What's the minimum credit score for a mortgage?

There's no single universal minimum, as it depends on the loan type. For conventional loans, most lenders require a minimum score of 620. FHA loans allow scores as low as 500, though you'll need at least 10% down payment at that level; with a 580 score you can qualify for the standard 3.5% down. VA loans and USDA loans don't set a strict federal minimum, but most lenders impose their own floor around 580 to 620. Keep in mind that a higher score gets you better interest rates, so while you might qualify with a lower score, you'll pay more over the life of the loan.