When Applying for a Home Loan, Does Your Spouse’s Credit Matter? (2024)

FAQs

When Applying for a Home Loan, Does Your Spouse’s Credit Matter? ›

The quick answer is: Yes! You need not apply for a joint mortgage with your spouse. Generally speaking, if you and your spouse apply for a loan jointly, the lender will look at your combined income, combined debt-to-income (dti),and both of your credit scores.

If you're applying for a joint mortgage, lenders will consider both of your credit scores. Many will pull scores for both spouses from each of the three credit bureaus and use the middle score for the spouse with the lower scores. If only one spouse applies for the mortgage, only their credit scores will be considered.

On a joint mortgage, all borrowers' credit scores matter. Lenders collect credit and financial information including credit history, current debt and income. Lenders determine what's called the "lower middle score" and usually look at each applicant's middle score.

When lenders look at your application, your partner's credit history will be viewed alongside your own. Most lenders will add your credit scores together, and you'll need to meet their minimum score to be considered. So if one of you has a really good credit rating then this can work in your favour.

If your partner's credit score is poor, it will impact your chances of getting approved for a mortgage, and it may also affect the interest rate and terms of the loan, but it's not impossible and it's something you should pursue.

FHA requires the debt of a non-borrowing spouse (NBS) to be included on the URLA and included in the qualifying debt ratios if: The NBS currently resides in a community property state; or. The property being purchased is located in a community property state.

When the non-purchasing spouse must submit to a credit check FHA loan rules dictate that bad credit reports on the non-purchasing spouse can't be used to deny an FHA mortgage to the borrower, but the credit check is required nevertheless.

Credit score and mortgages

The minimum credit score needed for most mortgages is typically around 620. However, government-backed mortgages like Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans typically have lower credit requirements than conventional fixed-rate loans and adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs).

Some types of mortgages have specific minimum credit score requirements. A conventional loan requires a credit score of at least 620, but it's ideal to have a score of 740 or above, which could allow you to make a lower down payment, get a more attractive interest rate and save on private mortgage insurance.

If your spouse has a bad credit score, it will not affect your credit score. However, when you apply for loans together, like mortgages, lenders will look at both your scores. If one of you has a poor credit score, it counts against you both. You may not qualify for the best interest rates or the loan could be denied.

What credit score do I need to buy a house with no money down? ›

You'll usually need a credit score of at least 640 for the zero-down USDA loan program. VA loans with no money down usually require a minimum credit score of 580 to 620. Low-down-payment mortgages, including conforming loans and FHA loans, also require FICO scores of 580 to 620.

Mortgage lenders typically use FICO^® Scores^☉ from each credit bureau to help determine your loan eligibility and terms. Many mortgage lenders sell the mortgages they issue to the government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs), Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

However, with a 716 credit score, you should qualify for rates on-par with national averages. Also, even though your score qualifies you for a mortgage, it's important to know that the lower your score is, the stronger the rest of your qualifications are generally expected to be.

Lenders use both partners' credit scores, but a common myth is that they take the scores and average them, which isn't the case. Instead, they do this: Each applicant has three credit scores (one from each major credit bureau), and the lender looks at all of them.

Buying a home is the American dream for many couples, but unless you're able to pay in cash, you'll likely have to take out a mortgage. If your spouse has bad credit, you might still be able to buy a house, but it might take some extra work and considerations in order to qualify for the mortgage loan.

Credit score required: 620

Conventional loans are the most common type of mortgage, accounting for about 70% of the market. They usually require a 620 credit score, though some lenders will consider applicants with scores as low as 580.

Lenders use both partners' credit scores, but a common myth is that they take the scores and average them, which isn't the case. Instead, they do this: Each applicant has three credit scores (one from each major credit bureau), and the lender looks at all of them.

Credit histories and scores don't combine when you get married. Your credit history and scores are yours and yours alone, and your marital status is not included in your credit reports. But if you have a shared account or you're an authorized user of your spouse's account, you could affect each other's scores.

This works out nicely if you and your spouse combine your assets, credit, and income into a much stronger application. As long as the shared involvement is no problem for you or your spouse, a joint loan could help you get a better offer on a quality vehicle or unlock financing for more expensive vehicles.

You can use someone else's income for a loan only if they agree to become a co-borrower on the loan. That gives them equal ownership of the funds, and also equal responsibility for paying back the loan.