While the Department of Veterans Affairs doesn't set a hard floor, most private lenders set their own "overlays" between 580 and 620 .
Lenders use different thresholds based on the risk associated with each loan program: is my credit good enough to buy a house
For most borrowers in 2026, , though you can qualify with a score as low as 500 through specialized government-backed programs like FHA loans. While the Department of Veterans Affairs doesn't set
You may still qualify but typically must provide a 10% down payment. These rural-focused loans generally require a 640, though
These rural-focused loans generally require a 640, though some lenders may consider lower scores with a deeper manual review.
Because these loans exceed standard limits (over $832,750 in 2026), they require much higher credit scores and larger down payments. Score Tiers and Interest Rates (March 2026)
While you can "pass" with a lower score, your credit health directly determines your interest rate, which can cost or save you tens of thousands of dollars over the life of the loan. Minimum Score Requirements by Loan Type