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Credit Improvement

What Credit Score Do I Need?

Minimums by program — and what actually gets you the best pricing.

4 min readBy NexGen Capital Corp · NMLS 1766649Updated 2026Credit Improvement

Short answer

Minimums by program — and what actually gets you the best pricing.

FHA 580 (500 with 10% down), VA typically 580–620, USDA 640, conventional 620. Non-QM programs (DSCR, bank statement) often want 660+.

Common minimums

FHA 580 (500 with 10% down), VA typically 580–620, USDA 640, conventional 620. Non-QM programs (DSCR, bank statement) often want 660+.

Where pricing tiers break

On conventional loans, pricing improves at 680, 700, 720, 740, and 760.

Key takeaways

  • 620/640/660/680/700/720/740/760 are common pricing breakpoints.

Frequently asked questions

Related mortgage option

Ready to apply this to a real loan? Review how FHA Loans work in Florida, or estimate your monthly payment before you talk to an advisor.

Sources

Program rules change and individual lender overlays apply. Verify specifics with the agency or with a licensed NexGen Capital advisor before relying on them.

Reviewed by NexGen Capital Corp

Written and reviewed by the licensed mortgage team at NexGen Capital Corp, a Florida mortgage brokerage (NMLS #1766649). Verify our license on NMLS Consumer Access.

Last reviewed: 2026

This article is educational and is not a commitment to lend or an offer of credit. Speak with a licensed NexGen advisor about your own situation.

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