Loans For Every Situation!
Home Lenders Tools Library Loans Find a Lender Email
Shop 700 lenders in 60 Seconds

This is a general guide to what is called "A-B-C-D" credit.  These are typical of the requirements used by many lenders, but are not absolute grades.  Keep in mind that the "lates" deal with the past 24 months.

Considered the best credit rating.  FICO scores are generally 620 and up with no lates on mortgage and one 30 days late on revolving or installing credit.  No bankruptcy within past 2-10 years.  Maximum debt ratio is 36-40% (Conventional), 33-45% (FHA), 41-41% (VA), Alternative 50%. Maximum loan-to-value ratio is 95-100%.

General good credit with FICO scores from 581 - 619.  Two or three 30 days late on mortgage and two to four 30 days late on revolving or installment credit.  Cannot have any 60 day lates.  Must be 2-4 years since bankruptcy discharge.  Maximum debt ratio is 29-43% (FHA), 41-41% (VA), 50% (Alternative). Maximum loan-to-value ratio is 95-100%.

Fair credit with FICO scores from 551-580.  Three to four 30 days late on mortgage are allowed.  Installment or revolving credit can have four to six 30 days late or two to four 60 days late.  Must have 1-2 years since bankruptcy discharge.  Maximum debt ratio is 29-43% (FHA), 41-41% (VA), 50% (Alternative). Maximum loan-to-value ratio is 90-95%.

Overall poor credit history with FICO scores from 550 and lower.  Two to six 30 days late on mortgage or one to two 60 days late, with isolated 90 days late.  Revolving and installment lates show poor payment record with pattern of late payments.  Possible current bankruptcy or foreclosure allowed with all unpaid judgments to be paid with loan proceeds.  Must have stable employment.  Maximum debt ratio is 50% (Alternative). Maximum loan-to-value ratio is 80-90%.



Note:  If you plan on "shopping" around for a mortgage we advise that you take the time to order your credit report from all three credit reporting agencies.  We advise this because each time a potential lender pulls your credit, your FICO score goes down.  In some instances this can mean the difference between qualifying for a mortgage (at good rates) and a non-conventional at rates less favorable.


Equifax/Beacon - PO Box 2104 - Allen, TX  75013   1-800-682-7654
Exoerian/Fair Isaac - PO Box 390 - Springfield, PA   1-800-916-8800
Trans Union/Emperica - PO Box 105873 - Atlanta, GA  1-800-685-1111



Please keep in mind these are "general" guidelines.  Some lenders place different grades based upon their own method of evaluation.  This page was designed to give you a general idea of what your credit may be considered based upon your credit history.

Always remember to check your credit report for errors (once a year!) - it is estimated that 50% of all credit reports contain errors significant enough for an individual to be denied a loan!


<< Back

See: What's credit scoring?

Information subject to change at any time for any reason
Privacy, Licensing and Security, All Rights Reserved

 Home Buyer Program