These rural-focused loans generally require a 640, though some lenders may consider lower scores with a deeper manual review.
Because these loans exceed standard limits (over $832,750 in 2026), they require much higher credit scores and larger down payments. Score Tiers and Interest Rates (March 2026) is my credit good enough to buy a house
While the Department of Veterans Affairs doesn't set a hard floor, most private lenders set their own "overlays" between 580 and 620 . These rural-focused loans generally require a 640, though
Lenders use different thresholds based on the risk associated with each loan program: 750 in 2026)