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Financing · Fannie Mae B3-5.1-01Minimum credit score for a conventional loan: what Fannie Mae requires in 2026

Under Fannie Mae's current Selling Guide (April 22, 2026 update), a minimum credit score is not required for loans underwritten through Desktop Underwriter (DU): DU assesses creditworthiness from the credit report data and its own risk factors, though lenders must still order scores from all three credit bureaus. For manually underwritten loans the minimum is 620 for fixed-rate loans and 640 for adjustable-rate mortgages, with the full requirements set by the Eligibility Matrix. Loans insured or guaranteed by FHA, VA or RD that are sold to Fannie Mae need a 620 representative score. Approved score models are classic FICO, VantageScore 4.0 and FICO 10T, which Fannie Mae is phasing in. Individual lenders often keep their own higher minimum, so the buyer's loan officer has the final word.

Minimums (B3-5.1-01)

  1. DU loans

    No minimum credit score – DU evaluates the credit report itself.

  2. Manual – fixed rate

    620.

  3. Manual – ARM

    640.

  4. FHA, VA, RD sold to Fannie

    620 representative score.

  5. Exceptions

    No-score borrowers with nontraditional credit, some HomeReady manual loans, high LTV refinances.

Score models

  • Classic FICO from all three bureaus is required today.
  • VantageScore 4.0 is eligible for approved lenders.
  • FICO 10T is approved; Fannie Mae will announce when lenders can deliver loans with it.

What it means for the deal

  • "Fannie has no minimum" does not mean every lender will approve – ask about the lender's overlay.
  • A late payment or new debt during the deal can still change the DU result.
  • Frozen credit at a bureau can slow the loan – the buyer may need to lift the freeze.

Questions buyers ask

What credit score do I need for a conventional loan?

For Fannie Mae loans underwritten through DU there is no minimum credit score; manually underwritten loans need 620 (fixed) or 640 (ARM). Your lender may require more (B3-5.1-01).

Did Fannie Mae drop the 620 minimum?

For DU loan casefiles, yes – the current Selling Guide says a minimum credit score is not required for them. The 620/640 minimums remain for manual underwriting.

Which credit scores does Fannie Mae use?

Classic FICO from all three bureaus today; VantageScore 4.0 for approved lenders; FICO 10T is approved and being implemented.

Related guides

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Source: Fannie Mae Selling Guide B3-5.1-01, General Requirements for Credit Scores (04/22/2026), selling-guide.fanniemae.com, read October 25, 2026.

General information about Fannie Mae conventional loans, not legal or financial advice. Lenders often add stricter rules (overlays), and FHA, VA and USDA loans have their own. ClosingCode is software; it is not a lender. This guide is not a substitute for the advice or services of an attorney.