 TITLE: What Is a USDA Loan? CONTENT: What Credit Score Do I Need to Get a USDA Loan?\n-----------------------------------------------\nThe USDA doesn't have a fixed credit score requirement, but most lenders offering USDA-guaranteed mortgages require a score of at least 640, and 640 is the minimum credit score you'll need to qualify for automatic approval through the USDA's automated loan underwriting system. Before you submit any loan applications, take a look at your credit reports and scores to see where you stand. You can get your credit report from all three credit bureaus (Experian, TransUnion and Equifax) for free through AnnualCreditReport.com. Your Experian credit report and credit score based on Experian data are also available for free.\nIf your credit score is below 640, or if you have no established credit history (and therefore cannot generate a credit score), you could still qualify for a USDA mortgage if the lender gauges your creditworthiness through a process known as manual underwriting. This typically requires an examination of your financial records, including evidence of at least 12 months of timely bill payments. Manual underwriting takes longer than automated underwriting and can still result in your loan application being declined. You also have the option of taking the opportunity to improve your credit.\nIf you have steady but limited income and are interested in buying or making improvements to a home in a rural or suburban area, a USDA loan could be a great vehicle for getting you set up in a house of your own. END