Mortgage Rates by Credit Score
Best Mortgage Rate for 680 Credit Score
A 680 credit score is solid. Conventional financing is fully open with moderate risk-based pricing adjustments. FHA still competes on certain LTVs. VA is available if you qualify. The pricer below shows all three side by side.
Want the full picture for your situation? You can pull a full readiness snapshot for your score - your three mortgage FICO scores and the programs you qualify for, from a soft pull that does not affect your score.
Conventional Loan Facts
- Down payment as low as 3% for first-time homebuyers, 5% for others
- Down payment assistance programs available to fully cover the 3% down payment
- Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) required below 80% LTV - automatically removed at 78%
- Maximum DTI typically 45%, up to 50% with strong compensating factors
- Minimum credit score generally 620; best rates at 740+
- Available for primary residence, second home, or investment property
- No upfront mortgage insurance premium - only monthly PMI if applicable
How 680 FICO Affects Pricing
| Program | Min FICO | Your standing at 680 | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conventional | 620 | Eligible | Risk-based pricing adjustments stack below 740 FICO |
| FHA | 580 (3.5% down) | Eligible | Most rate-friendly program at lower FICOs |
| VA | No published min | Eligible (subject to lender overlay) | 0% down, no MI - veteran/active-duty only |
Free readiness report
Not sure exactly what you qualify for? See it today.
A free Mortgage Readiness Report shows your three mortgage FICO scores and the loan programs and pricing open to you right now - no guesswork.
Get your free readiness reportSoft credit pull only - it does not affect your score.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best mortgage rate for a 680 credit score?+
The "best" rate depends on loan program, LTV, occupancy, and lock period. The pricer above returns live wholesale rates for a 680 FICO across Conventional, FHA, and VA. A 680 credit score is solid. Conventional financing is fully open with moderate risk-based pricing adjustments. FHA still competes on certain LTVs. VA is available if you qualify. The pricer below shows all three side by side.
Can I get a Conventional loan with a 680 FICO?+
Yes. 680 is well above the 620 Conventional minimum. Conventional financing is fully open with moderate risk-based pricing adjustments.
Is FHA or Conventional better at a 680 credit score?+
Usually FHA at this FICO. Conventional risk-based pricing adjustments stack on lower scores, often pushing the all-in cost above FHA even with the upfront MIP and monthly MIP. The pricer compares both directly.
Will I get a worse rate with a 680 FICO than someone with 780 FICO?+
Yes - on Conventional loans specifically. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac apply risk-based pricing adjustments based on FICO and LTV. The difference between a 680 FICO and a 780 FICO on a 95% LTV Conventional purchase can be roughly 0.5% to 1.5% in rate equivalent. FHA and VA pricing is less FICO-sensitive in middle brackets.
How can I improve my mortgage rate at 680?+
Three highest-impact moves: (1) increase your down payment to drop into a lower LTV bucket (each LTV bucket - 95, 90, 85, 80, 75 - is a meaningful pricing step), (2) pay off revolving balances to lift your FICO into the next 20-point bucket, (3) shop wholesale brokers vs retail. Rate Direct shows live wholesale pricing for your exact 680 FICO bucket.
Is the $2,000 Best Price Guarantee available at a 680 FICO?+
Yes - the Loan Factory $2,000 Best Price Guarantee is FICO-agnostic. It applies to qualifying fixed-rate Conventional, FHA, and VA loans of $200,000+ regardless of credit score, as long as the loan closes.
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