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? ›

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.

What credit score do you need with U.S. Bank? ›

Most U.S. Bank credit cards are intended for consumers with good credit, which is a FICO® Score of 670 or higher. If your credit score isn't there yet, U.S. Bank also offers secured credit cards that don't have a minimum credit score requirement.

What score does the U.S. Bank use? ›

U.S. Bank clients with a FICO® Score of 680 or above and other qualifying factors could receive funds within hours.

What credit score is needed to buy a $300K house? ›

What credit score is needed to buy a $300K house? The required credit score to buy a $300K house typically ranges from 580 to 720 or higher, depending on the type of loan. For an FHA loan, the minimum credit score is usually around 580.

What credit score do banks want to buy a house? ›

Credit score required: 620

Conventional loans are the most common type of mortgage, accounting for about 70% of the market. They usually require a 620 credit score, though some lenders will consider applicants with scores as low as 580.

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

It is hard to get most U.S. Bank credit cards because they require a good or excellent credit score of 700-750+ for approval. Some U.S. Bank credit cards are much easier to get, however – particularly the U.S. Bank Secured Visa® Card, which accepts people with bad credit and has a $0 annual fee as well as good rewards.

Does U.S. Bank do a hard credit pull? ›

Be prepared that the review of your credit history will result in a hard credit pull.

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

The following additional regulatory disclosures apply to endorsed credit ratings: The last credit rating action on this issuer took place on July 19, 2023, U.S. Bancorp's Trend was Revised to Negative and Long-Term Issuer Rating was Confirmed at 'AA'.

Does the U.S. Bank have pre-approval? ›

US Bank has seemingly released a soft pull pre-approval tool for some of their cards. Go to the main credit cards page for US bank and click the "learn more" buttons, and you might see a banner at the top advertising the pre-approval option.

Which U.S. Bank credit card is easiest to get? ›

You need a credit score of 700 or higher to get most U.S. Bank credit cards, but the actual credit score requirements vary by card. One of the easiest U.S. Bank credit cards to get is the U.S. Bank Secured Visa® Card, which accepts applicants with bad credit and has a $0 annual fee.

Can I afford a 300K house on a 40k salary? ›

To purchase a $300K house, you may need to make between $50,000 and $74,500 a year. This is a rule of thumb, and the specific annual salary will vary depending on your credit score, debt-to-income ratio, type of home loan, loan term, and mortgage rate. Homeownership costs like HOA fees can also impact affordability.

Can I afford a 300K house on a 60k salary? ›

An individual earning $60,000 a year may buy a home worth ranging from $180,000 to over $300,000. That's because your wage isn't the only factor that affects your house purchase budget. Your credit score, existing debts, mortgage rates, and a variety of other considerations must all be taken into account.

How much income do you need for a $300,000 home? ›

To afford a $300,000 house, you typically need an annual income between $75,000 to $95,000, depending on your financial situation, down payment, credit score, and current market conditions.

How can I boost my credit score fast? ›

What actions you can take to boost your credit scores?
  1. Review your credit reports for errors and dispute any inaccuracies. ...
  2. Keep paying your bills on time. ...
  3. Improve your credit mix. ...
  4. Improve credit utilization. ...
  5. Read more.

What credit score is needed to buy a house with no money down? ›

You'll usually need a credit score of at least 640 for the zero-down USDA loan program. VA loans with no money down usually require a minimum credit score of 580 to 620. Low-down-payment mortgages, including conforming loans and FHA loans, also require FICO scores of 580 to 620.

What is a good FICO score for a mortgage? ›

Generally speaking, you'll likely need a score of at least 620 — what's classified as a “fair” rating — to qualify with most lenders. With a Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loan, though, you might be able to get approved with a score as low as 500.

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

You need a credit score of 700 or higher to get most U.S. Bank credit cards, but the actual credit score requirements vary by card. One of the easiest U.S. Bank credit cards to get is the U.S. Bank Secured Visa® Card, which accepts applicants with bad credit and has a $0 annual fee.

What are the requirements for U.S. Bank? ›

You'll need the following information:
  • Your Social Security number.
  • A valid, government-issued photo ID like a driver's license, passport or state or military ID.
  • A minimum opening deposit of $25 to activate your account (once you've been approved).

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.

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