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You qualify for both FHA and conventional loans at this score — the right pick depends on down payment and mortgage insurance. Calculator prefilled with an estimated rate; adjust anything.
Compare rates and get pre-approved. Shopping multiple lenders can save tens of thousands over the life of a loan.
For educational purposes only. Not financial advice. Actual loan approval depends on credit score, employment history, and lender criteria. Consult a mortgage professional before making home buying decisions.
A 620 credit score puts you over the 620 line where conventional loans open up — but just barely, which means conventional pricing at this score carries the steepest rate adjustments lenders charge. In practice, many 620-score buyers still get a better all-in deal from FHA, whose rates are much less credit-sensitive.
The right answer usually comes down to mortgage insurance math: conventional PMI is expensive at this score but drops off automatically at 20% equity, while FHA's insurance is cheaper monthly but sticks for the life of the loan if you put less than 10% down. Get quotes for both and compare the full monthly payment, not just the rate.
VA loans (for veterans) price well at this score. USDA's automated approval typically starts at 640 — close enough to be worth a short score push if you're buying rural.
Take a buyer earning $85,000 a year, with $400/month in existing debt and $25,000 saved for a down payment, on a 30-year loan:
| Estimated rate at a 620 score | 7.05% |
| Max home price (bank approval estimate) | $250,000 |
| Estimated monthly payment (P&I + tax + insurance) | $1,980/mo |
| Same buyer with a 760+ score | $257,000 |
| Buying power cost of a 620 score | −$7,000 |
With less than 20% down on a conventional loan at this score, expect PMI on the higher end — often $55–80 per month per $100,000 borrowed. That's why comparing an FHA quote side-by-side is worth the extra application.
At a 660 score (estimated 6.85%), the same buyer could afford about $253,000 — $3,000 more house for the same income and monthly budget. Conventional pricing improves in 20-point steps: 640, 660, 680 each unlock a cheaper tier. Paying card balances below 30% of limits before your credit pull is the fastest realistic bump.
Rules and pricing change at 580, 620, 640, and every 20 points beyond. Pick your exact score, or use the main affordability calculator if credit isn't your constraint: