Can I Buy a House with a 600 Credit Score in 2026?
A 600 credit score is not perfect, but it is definitely not the end of your homeownership plans. If you are sitting in that range right now, you are exactly who this guide is for. In 2026, plenty of buyers around 600 are getting approved by choosing the right loan programs and lenders instead of assuming the answer is no.
Quick Answer: Yes, But You Need the Right Lender and Loan Program
A 600 credit score can absolutely work for buying a home in 2026. The key is to aim for lenders and programs that were built for mid-range credit, not the ones that quietly prefer 700+.
- FHA is often the most flexible option around 600, with 3.5% down for many buyers.
- Some conventional and VA lenders approve 600 scores with the right income and down payment.
- Shopping 3–5 lenders at once matters more than ever at this score band.
Many partners use a soft credit check at the prequalification stage so you can see options before you fully apply.
What a 600 Credit Score Means to Mortgage Lenders
To you, a 600 credit score might feel like a label. To lenders, it is one piece of a much bigger puzzle. Around 600, you are typically seen as a mid-risk borrower, not ideal but far from a worst-case scenario.
- Some late payments or high credit card use in the past.
- Often solid recent payment history (last 12 months) can offset older issues.
- Room to improve your score with a few targeted moves over the next 60–90 days.
The right lender will dig into the story behind the score: what changed, how stable your income is and whether your new housing payment fits your budget. That is why it is critical not to assume every lender will say no just because one does.
If you want a quick, low-pressure way to see where you stand, you can start with an online prequalification that checks your options with a soft pull using an FHA-friendly lender, then follow up with full applications once you know which path looks most promising.
Which Loan Programs Work at a 600 Credit Score?
Different mortgage programs handle a 600 score very differently. Here is how they typically compare in 2026:
| Program | Min. Down (Typical) | 600 Score Friendly? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| FHA | 3.5%+ | Often yes, if recent history is strong | Mid-range credit, higher DTI, smaller down payments |
| Conventional (3%–5% down) | 3%–10% | Sometimes; some lenders prefer 620+ | Stronger income/savings who want PMI that can fall off |
| VA | 0% (if eligible) | Score flexible; set by lenders | Eligible veterans/service members with solid overall profile |
| USDA | 0% (eligible areas) | Typically wants 620+, but varies | Rural/suburban buyers within income and area limits |
If you are near 600 and leaning FHA, you may also want to read our guide to the best FHA lenders for 580–620 credit, which dives deeper into lender profiles that specialize in this band.
If your score is trending up toward the mid-600s, compare FHA vs conventional and first-time buyer programs in our first-time buyer lender guide.
See FHA & Conventional Options With a 600 Score
Compare multiple lenders that regularly work with 580–620 credit so you can see which programs say yes.
Underwriting Rules at 600 Credit Score: What Really Matters
At a 600 credit score, underwriters pay close attention to a few specific areas beyond the score itself:
- Recent payment history: Late payments in the last 12 months, especially on housing or auto loans, can be more damaging than older dings.
- Credit card utilization: Maxed-out credit cards can drag your score down even without late payments.
- Debt-to-income ratio (DTI): Many lenders target total DTI of roughly 43%–50% or lower at this score band, depending on compensating factors.
- Reserves: Even a small cushion of savings after closing can help offset mid-range credit.
A good loan officer will show you whether a small tweak, like paying one card below 30% usage or waiting for a negative to age past 12 months, could nudge your file into a stronger approval lane.
Get a 600-Score Friendly Review
Connect with lenders who regularly approve 580–620 credit and can tell you exactly what stands between you and a clear yes.
60–90 Day Game Plan: From 600 Credit to Stronger Approval
If you are not in a rush, a focused 60–90 day plan can improve both your approval odds and your monthly payment.
- Pull your full credit reports and scores. Confirm where you stand and look for errors or outdated negatives that could be disputed.
- Attack credit card utilization first. Aim to get each card below 30% of its limit, then lower if you can. This can move your score faster than paying off a small installment loan.
- Stabilize all current payments. No new late payments, especially on rent, auto or existing loans, while you are preparing to buy.
- Build a small reserve fund. Even a few hundred or thousand dollars left after closing can act as a compensating factor.
- Get pre-qualified with 2–3 lenders. Use their feedback to see whether you should lean FHA, conventional or VA and what exact numbers you need. You can start online with a comparison tool such as a lender-matching marketplace, then follow up directly with the lenders that look like the best fit.
As your score and savings improve, revisit lender quotes. A move from 600 to even the low 600s can open upbetter pricing and more choices in 2026.
Can I Buy a House With a 600 Credit Score in 2026? FAQ
Can I really get approved for a mortgage with a 600 credit score?
Yes. Many buyers close on homes every year with scores around 600, especially using FHA or certain first-time buyer conventional programs. Approval is not guaranteed, but with stable income, manageable debts and some cash for down payment and reserves, a 600 score can absolutely work in 2026.
Will I pay a lot more if my score is only 600?
You will likely pay more than someone with a 740+ score, but the difference is not always a deal-breaker. A slightly higher rate may still beat rising rents, especially if you expect your income and credit to improve over time. The most important step is to compare multiple lenders so you are not overpaying just because of one quote.
Is it better to wait until my score is higher before I buy?
Sometimes. If you can realistically reach the mid-600s within a few months, waiting could improve both your approval options and your rate. But if rent is rising fast or you risk getting priced out, it can still make sense to buy now with a 600 score, especially if you pick a lender and program designed for mid-range credit.
Should I talk to a lender now or fix my credit first?
Doing both in parallel often works best. A lender who regularly works with 580–620 credit can show you which specific changes would help your file the most, instead of guessing from generic advice. You can then decide whether to buy sooner or wait for a stronger approval.
Meet Sarah
Senior Mortgage Advisor & VA Loan Specialist
Sarah Mitchell brings over 12 years of mortgage industry expertise, specializing in VA loans and first-time homebuyer programs. As a certified NMLS professional, she has helped thousands of veterans and military families achieve homeownership through specialized loan programs. Her deep understanding of VA benefits and down payment assistance programs makes her a trusted advisor for service members transitioning to civilian life.
EXPERTISE:
KEY ACHIEVEMENT:
Helped 2,500+ veterans secure home loans