Which credit score do mortgage lenders actually use?
Not the one on Credit Karma. Mortgage lenders pull a tri-merge credit report with your mortgage FICO scores from all three bureaus (Experian FICO 2, TransUnion FICO 4, Equifax FICO 5) and use the middle score of the three. If two people are on the loan, the lender uses the lower middle score between the borrowers. Consumer apps like Credit Karma show VantageScore, which often runs 20–60 points different from your mortgage FICO.
What if your score is below 580?
You still have options in Kentucky. FHA allows scores from 500–579 with 10% down, and FHA and VA both permit manual underwriting, where an underwriter weighs compensating factors: 12 months of clean rent history, low debt-to-income ratio, cash reserves, or steady job time. A rapid rescore through your lender can also update paid-down balances in 3–7 days instead of waiting a full reporting cycle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum credit score to buy a house in Kentucky in 2026?
For most buyers, 580 with an FHA loan and 3.5% down. Conventional and KHC loans need 620, USDA needs 640 for automated approval, and VA technically has no minimum — most lenders look for 580 and up.
Can I get a Kentucky mortgage with a 500 credit score?
Possibly. FHA allows 500–579 with 10% down and manual underwriting. Approval depends on compensating factors like rent history, reserves, and debt-to-income ratio.
Do lenders use Credit Karma scores?
No. Credit Karma shows Vanta
