Last Updated in November 2026
Yes. An 800 credit score qualifies for every major loan program, and it puts you in the best rate tier.
Quick Answer: An 800 score gets about 7.32% on a 30-year fixed right now. On a $300k house with $15,000 down, that's about $2,388 a month, which is $149 less than a 620 score pays.
↓ Plug in your own numbers below ↓
Can I buy a house with an 800 credit score?
Here's what each major loan program requires:
Loan type | Minimum credit score |
|---|---|
No set minimum | |
500, or 580 for 3.5% down | |
VA | Set by your lender |
Set by your lender |
Fannie Mae dropped its 620 floor for loans approved through its automated system in November 2025. FHA's floor is 500, and you need 580 for the 3.5% down option (HUD). VA and USDA don't list a minimum score, so each lender sets its own.
With an 800, every program on this list is open to you. At this point your income, debts and down payment matter more than your score.
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What mortgage rate can I get with an 800 credit score?
About 7.32% on a 30-year fixed. Here's every score band on the same $300k house:
Credit score | Estimated rate | Monthly payment |
|---|---|---|
760 to 850 | 7.32% | $2,388 |
7.40% | $2,403 | |
7.55% | $2,433 | |
7.57% | $2,436 | |
7.72% | $2,466 | |
7.75% | $2,472 | |
7.88% | $2,497 | |
8.08% | $2,537 | |
8.58% | $2,733 | |
8.58% | $2,733 | |
9.08% | $2,659 | |
9.08% | $2,659 |
Payments use 5% down for 620 and up. Below 620 they use FHA with 3.5% down (580 to 619) or 10% down (500 to 579), plus FHA mortgage insurance.
How we got these: we start with Freddie Mac's weekly average of 7.32% (October 22, 2026) for the top score tier, then add the gap between score bands from FICO's rate data as of November 4, 2026. FICO doesn't publish rates below 620, so we add another half point for 580 to 619 and a full point below 580. Treat those two as rough estimates.
Your real rate also depends on the loan type, your down payment and points. PMI pricing depends on your score too, and it usually costs more at lower scores. These payments use the same PMI estimate on every page, so get a real quote.
How much house can I afford with an 800 credit score?
Your credit score sets the rate. Your income sets the price. Here's what 7.32% with 5% down buys at three incomes:
Yearly income | Comfortable (28%) | Stretch (43%) |
|---|---|---|
$146,600 | $225,100 | |
$219,900 | $337,700 | |
$293,200 | $450,300 |
Comfortable keeps the house payment at 28% of your gross pay. Stretch is the 43% many lenders allow, and it only works if you have little other debt. That's about $13,000 more house than a 620 score buys at $75k.
Want the full monthly breakdown at those prices? See what the mortgage is on a $150k house, a $200k house and a $300k house.
Want your number with your actual income, debts and score? Run it in the calculator below.
How much do I need for a down payment with an 800 credit score?
Here's the cash down on a $300k house for each option that works with an 800:
Option | Down payment |
|---|---|
VA loan (eligible veterans and service members) | $0 |
USDA loan (eligible rural areas, income limits apply) | $0 |
Conventional, as little as 3% down | $9,000 |
$10,500 | |
5% down (what this page uses) | $15,000 |
20% down (no PMI) | $60,000 |
Under 20% down on a conventional loan, you'll pay PMI. It's not forever. You can ask your lender to cancel it once you owe 80% of the home's original value, and it ends automatically at 78% under federal law (CFPB). Your lender won't bring it up, so put a reminder on your calendar and ask.
This is NOT lending advice. Programs, limits and approvals change, and your lender sets the final numbers.
What an 800 score saves you compared to 620
Same $300k house, same 30-year fixed:
Compare | 800 score | 620 score |
|---|---|---|
Rate | 7.32% | 8.08% |
Monthly payment | $2,388 | $2,537 |
Interest over 30 years | $419,791 | $473,572 |
That's $149 a month and $53,781 in interest over the full 30 years that a 620 score pays and you don't.
Protect it until closing. A new car loan or a maxed-out card can knock you out of the top tier right before your rate gets locked.
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How to keep an 800 credit score
You're in the top tier. The job now is to not lose it before closing:
Don't open new credit until after closing. That means no new cards, no car loan and no financed furniture.
Keep balances low. Pay before the statement closes so a low balance is what gets reported.
Put every bill on autopay. One late payment can stay on your report for up to 7 years (CFPB).
Check your reports for errors. They're free every week at AnnualCreditReport.com.
Know someone who needs a better score? Send them our free 800 Credit in 8 Days course.
Next steps
Alright, now you know what an 800 score gets you. Here's what I'd do next:
Protect your score. Don't open anything new until after you close.
Get pre-approved and understand your program options. A pre-approval means a lender actually checked your credit and income. Sort out financing before you fall in love with a house.
Set your real budget. Start from the payment you're fine with, not the max you're approved for. Leave room for utilities, groceries and about 1% of the home's value a year for upkeep ($3,000 a year on a $300,000 house).
Vet your agent. Ask if it's a good time to buy. The honest answer is "it depends on you."
Buying in eastern Idaho or the Boise area? That's what we do at Bellhaven. Book a 15-minute call and we'll run your numbers with you.
FAQs
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