Explore your options for getting a mortgage even with bad credit. See your loan options, tips to improve your chances, and how to weigh if it's a good idea.
Carrington Mortgage Services: Best overall ; Guild Mortgage: Best for those with no credit history ; New American Funding: Best for a variety of options
Vault’s Viewpoint on Buying Houses with Bad Credit ; Mortgage loans are available to borrowers with credit scores as low as 500, but they can come with higher interest rates and down payment requirements. ; If you struggle to qualify for a mortgage, consider applying with a co-signer to boost your approval odds. ; Taking time to improve your credit score before taking out a mortgage can improve your chances of approval and lead to a more affordable loan.
Lender, Credit requirements, Down payment minimum ; Old National Bank, 620 for conventional loans, 600 for FHA loans, 620 for VA loans, Undisclosed ; Veterans United Home Loans, 620 for conventional and VA loans, 3% for conventional loans, 3.5% for FHA loans, none for VA and USDA loans ; New American Funding, 620 for conventional loans, 3% for conventional loans, 3.5% for FHA loans, none for VA and USDA loans ; First Mortgage Direct, 620 for conventional loans, 580 for FHA and VA loans, 3% for conventional loans, 3.5% for FHA loans, none for VA and USDA loans ; U.S. Bank, 620 for conventional loans, 740 for jumbo loans, 5% for conventional loans, 3.5% for FHA loans, none for VA and USDA loans ; Wells Fargo, 620 for conventional loans, 3% for conventional loans, 3.5% for FHA loans, none for VA and USDA loans
Best for a low down payment: Rocket Mortgage ; Best for non-qualifying mortgages: Carrington ; Best for refinancing: LoanDepot ; Best for no private mortgage insurance: Citibank ; Best for no credit: Guild Mortgage ; Best for a quick closing: CrossCountry Mortgage ; Best for military members and veterans: Navy Federal Credit Union
The Best VA Mortgage Lenders ; Veterans United: Best overall ; Carrington Mortgage Services: Best for poor credit ; Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation: Best for a smooth closing
Yes, the VA itself does not set a minimum credit score requirement for a VA home loan, but lenders still typically consider your credit score. Each lender has its own standards, and many require a...
Recommended Credit · 620 ; Minimum Down Payment · 3% ; Types of Loans Offered · Conforming, FHA, USDA, VA, Carrington Flexible Advantage, non-qm
Bad credit doesn't mean you have to settle for bad options when it comes to an installment loan.
You may be able to refinance your mortgage with bad credit. Learn about refinance options for lower credit score borrowers.