What credit score do I need to buy a house?

Most conventional loans require a minimum credit score of 620, though some lenders prefer 640 or higher. FHA loans allow scores as low as 580 with a 3.5% down payment, or even 500 with a 10% down payment. VA and USDA loans don't have official minimums but most lenders require around 620. The higher your score, the better your interest rate will be. A score of 740 or above typically gets you the best rates available. Even a small difference in rate can mean tens of thousands of dollars over the life of a loan, so it's worth improving your score before applying if you're below 700.