To boost your chances of mortgage approval, focus on improving your credit score—especially if it’s below 620. Steps include paying down balances, disputing errors, becoming an authorized user, and using tools like Experian Boost. Since most lenders want a credit score of 620+, targeting that benchmark can significantly impact your loan terms and approval odds. Even a 20-point increase could save you thousands over the life of your mortgage.
Why Credit Score Matters Before a Mortgage
Your score decides everything:
- Whether you get approved or rejected
- Your interest rate (which affects your monthly payment)
- The kind of loan you qualify for (FHA, VA, Conventional, etc.)
Even a 20-point bump can save you tens of thousands over the life of a loan. Facts.
You don’t need a perfect 800. But how to improve your credit score before applying for a mortgage should be priority #1 when you’re planning to buy.
Step 1: Know EXACTLY What’s In Your Credit Report
You ever try to fix something without even looking at it? That’s what most people do with credit.
Request your full credit reports from:
- AnnualCreditReport.com — legit and free from all 3 bureaus
You’re looking for:
- Late payments
- Collections
- Charge-offs
- Maxed out cards
- Anything that looks off
Pro Tip: Look out for duplicates. A collection sold to another agency might show up twice. Dispute one.
If you’re not sure whether something’s hurting you, check your report against this guide on credit utilization and mortgages.
Step 2: Handle the Ugly Stuff First
Let’s keep it real—derogatory marks are credit-killers. Here’s what I’d do:
- Late Payments — If they’re old, leave them. If they’re newer, try a goodwill letter if you had a legit reason (medical, etc.). Some lenders will remove them.
- Collections — Before paying, call and ask: “If I pay in full, will you remove it from all 3 bureaus?” Get it in writing. That’s a pay-for-delete.
- Charge-Offs — These suck, not gonna lie. Handle them last. Focus on removing the smaller stuff first for the quickest wins.
Step 3: Pay Down Balances (Almost to Zero)
This one alone can swing your score by 20 to 80 points. I’ve seen it.
Your credit utilization ratio = how much you owe vs. how much credit you’ve been given across your cards.
- Under 30% = decent
- Under 10% = better
- Paid to $0 before statement closes = score boost like crazy
Let’s say you’ve got a Capital One card with a $1,000 limit. You’re using $950. That’s 95% utilization. That’s dragging your score like an anchor.
Drop it to $90? Now you’re golden.
This is one of the fastest ways on how to improve your credit score before applying for a mortgage.
Step 4: Become an Authorized User (Leverage Someone Else’s Credit)
Not proud of your history? Borrow someone else’s—legally.
Ask a parent, sibling, cousin, buddy who:
- Has a card 5+ years old
- Uses 10% or less of their limit
- Always pays on time
If they add you as an authorized user, their card can show up on your report and boost your score.
No shame in the hack game. Big players use this move all the time.
Step 5: Don’t Apply for New Credit Right Before Your Mortgage
This one’s simple—but people mess it up constantly.
Don’t:
- Buy a new car
- Open a new credit card
- Get store financing for a new couch
Lenders see it as a red flag. Putting new debt on your profile makes you riskier to them—especially in the months before applying.
Need help figuring out what not to do? Hit up this blog on mistakes to avoid before a mortgage.
Step 6: Dispute Errors That Don’t Belong
If you spot accounts that aren’t yours or wrong balances—don’t let them sit.
File disputes directly with:
- Experian
- Equifax
- TransUnion
Also notify the company that reported the item (called the furnisher). Don’t wait. Errors take 30 days to investigate. If you’re serious about homeownership, your timeline matters.
Step 7: Use Self-Reporting to Boost Your Score
This ain’t magic. Just using all available tools.
- Experian Boost: Adds utility bills and streaming services
- Rent Reporters / CreditMyRent: Adds rent payments
If you’ve been paying those on time, put them to work for you. Doesn’t work for everyone, but when it does—it helps fast.
How Long Does It Take to Raise My Score?
Every case is different—but let me give it to you straight:
- Disputes = 30 days (sometimes 45)
- Authorized user = 30 days or less
- Paydown cards = updates after statement closes (mostly monthly)
- Collections deleted = 30-60 days
If you’re 580-600 now, with hustle, you can hit 620+ in 2-3 months. To speed up your plan, check out these ways to get mortgage-ready faster.
1. What credit score do I need to buy a house?
Most lenders want a credit score of 620+. FHA loans may accept lower scores, but you’ll need a higher down payment.
2. How can I quickly raise my credit score before applying for a mortgage?
Pay down credit card balances, dispute errors, and consider becoming an authorized user on someone else’s long-standing, low-utilization account.
3. How long does it take to improve my credit score?
With focused effort, you can raise your score in 2–3 months. Actions like paying down debt and resolving disputes typically update within 30–60 days.
4. Can I use rent or utility payments to help my credit?
Yes! Tools like Experian Boost and rent reporting services can add positive history to your report—potentially giving your score a helpful lift.
Conclusion:
Improving your credit score before applying for a mortgage is one of the smartest financial moves you can make. Most lenders want a credit score of 620+, and hitting that mark can unlock better rates and loan options. With strategies like paying down balances, disputing errors, and using tools like Experian Boost, it’s possible to raise your score in just a few months—bringing you closer to homeownership.