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800 Credit Score Mortgage Rate: What Kind of Rates Can You Get?

An 800 credit score usually comes with low mortgage rates and can help you save thousands of dollars over the life of your loan.

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By Kim Porter

Written by

Kim Porter

Writer

Kim Porter is an expert in credit, mortgages, student loans, and debt management. She has been featured in U.S. News & World Report, Reviewed.com, Bankrate, Credit Karma, and more.

Edited by Chris Jennings

Written by

Chris Jennings

Chris Jennings is a Credible authority on mortgages and personal finance. His work has been featured by Fox Business, MSN, AOL, Yahoo Finance, and more.

Updated March 20, 2024

Editorial disclosure: Our goal is to give you the tools and confidence you need to improve your finances.

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If you've managed to earn a credit score of 800 or higher, congratulations! You’ve achieved one of the highest scores out there. Credit scores stretch from 300 to 850, and the average American’s score is 701 in 2024.

Generally, a high credit score shows you’ve managed debt responsibly in the past — and it comes with benefits. Aside from bragging rights, an exceptional credit score makes you an attractive borrower for mortgage lenders and puts the best interest rates within your reach.

How good is an 800 credit score?

Lenders tend to evaluate credit scores in ranges, and a credit score between 800 and 850 falls in the "excellent" range. People who achieve such a high score have generally shown they pay back borrowed money on time and don’t miss payments

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Here are just a few advantages to having an 800+ credit score:

  • You have a better chance at getting approved for a home loan
  • You may qualify for a low mortgage rate
  • You have more power to negotiate your interest rate and closing costs

Learn More: What Is a Mortgage Rate and How Do They Work?

Average mortgage rates for an 800 credit score

Your credit score plays a big part in whether you’ll qualify for a mortgage and receive a good interest rate.

The table below shows a sampling of interest rates from our partner lenders.

These rates reflect the annual percentage rate (APR), which includes the interest rate plus lender fees. The APR is a good metric to check when comparing mortgage offers because it reflects the total cost of borrowing. Qualifying for a lower APR can help you save thousands of dollars over the life of the loan.

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For example:

A high credit score might net you an APR of 6.233% on a 30-year, $200,000 mortgage with a monthly payment of $1,198 (not including insurance or taxes).

On the other hand, a borrower with a 620 credit score might receive an APR of 6.592% and pay $1,248 per month. That $50 difference in monthly payments adds up to $18,000 over the life of the loan. Use our mortgage calculator to dive deeper into the numbers and understand your unique situation.

But you don’t need to seek perfection. If you can improve your credit score by just a few points, it might put you in the next credit score range and make you eligible for a better interest rate.

Learn More: APR vs. Interest Rate: Understanding the Difference

Other factors behind your mortgage rate

While having a good credit score can help you get a low mortgage rate, it isn’t the only factor driving your offer. Lenders also examine broader economic trends and other areas of your financial life when determining rates. Some examples include:

Mortgage programs
Conventional, FHA, VA, USDA
Fixed-rate loan terms
8 to 30 years
Variable-rate loan terms
Contact your broker for information about ARM loans
Rates and fees
Rates vary by loan type and borrower qualifications
Min. credit score
620
Min. down payment
  • Conventional: 3%
  • FHA: 3.5%
  • USDA: 0%
  • VA: 0%

While some of these factors are out of your control, you can work on other areas to boost your chances of getting a low mortgage rate — regardless of your credit score. Here are some factors you can control:

  • Down payment: Putting down at least 20% can help you avoid private mortgage insurance. And because the lender is taking on less risk, you’ll likely get a break on the interest rate.
  • Loan size: Getting a particularly big mortgage might mean paying a higher interest rate. If possible, look for homes that are cheaper or increase your down payment so the loan size shrinks.
  • Loan term: Generally, shorter loan terms have lower interest rates because the lender is extending risk for a shorter period of time. Compare interest rates and monthly payment amounts on different loan terms —such as 15, 20, and 30 years— to see what you can afford.
  • Debt-to-income ratio: Your DTI ratio compares how much of your monthly income goes toward paying debt. A lower DTI ratio — around 43% or less — may help you qualify for a low mortgage rate.

With Credible, you can compare loan options from our partner lenders in just a few minutes.

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It only takes 3 minutes to see if you qualify for an instant streamlined pre-approval letter, without affecting your credit.

Meet the expert:
Kim Porter

Kim Porter is an expert in credit, mortgages, student loans, and debt management. She has been featured in U.S. News & World Report, Reviewed.com, Bankrate, Credit Karma, and more.