Homebuying · 6 min read
What Credit Score Do You Need to Buy a House in California? (2026)
You can buy a home in California with a credit score as low as 500 (FHA with 10% down) or 580 (FHA with 3.5% down). Conventional loans generally start around 620, VA and USDA loans have no set minimum but most lenders want ~580–620, and jumbo loans usually need 700+. A higher score doesn't only qualify you. It directly lowers your interest rate and monthly payment.
Minimum credit scores by loan type (2026)
| Loan type | Typical minimum score |
|---|---|
| FHA (3.5% down) | 580 |
| FHA (10% down) | 500 |
| Conventional | ~620 |
| VA / USDA | No set min; lenders ~580–620 |
| Jumbo | 700+ |
See our full credit score & mortgage guide.
How much does your credit score affect your rate?
A lot. The same loan can carry a noticeably higher rate for a 640 score than a 760 score, often adding hundreds of dollars to the monthly payment over the life of the loan. Improving your score even one tier before applying can save real money. Estimate the impact with our mortgage calculator.
What if your credit score is low?
You still have options. FHA is built for lower scores. Self-employed buyers with thin credit can look at bank statement programs, and buyers without an SSN can use an ITIN loan with alternative credit. A few months of focused credit repair before applying often pays off.
How to improve your score before buying
Pay every bill on time, drive credit-card balances below 30% of their limits (ideally under 10%), avoid opening new accounts right before applying, and dispute any report errors. Small moves on utilization can lift your score quickly, ask us for a pre-application credit review at 949-379-5320.
Which score lenders use
Mortgage lenders pull scores from all three bureaus and use the middle one. With two borrowers, many lenders use the lower of the two middle scores. Mortgage lenders have traditionally used older FICO versions, which can differ from the free score in your banking app, so do not be surprised if the lender’s number is lower.
Waiting periods after bankruptcy or foreclosure
| Event | FHA (typical) | Conventional (typical) |
|---|---|---|
| Chapter 7 bankruptcy | 2 years | 4 years |
| Chapter 13 bankruptcy | 1 year of on-time plan payments, with court approval | 2 years from discharge |
| Foreclosure | 3 years | 7 years |
Some non-QM programs allow shorter waiting periods with a larger down payment.
What matters besides the score
Lenders also look at your debt-to-income ratio, how much you are putting down, your cash reserves and the last 12 months of payment history. A 640 score with 20% down and steady income can be a stronger file than a 700 score with no savings. Call 949-379-5320 for a free credit review before you apply.
Frequently asked questions
What is the lowest credit score to buy a house in California?
500, using an FHA loan with 10% down. With a 580 score you can use FHA's 3.5% down option. Conventional loans generally start around 620, and jumbo loans typically need 700 or higher.
Can I buy a house with a 600 credit score?
Yes, a 600 score qualifies for FHA financing and some other programs, though your rate will be higher than with strong credit. Raising your score above 620 opens conventional options and better pricing.
Does checking my credit hurt my score?
A lender pre-qualification or your own check is a 'soft pull' that doesn't affect your score. A formal application 'hard pull' has a small, temporary effect, but multiple mortgage inquiries within a short shopping window count as one.
How much can a higher credit score save me?
Potentially hundreds of dollars a month. Mortgage pricing improves in tiers, so moving from, say, the 640s to the 740s can lower your rate: adding up to tens of thousands of dollars over the life of the loan.
Which credit score do mortgage lenders use?
Lenders pull scores from all three credit bureaus and use the middle one. With two borrowers, many lenders use the lower of the two middle scores.
How long after bankruptcy can I buy a house?
Typically 2 years after a Chapter 7 discharge for FHA and 4 years for conventional. Chapter 13 borrowers may qualify for FHA after 1 year of on-time plan payments with court approval.
About this guide: Save Financial is a California-licensed mortgage broker (NMLS #377740, DRE #01875766) serving all 58 counties. Get a custom quote or call 949-379-5320.