What credit score do I need for a home loan?

An excellent, very good or good credit score means your score shouldn't impact your chances of getting a loan. Once you get below that, you need to make some financial changes.

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How does your credit score affect your chances of getting a home loan? Unfortunately, this question is difficult to answer. Lenders in Australia don’t make their credit criteria public. Moreover, most lenders don’t rely solely on your Experian score to determine whether or not you’re at risk of default. Instead, they use their own internal credit assessments along with your score.

How your credit score affects your home loan

While it’s tough to definitively state what the cut-off point is for a home loan, Experian scores do have benchmarks that can be useful in getting an idea of how likely you are to be approved for a home loan.

  • Excellent: A score between 800-1,000 is considered Excellent. This means you are at extremely low risk of defaulting in the next 12 months. If your score is in this range, you’re unlikely to run into any trouble getting a home loan.
  • Very Good: A score from 700-799 is considered Very Good and puts you in the second-top tier of creditworthiness. Most lenders would look very favourably on you.
  • Good: A score from 625-699 is classified as Good. This still puts you in good standing and the likelihood of an adverse event occurring on your credit file in the next 12 months is considered below average.
  • Fair: A score from 550-624 puts you in the Fair category. This means you’re likely to suffer an adverse event on your credit file in the next 12 months. Keep in mind, though, that lenders will still take into account their own assessments, as well as your income and liabilities.
  • Weak: Any score below 549 puts you in the Weak category. Lenders consider the likelihood of an adverse credit event high. You may have trouble obtaining finance from traditional lenders.

Credit scores for bad credit borrowers

A credit score in the bottom two categories isn’t necessarily a death sentence for your dreams of homeownership. There are lenders who specialise in offering home loans to borrowers with bad credit. They’ll take a more hands-on approach in assessing your credit history, taking into account extenuating circumstances. You’ll end up paying more in interest, but you’ll also have the opportunity to begin rebuilding your credit history.

Read more about home loans for borrowers with bad credit

What is my credit score?

Credit scoring provides a measure of your risk of future default based on your credit history. Each credit reporting body measures credit scores differently. If you get your free credit score from finder it will be delivered from Experian and will be a number between 0 and 1,000. The higher the number, the better your credit score is.

How do I find out my credit score?

You can access your Experian Score for free through finder. You'll get a copy of your score as well as your full credit report. You can also get tips on how to improve your credit score.

Remember, a low score may limit your options, but it doesn't necessarily close the door on your homeownership ambitions. Even with a less-than-perfect credit history, there may still be home loan options available to you.

Get your free credit score now

How is my credit score calculated?

Your credit score consists of a variety of factors from your credit history, including:

  • Number of credit enquiries. Applying for a lot of credit cards or loans can adversely affect your credit score.
  • Defaults. If you’ve defaulted on a debt, this will impact your credit score.
  • Type of credit applied for. Your credit score will be different depending on the type of credit and the size of the loan you’re after. Mortgages are calculated using a different risk profile than something like a personal loan.
  • Court writs or judgements. Any writs or default judgements will negatively impact your score.
  • Payment history. This is where the “positive” in positive credit reporting comes in. Your credit file will also reflect your on-time payments, which can help balance out some negative marks.

Compare today's home loan rates

$
years
Name Product Interest Rate (p.a.) Comp. Rate (p.a.) Fees Monthly Payment

UBank UHomeLoan Fixed P&IHome 1Y Fixed≥ 20% Deposit

UBank UHomeLoan Fixed
1.79%
2.32%
  • App: $0
  • Ongoing: $0 p.a.
$540
Fix your mortgage for 1 year with a very competitive rate and no ongoing fees.

loans.com.au Smart Booster Discount Variable Home Loan P&IHome≥ 20% Deposit

loans.com.au Smart Booster Discount Variable Home Loan
1.85%
2.21%
  • App: $0
  • Ongoing: $0 p.a.
$545
Get a low discounted variable rate loan. Requires a 20% deposit. Get your loan processed fast and settle within 30 days.

Athena Variable Home Loan P&IHome≥ 40% Deposit

Athena Variable Home  Loan
1.99%
1.99%
  • App: $0
  • Ongoing: $0 p.a.
$555
Owner occupiers with 40% deposits or equity can get this competitive variable rate loan. No upfront or ongoing fees.

Nano Variable Home Loans P&IHome≥ 25% Deposit Refi Only

Nano Variable Home Loans
1.99%
1.99%
  • App: $0
  • Ongoing: $0 p.a.
$555
Switch to this competitive variable rate with zero fees. Requires a 25% deposit.

HSBC Fixed Rate Home Loan Package P&IHome 2Y Fixed≥ 20% Deposit

HSBC Fixed Rate Home Loan Package
1.88%
2.86%
  • App: $0
  • Ongoing: $390 p.a.
$547
$3,288 refinance cashback offer
Lock in a low fixed rate for 2 years and buy your home with a 20% deposit. Eligible refinancers borrowing $250,000 or more can get a $3,288 cashback. Terms and conditions apply.
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