Buying a House With a 599 Credit Score: Your Options

Yes, you may be able to buy a house with a 599 credit score, but your loan options will be more limited than they would be with a higher score. An FHA loan is one possibility: FHA guidelines allow a down payment as low as 3.5% with a credit score of at least 580, although individual lenders can set stricter requirements and approval also depends on your finances.

Many conventional mortgage lenders look for a credit score of at least 620, so a 599 score may make an FHA loan a more practical starting point. If you qualify for a VA or USDA loan, ask lenders about their credit requirements too; those programs do not set one universal minimum credit score, but lenders may apply their own standards and the loans have separate eligibility rules.

Your credit score is only part of the decision: lenders also review your income, employment, existing debts, down payment, and ability to cover closing costs. A preapproval conversation can help you see what you may qualify for and compare the full monthly cost, including taxes, insurance, and any applicable mortgage insurance, rather than focusing only on the loan payment.

If you need to buy soon, ask more than one lender whether you qualify at 599 and compare their loan estimates; a small difference in lender requirements or costs could matter. If you have time, paying bills on time, reducing credit card balances, and correcting errors on your credit reports may strengthen your application, though no particular score increase is guaranteed. Our Smart Strategies to Boost Your Credit Before Buying a Car – eBook Guide for Improving Your Credit Score is another credit-focused resource you can consider, while our guide to buying a house with a credit score keeps the mortgage question in focus.