Conventional loans don't have a single hard-coded minimum credit score the way government-backed loans publish; instead, individual lenders set their own overlays on top of what investors like Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will purchase.
How the tiers generally work
Most lenders price conventional loans in credit-score bands, with the most favorable pricing reserved for borrowers well above the minimum. Scores closer to the minimum a lender accepts are still often approvable but typically come with a rate add-on or increased mortgage insurance cost.
What to do before you apply
- Pull your own credit reports and dispute any errors well before you shop for a loan.
- Avoid opening new credit lines or making large purchases in the months before applying.
- Ask a few California lenders directly what tier your current score falls into and what it would take to move up one tier.
General information only — actual credit requirements are set by individual lenders and can change.