 TITLE: What Credit Score Do I Need to Buy a House? CONTENT: What Is the Minimum Credit Score to Get a Mortgage?\n---------------------------------------------------\nSeveral different types of mortgage loans exist, and each one has its own minimum credit score requirement. Even so, some lenders may have stricter criteria in addition to credit score they use to determine your creditworthiness.\nHere's what to expect based on the type of loan you're applying for:\n*   Conventional loans: These loans aren't insured by a government agency and conform to certain standards set by the government-sponsored entities Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Conventional loans typically require a minimum credit score of 620, though some may require a score of 660 or higher.\n*   Jumbo loans: A type of non-conforming mortgage loan, jumbo loans carry higher loan amounts than conventional loans. Because there's more risk involved with bigger loans, jumbo loans may require a credit score of 700 or higher.\n*   FHA loans: Insured by the Federal Housing Administration, FHA loans have a minimum credit score of 500 if you make a 10% down payment, or 580 if you put down 3.5%.\n*   VA loans: These loans are insured by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and were created for select members of the military community, their spouses and other eligible beneficiaries. VA loans don't have a minimum credit score requirement, but lenders that offer these loans typically require that you have a score of 620 or higher.\n*   USDA loans: Insured by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, USDA loans are meant for low- and moderate-income homebuyers looking to purchase a home in rural areas. The USDA has a minimum credit score of 580 for its loans, but there's flexibility to go lower in certain situations.\nIf your credit score is in great shape, you may have several different loan types from which to choose. But if your credit score is considered bad or fair, your options may be limited. END