How Credit Scores Impact Mortgage Interest Rates
Monthly loan payments are made up of interest and principal. The principal is the money you originally borrowed, and interest is the added cost you pay to borrow money. So, the lower your interest rate, the easier it is to repay. Why? There’s less interest added to your monthly mortgage payment, saving you tens of thousands of dollars over the long run.
Before setting your hopes too high, know that interest rates aren't random. This is where credit scores come into play. Lenders use your credit score to gauge creditworthiness and the likelihood you'll repay the loan. It’s one of the most important factors when calculating an interest rate.
Understanding how your credit score influences your mortgage interest rate is the key to big savings.
How lenders use credit scores
FICO (Fair Isaac Corporation) scores are commonly used by lenders, but there are other credit score models. FICO scores typically range from 300 to 850. The higher your FICO score, the better. Higher scores indicate you’ve handled debt well in the past, and you’ll probably continue to do so. Lower scores demonstrate you’ve made poor financial choices in the past, and you may have trouble repaying a loan. Banks set interest rates (the APR or annual percentage rate) based on the risk you pose. If you appear to be high risk, expect a higher interest rate. (Or, if your credit score is really low, you may be denied.) On the other hand, if you're low risk (represented by a high credit score), you’ll typically qualify for a lower interest rate.
Which FICO score do mortgage lenders use?
CNBC confirms that banks use the following FICO scores when you apply for a home loan:
- FICO Score 2 (Experian)
- FICO Score 4 (TransUnion)
- FICO Score 5 (Equifax)
What does this mean for you? For one thing, FICO changes its scoring model on a regular basis. Rather than get caught up in what each score emphasizes, do what you can to improve and maintain your financial profile.
A borrower's creditworthiness is typically based on their payment history, credit mix, credit use, and age of accounts.
How scores affect loan rates
A few points difference in your credit score can greatly help or hinder your monthly mortgage payments.
Using myFICO.com’s loan savings calculator, borrowers with credit scores above 760 save as much as $244 in monthly payments for a 30-year fixed loan, $250,000 mortgage compared to borrowers with scores ranging from 620 to 639. That adds up to about $87,522 in interest payments over the life of the loan.
What is a “good credit score?"
Honestly, what determines a good credit score for a mortgage varies. It really depends on your loan program and financial history. Lenders look at things such as your debt-to-income ratio, W2s, current debts, etc. to calculate your interest rate.
Take a look at some “typical” FICO score minimums by loan type. Just know that the chart we’re providing is a reference point. Contact an American Financing mortgage consultant to compare loan programs for your specific situation.
What credit score is needed to buy a house with no money down?
Perhaps you're worried that a not-so-great credit score will keep you from buying a house. Thankfully, the FHA loan program offers flexible credit requirements and down payments as low as 3.5%. A VA home loan is also worth exploring if you or your spouse qualify.
An experienced lender will work with you to determine the right mortgage for your situation. Gone are the days when borrowers had to come up with a 20% down payment in order to finance a property. There are plenty of down payment assistance options available today, some of which assist borrowers with less than exceptional credit.
What credit score is needed as a first-time home buyer?
Again, your lender will assess your entire financial picture before discussing the next steps. We recommend that first-time home buyers check their credit a year in advance so they have enough time to improve it if necessary.
Tips to boost your credit score
There aren’t secret methods of getting a good credit score. Your best bet is to pay off your debts in a timely fashion, though, there are other options. Try the following steps below to secure a better credit score:
Check your credit score for free
Request your credit report from the top three bureaus: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. You can do this once a year. Or you can use financial websites such as Credit Karma or Wallethub to check your credit score on the fly.
Dispute credit inquiry errors
Credit reporting agencies aren't perfect. Maybe there's an inquiry you never requested or you forgot to pay a bill on time. Ask them if they can remove it. Just make sure you don’t skip any payments as you try to figure things out.
Pay off debt completely
Try paying off high-interest debt — like credit card debt for example. Paying your cards in full on a month-to-month basis is ideal for boosting your credit score. If you have outstanding debt that you’re having trouble paying off, ask your lender to work with you. More than likely, they’ll establish a payment plan for you.
Set up bill pay reminders
Setting monthly payment reminders takes minutes, yet can save you numerous financial headaches. Chances are your service provider offers payment reminders or autopay features, so you don't risk missing a monthly payment.
A low credit score doesn’t singlehandedly determine whether or not you're able to finance your dream home. That being said, don’t fall asleep at the wheel. It's important to stay on top of your finances to secure the most competitive loan programs and interest rates.
Learn: The assets and cash savings you'll need to buy a home.
