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 is the minimum credit score for U.S. Bank? ›

Minimum credit score

For U.S. Bank customers: 660. For non-U.S. Bank customers: 720.

What score does the U.S. Bank use? ›

U.S Bank uses an applicant's FICO® Score to check their creditworthiness. FICO® Score is the type of credit score that's most widely used by lenders.

What is the minimum credit score to apply for 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.

Is the U.S. Bank credit score accurate? ›

The credit score you see in U.S. Bank mobile and online banking is a unique score derived from the VantageScore 3.0 model to help you understand your creditworthiness. The model incorporates the same data considered by the three main credit reporting companies (TransUnion, Equifax and Experian).

What is the lowest credit score to buy a house? ›

It's recommended you have a credit score of 620 or higher when you apply for a conventional loan. If your score is below 620, lenders either won't be able to approve your loan or may be required to offer you a higher interest rate, which can result in higher monthly mortgage payments.

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

Credit Score and Financial History

Typically, U.S. Bank requires a FICO score of 660 or above for approval.

Does U.S. Bank give instant approval? ›

Does U.S. Bank Give Instant Approval? Yes, U.S. Bank credit cards may give instant approval when you apply for one of their cards online, though getting approved for an account immediately is never guaranteed.

How to build credit score U.S. Bank? ›

Here are six simple ways to build, maintain and improve your credit score:
  1. Pay your entire balance on time every month to improve your credit score. ...
  2. Use credit cards responsibly to maintain your credit score. ...
  3. Stay below your credit card limits to maintain your credit score.

What is U.S. Bank's credit rating? ›

We assigned 'AA-/A-1+' issuer credit ratings to U.S. Bank Trust Co.

What credit score do I need to buy a $250000 house? ›

To qualify for a conventional loan, you'll need a credit score of at least 620, though some lenders may choose to approve conventional mortgage applications only for borrowers with credit scores of 680 and up.

What credit score is needed to buy a $500,000 house? ›

Mortgage lenders typically want to see a score of 620 or better before approving a conventional mortgage. There are government-insured mortgages if your score is lower, and if your score is 760 or higher you'll qualify for the best interest rates.

Can I buy a house with a 580 credit score? ›

You can get a mortgage with a credit score as low as 620, 580 or even 500, depending on the type of loan. Some mortgage lenders offer bad credit loans with more flexible qualifying requirements but higher costs. Others offer free credit counseling to help you improve your score before applying for a loan.

What credit does the U.S. Bank pull? ›

US Bank will sometimes pull your Experian credit report, but they will usually pull your Transunion credit report when you apply for business cards. If you frequently apply for credit cards, first freeze your IDA/ARS bureaus before applying for a US Bank credit card. See real-time data in our Credit Card Database.

What's my credit score at U.S. Bank? ›

Open the main menu and select Help & services. Then scroll to the “Credit health” section and select View credit score.

What score does Bank of America use for mortgage? ›

You'll need a FICO credit score of at least 600 and a maximum debt-to-income ratio of 55% to qualify for a mortgage with Bank of America. However, each loan product may have its own requirements. There's no minimum loan amount for most loans.

What is the credit rating for U.S. Bank? ›

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What credit score do you need for a U.S. Bank secured credit card? ›

That means people with credit scores below 640 have a shot at getting approved for the U.S. Bank Secured Visa® Card. Secured cards are easier to get than unsecured cards because they require a deposit to open the account, which U.S. Bank will use as collateral to secure the account.

What is the minimum for U.S. Bank? ›

$25 minimum deposit required to open a U.S. Bank consumer checking account. Members of the military (requires self-disclosure) and clients ages 24 and under and those 65 and over pay no monthly maintenance fee.

What credit score do you need for a U.S. Bank go card? ›

What are the rewards on the U.S. Bank Altitude Go? You'll need excellent credit, generally defined as a credit score of at least 720, to qualify for the U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card. Card issuers also take into account your income, existing debts and other information when evaluating applications.

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