What credit score do you need to buy a house?

FHA loans allow credit scores as low as 500 with a 10% down payment, or 580 with 3.5% down. Conventional loans typically require a 620 minimum. VA and USDA loans have no official minimum but most lenders want 580–620.

Can I get a mortgage with a 550 credit score?

Yes — FHA loans are available with scores as low as 500 with a 10% down payment. With a 550 score, you'll need to find an FHA-approved lender willing to work with your profile.

How much more does bad credit cost on a mortgage?

Significantly more. A 620 vs. 740 credit score can mean a 1–2% higher interest rate, which adds $100–$300 per month on a typical mortgage — and tens of thousands of dollars over the life of the loan.

How fast can I raise my credit score to buy a house?

Disputing errors and paying down credit card balances can raise your score 20–50 points within 30–60 days. Building from poor to fair credit typically takes 6–12 months of consistent on-time payments.

What is the easiest mortgage to get with bad credit?

FHA loans are the most accessible option for buyers with credit scores below 680. They allow lower down payments, more flexible debt-to-income ratios, and are available through most major lenders.

How to Buy a House with Bad Credit in 2026 (Yes, It’s Still Possible)

September 19, 2026May 28, 2026 by Up From Zero

Before you commit to any home price, run it through the mortgage calculator so you know your real monthly payment — including taxes, insurance, and PMI.

Watch: Can You Buy a House with Bad Credit? (The Truth Most Buyers Don't Know)

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Up From Zero

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The founder of Up From Zero spent years working a regular job while carrying more debt than he knew how to handle. No finance degree. No safety net. Just a lot of bad decisions and a determination to dig out of them the hard way. After paying off tens of thousands in debt and rebuilding his finances from scratch, he started Up From Zero to give other working people the plain-English money education he wished he had. Everything on this site is built for beginners — no jargon, no get-rich promises, and no shame. Just real systems that actually work for people working real jobs. Not a licensed financial advisor — everything here is plain-English education based on publicly available information, personal experience, and primary sources like the IRS, CFPB, and HUD.