Standard minimum scores apply — but some lenders add 20-40 points for H1B applicants due to visa risk perception.
Minimum credit scores by loan type
| Loan Type | Minimum Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| FHA loan | 580 (3.5% down) | 500-579 requires 10% down |
| Conventional loan | 620 | PMI required under 20% down |
| Conventional best rates | 740+ | No PMI at 20%+ down |
| VA loan | 620 (most lenders) | H1B holders don't qualify |
| Jumbo loan ($766,550+) | 700-720+ | Stricter H1B requirements |
H1B-specific lender score requirements
Standard minimum scores apply — but some lenders add 20-40 points for H1B applicants due to visa risk perception.
| Lender | H1B-friendly? | Practical min score |
|---|---|---|
| Better Mortgage | ✅ Excellent | 620 for conventional |
| HSBC | ✅ Excellent (specializes in non-citizens) | 680 |
| Bank of America | ✅ Good | 640 |
| Rocket Mortgage | ✅ Good | 640 |
| Chase | ⚠️ Mixed | 680+ recommended |
Rate impact of your score
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On a $500,000 30-year mortgage, here's what your credit score costs you:
| FICO Score | Estimated Rate | Monthly Payment | 30yr Total Interest |
|---|---|---|---|
| 760+ | 6.8% | $3,267 | $676,000 |
| 700-759 | 7.0% | $3,327 | $698,000 |
| 680-699 | 7.2% | $3,389 | $720,000 |
| 660-679 | 7.5% | $3,496 | $759,000 |
| 640-659 | 7.9% | $3,649 | $814,000 |
Going from 640 to 760 saves you ~$138,000 over the life of the loan.
When to apply for a mortgage
Ideally, apply when your score reaches 720+ to get conventional loan approval at competitive rates. Don't rush to buy before your score is there — a 6-month wait to build from 670 → 720 saves tens of thousands.
How to get mortgage-ready in 12 months
- Never miss a payment — payment history is 35% of score
- Get utilization under 10% across all cards
- Don't open any new credit accounts in the 6 months before applying
- Dispute any errors on your credit reports (annualcreditreport.com — all 3 bureaus, free)
- Don't close any old accounts
Watch the H1B credit score plan video →
📥 Get the Free H1B Credit Card Guide
5-page free PDF — which card to apply for based on your month-in-US, visa, and credit score.
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