What credit score do I need for a good mortgage rate?

Conventional loans generally start around a 620 minimum, but the best rates are reserved for borrowers with scores of about 740 and up, and pricing improves in tiers along the way (roughly 660, 680, 700, 720, 740). The jump matters: moving from the mid-600s to 740+ can shave a meaningful fraction of a percent off your rate, which over a 30-year loan is thousands or tens of thousands of dollars. FHA loans allow lower scores — often down to 580 with a small down payment — but conventional pricing rewards higher scores more steeply. Before applying, pay down card balances to lower utilization, correct any report errors, and avoid new debt, since even a 20-point bump can push you into a better tier. To estimate how your score affects your rate and payment, use wealthserene.com/tools/mortgage-credit-impact.