rates usually start well above that
• FHA loans: often allow scores as low as 580 with a 3.5% down payment, and sometimes lower with a larger down payment
• VA loans (for eligible veterans and service members): don't set a universal minimum, though individual lenders often still apply their own threshold
• USDA loans: typically look for a score around 640

These figures shift over time and vary by lender, so treat them as general orientation rather than a guarantee — a lender will confirm your actual eligibility during pre-approval.

Your score affects more than eligibility -- it affects your rate

Even above the minimum, a higher credit score typically qualifies you for a lower interest rate, which meaningfully affects your monthly payment and the total cost of the loan over time. This is usually a bigger financial factor than most buyers expect going in.

What if your score needs work?

A few things that generally help before applying:

• Paying down credit card balances relative to your limits
• Making sure all payments are current
• Avoiding new credit applications in the months before applying for a mortgage
• Checking your credit report for errors and disputing anything inaccurate

None of these are overnight fixes, but even a few months of attention can move a score enough to change what you qualify for.

Find out where you actually stand

The most useful next step isn't guessing — it's getting pre-approved, where a lender looks at your actual credit and gives you a real answer instead of a rule of thumb. Start pre-approval with Yellow.