 TITLE: What Credit Score Do I Need to Get a Mortgage? CONTENT: What Credit Score Is Needed for a USDA Loan?\n--------------------------------------------\nHome loans issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) are designed to help low- and moderate-income individuals and families buy and improve homes in non-urban America (that is, the 97% of the country's geographical area that's considered rural or suburban).\nThere are three types of USDA home loans, including those intended for very low-income applicants, homeowners wishing to improve their property and qualified moderate-income applicants who want a low interest loan with a small down payment. Mortgage rates and borrowing limits on USDA loans vary according to prevailing property values in different parts of the country.\nThe USDA doesn't specify minimum credit score requirements for the loans it backs, but the minimum FICO® Score requirement nationwide is about 640. END