A 600 credit score is considered fair credit. Lenders see you as a somewhat higher risk, but not an impossible one. You won't qualify for the best interest rates, but you can qualify for a mortgage. We've already had multiple clients clear-to-close this year with FICO scores in the low 600s. Here's how to approach it.
Mortgage Options for a 600 Credit Score
There are several programs designed specifically for buyers with fair credit:
- FHA Loans: Backed by the Federal Housing Administration, FHA loans accept scores as low as 580 with 3.5% down. At 600, most lenders will work with you. For a deeper look at FHA mortgage insurance, see our guide on FHA MIP explained.
- VA Loans: For veterans and active military, VA loans don't have a strict minimum score and often close with scores in the 600s. No down payment is required and there's no monthly mortgage insurance.
- USDA Loans: For eligible rural areas, USDA loans offer zero down payment and sometimes accept scores in the 580 range. Worth checking for buyers outside major metro areas.
- Conventional Loans with Higher Rates: Technically possible at 620 and above, but with significant rate adjustments. For most buyers at 600, FHA or government programs are the stronger path.
The key is working with a lender who understands your options, not just the ones they typically offer. At 14 Days To Close, we show clients current rates across programs transparently before they commit to anything.
What Kind of Home Can You Buy?
With a 600 score, you're typically looking at starter homes, entry-level condos or townhomes, and mid-market properties priced within FHA loan limits. In Tampa Bay, Hillsborough County's 2026 FHA limit is $563,500 — which covers a solid portion of the market. Your income and debt-to-income ratio also determine your loan amount, sometimes more than the credit score itself.
How to Improve Your Approval Odds
A few things make a real difference when you apply with a 600 score. Saving for a larger down payment reduces lender risk and can offset a lower score. Paying down existing debts lowers your debt-to-income ratio, which is one of the main variables underwriters look at. Avoiding new credit applications in the 90 days before applying keeps your score from taking unnecessary hits from hard inquiries.
Managing Your Mortgage After Approval
Getting approved is step one. Staying in good standing is step two, and it's also how you build toward a better rate down the road. Make payments on time, keep an eye on your debt load, and refinance when your credit improves and you have enough equity. Many buyers who close with FHA at 600 refinance into a conventional loan within three to five years as their credit recovers and home values increase. That's a real, common outcome — not a sales pitch.
If you want to understand exactly how your score compares to conventional loan pricing, our guide on credit score requirements for conventional loans shows what the tiers look like and where the rate improvements kick in.
Give us a call at (813) 343-4775 or schedule a callback at a time that fits your schedule. We'll tell you exactly where you stand and what path makes sense for your numbers.
