 TITLE: What Credit Score Do I Need to Get a Mortgage? CONTENT: What Is the Minimum Credit Score for an FHA Loan?\n-------------------------------------------------\nLoans backed by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) are designed to help Americans get into their first homes. They are issued by the same kinds of lenders that provide conventional loans, including banks, credit unions and mortgage brokers, but must adhere to strict FHA guidelines. FHA loans are well-suited to applicants with limited or less-than-perfect credit histories who may not qualify for conventional mortgages.\nYou can get an FHA mortgage with a FICO® Score as low as 500, but applicants with scores ranging from 500 to 579 must make a down payment of at least 10% to qualify. Applicants with credit scores of 580 or greater can qualify with a down payment as low as 3.5%. END