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

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 specific credit bureau that U.S. Bank uses to get an applicant's credit score will vary. 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 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 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 kind of home loan can I get with a 750 credit score? ›

With a 750 credit score, you're in the running for pretty much every kind of home loan. FHA loans, VA loans and USDA loans all have much lower minimum credit score requirements, and conventional loans have a minimum credit score requirement of 620.

Is U.S. Bank hard to get approved for? ›

It is hard to get some U.S. Bank credit cards because they require excellent credit, which means you need a credit score of 750+ for good approval odds. Other U.S. Bank credit cards are easier for people with lower credit scores to get approved for, so it's important to choose wisely.

Does U.S. Bank give instant approval? ›

U.S. Bank gives instant approval on its credit cards, but only some of the time. 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.

What credit score is needed to buy a $400,000 house? ›

Your credit score has less bearing on your ability to get a mortgage than you might think. The minimum FICO score for a conventional loan is 620. The best rate comes with a score of 740 or higher.

What FICO score is used to buy a house? ›

The most commonly used FICO Score in the mortgage-lending industry is the FICO Score 5. According to FICO, the majority of lenders pull credit histories from all three major credit reporting agencies as they evaluate mortgage applications. Mortgage lenders may also use FICO Score 2 or FICO Score 4 in their decisions.

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.

What salary do you need for $250000 mortgage? ›

The 2.5 times your income rule

Based on this rule, you would need to earn $100,000 per year to comfortably purchase a $250,000 home.

How much money should I have in my bank account to buy a $250000 house? ›

How much money you need for a $250,000 house
Conventional Loan (3% down)Conventional Loan (20% down)
Down Payment$7,500$50,000
Closing Costs (2.5%)$6,250$6,250
Cash Reserves$3,000$2,200
Total Money Needed$16,750$58,405
Dec 1, 2022

What is the average payment on a 250K house? ›

The average monthly mortgage payment on a $250K loan with a 30-year fixed term and an interest rate of 7% is about $1,663. Keep in mind that this monthly payment doesn't include additional mortgage fees such as property taxes and homeowners insurance.

How much can I afford for a house if I make 60000 a year? ›

The 28/36 rule holds that if you earn $60k and don't pay too much to cover your debt each month, you can afford housing expenses of $1,400 a month. Another rule of thumb suggests you could afford a home worth $180,000, or three times your salary.

How rare is a 750 credit score? ›

Roughly 48% of Americans had a score of 750 or above as of April 2023, according to credit scoring company FICO.

How much money can you borrow with a 750 credit score? ›

You can borrow $50,000 - $100,000+ with a 750 credit score. The exact amount of money you will get depends on other factors besides your credit score, such as your income, your employment status, the type of loan you get, and even the lender.

What is the easiest credit card to get approved for U.S. Bank? ›

You need a credit score of 700 or higher to get most U.S. Bank credit cards, but the actual credit score requirements vary by card. One of the easiest U.S. Bank credit cards to get is the U.S. Bank Secured Visa® Card, which accepts applicants with bad credit and has a $0 annual fee.

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.

Does U.S. Bank do a hard pull for credit card application? ›

Yes, U.S. Bank does a hard inquiry on your credit report whenever you apply for one of its credit cards. A hard inquiry usually results in a slight decrease in an applicant's credit score, but the effect only lasts for a short period of time.

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