What Credit Score Do Mortgage Lenders Use? (2024)

FAQs

Which credit score do mortgage lenders use? ›

The credit score used in mortgage applications

While the FICO^® 8 model is the most widely used scoring model for general lending decisions, banks use the following FICO scores when you apply for a mortgage: FICO^® Score 2 (Experian) FICO^® Score 5 (Equifax) FICO^® Score 4 (TransUnion)

Currently, FICO Scores 8 and 9 are widely used among lenders. However, some financial institutions may still use an older scoring model if it works better with their existing business practices. FICO Score 10 is the latest scoring model available to lenders, and its use is gradually expanding.

FICO Scores help lenders quickly, consistently and objectively evaluate potential borrowers' credit risk. So when you apply for credit or a loan, there's a very good chance your lender will use your FICO Scores to help them decide whether to approve you, and what terms and rates you qualify for.

Buying a home with a 770 credit score may be possible, but it may be more challenging than if you had an excellent credit score. Some lenders may require a larger down payment, charge higher interest rates or have stricter loan terms.

Credit Score

For a $300,000 home, you'll likely need a good credit score: 740+: Best rates and terms. 700-739: Slightly higher rates. 660-699: Higher rates, may require larger down payment.

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.

If you're applying for a loan on your own, lenders get your credit score from each of the three major credit rating agencies and use the middle or median score to qualify you for a home loan.

The credit score required for purchasing a home with no down payment varies based on the loan program and the lender's criteria. Here's a general overview of credit score requirements. VA Loan: Minimum credit score of 620. USDA Loan: A credit score of at least 640 is typically required.

FICO® Score 9 introduced three major changes to how FICO® credit scores are calculated. Medical debt can have less of a negative effect, collections debt doesn't have the same negative impact once fully paid, and rental payments — if reported by landlords — are also considered.

There are many factors that lenders consider when looking at your credit history, and each one is different. The typical timeframe is the last six years.

What are the 5 Cs of underwriting? ›

The Underwriting Process of a Loan Application

One of the first things all lenders learn and use to make loan decisions are the “Five C's of Credit": Character, Conditions, Capital, Capacity, and Collateral. These are the criteria your prospective lender uses to determine whether to make you a loan (and on what terms).

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.

For a $400,000 home, you'll likely need a good to excellent credit score: 740+: Best rates and terms. 700-739: Slightly higher rates.

For a $250,000 home, you'll likely need a fair to good credit score: 740+: Best rates and terms. 680-739: Good rates, still very good affordability. 620-679: Higher rates, may require larger down payment or FHA loan.

For a $600,000 home, you'll likely need a very good to excellent credit score: 760+: Best rates and terms. 740-759: Slightly higher rates. 720-739: Higher rates, may require larger down payment.

So yes, 700 ought to be a good enough credit score to buy a house. In fact, says DiBugnara, “a credit score of 680 or above will likely give borrowers access to 95 percent of financing options available.”

Versions 8 and 9 of FICO scores are similar, but FICO score 9 is generally considered the more forgiving of the two for a few reasons: With FICO 9, third-party collections no longer hurt your credit score once those debts are paid off. FICO 9 treats medical collections differently than other types of debt.

Neither your TransUnion or Equifax score is more or less accurate than the other. They're just calculated from slightly differing sources. Your Equifax credit score is likely lower due to reporting differences. Nonetheless, a “fair” score from TransUnion is typically “fair” across the board.

The USDA doesn't set a minimum credit score requirement for home buyers, but lenders can require one. Many lenders require a credit score of 640 or higher for initial approval. However, depending on the situation, you may be approved with a lower credit score.