❗ Can You Buy a Home With Bad Credit? Here’s What to Know
⚡ Quick Ways to Improve Your Credit Before Applying for a Mortgage
Here’s the real threshold — and what to do if you’re not there yet.
If you’re thinking about buying a home but unsure whether your credit score is high enough, you’re in good company.
👉 One of the most common questions we get is:
“What’s the minimum credit score I need to get approved?”
The answer depends on the type of loan, your financial profile, and how much you can put down. The good news? You may have more options than you think.
Let’s break it down by loan type and show you what to do if you’re just shy of qualifying.
✅ Minimum Credit Scores by Loan Program (2025)
Loan Type | Minimum Score | Notes |
---|---|---|
FHA | 580 (3.5% down) | |
500–579 (10% down) | ||
Conventional | 620 | Lower debt-to-income ratios help |
VA | No official minimum, but lenders usually want 580–620+ | |
USDA | 640 preferred, but manual underwriting available | |
Non-QM | Varies (some accept 500–599 with compensating factors) |
💡 PRMI offers multiple options — and we’ll help match you to the program that fits your current credit situation best.
🧠 What If Your Score Is Below the Minimum?
Don’t worry — we can still help.
You have options:
✅ Credit coaching to raise your score quickly
✅ Guidance to correct credit report errors
✅ Plan to pay down credit cards to boost your rating
✅ Non-QM or flexible programs with alt documentation
✅ FHA loans with 10% down if you’re between 500–579
📘 Many borrowers improve their score in as little as 30–60 days with targeted action.
🔄 Why These Minimums Matter (And When They Don’t)
Minimum credit scores help lenders assess risk — but they’re not the whole story.
You may still qualify even if:
- You have a strong rental history
- You’ve recovered from a financial hardship
- You can put more money down
- You’re working with a lender who knows how to present your file correctly
✅ PRMI’s in-house underwriting team evaluates your overall story, not just your score.
🚀 Fast Tips to Hit Key Score Milestones
If you’re aiming for:
- 580 (FHA) — Keep credit utilization low and avoid new inquiries
- 620 (Conventional / VA) — Pay down credit cards, don’t close old accounts
- 640+ (USDA / best FHA pricing) — Add positive payment history (rent, utilities)
We’ll show you exactly where you stand — and what 2–3 changes could get you mortgage-ready faster.
🏢 Why PRMI?
At PRMI, we:
- Help you qualify with as low as 580 FICO (or 500+ with more down)
- Offer free credit consultations and action plans
- Have manual underwriting and Non-QM programs available
- Work with real people, not just perfect credit reports
Wherever you’re starting from — we’ll help you move forward.
👇 Not Sure If Your Credit Score Qualifies for a Mortgage?
Let’s run your credit (soft pull available), break down your loan options, and build a plan to get you approved.