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Credit Repair Basics

What Credit Score Do You Need for a Mortgage

Mortgage credit score requirements vary by loan type. Learn the minimums for FHA, VA, conventional, and jumbo loans. Step-by-step guide from Credit Booster

By Credit Booster TeamPublished April 10, 2026Updated April 11, 2026

Mortgage Score Requirements

Loan TypeMinimum ScoreBest Rate Score
FHA580 (3.5% down)740+
VANo official minimum620+ preferred
Conventional620740+
Jumbo700-720760+
USDA640680+

Which Score Do Mortgage Lenders Use?

Mortgage lenders use specific FICO models:

  • Equifax: FICO Score 5
  • Experian: FICO Score 2
  • TransUnion: FICO Score 4
  • They take the middle score of all three bureaus. If only two are available, they use the lower one.

    How to Prepare

  • Check your mortgage-specific FICO scores
  • Dispute any errors at least 3-6 months before applying
  • Don't open new accounts in the 6 months before applying
  • Pay down credit cards to under 10% utilization
  • Don't close any accounts
  • AK

    Written by

    Alexander Katsman

    Founder, Credit Booster & Credit Booster AI

    Alexander Katsman has spent more than 15 years in credit and finance, helping thousands of people and small business owners dispute inaccurate reporting, rebuild their scores, and get approved for funding they were once denied. His latest project, Credit Booster AI, puts that entire toolkit in everyone's hands, using AI to make fixing, building, and funding your credit accessible to all.

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