Side by side
| FHA Loan | Conventional Loan | |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum credit | 580 (500 w/ 10% down) | 620 |
| Minimum down | 3.5% | 3% (first-time) |
| Mortgage insurance | 1.75% upfront + annual; often life of loan | PMI, removable at 80% LTV |
| Occupancy | Primary only | Primary, second, investment |
| Max DTI | Higher with AUS | Up to ~50% |
Figures are typical market ranges as of October 2026. Actual terms depend on the lender, your credit, the property and the program, and are confirmed on your Loan Estimate or term sheet.
Explore each option
Home loan
FHA Loans
An FHA loan is a government-insured mortgage that allows 3.5% down with a credit score of 580 or higher, or 10% down with a score from 500 to 579.
Learn more ›
Home loanConventional Loans
A conventional loan is a mortgage not insured by the government that follows Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac guidelines.
Learn more ›
Other comparisons
- DSCR Loan vs Conventional Investment Loan
- Bank Statement Loan vs Conventional Loan
- VA Loan vs FHA Loan
- Fix and Flip Loan vs Hard Money Loan
- Bridge Loan vs HELOC
- Cash-Out Refinance vs HELOC
- DSCR Loan vs Bank Statement Loan
- Lender-Paid Compensation vs Borrower-Paid Compensation
- Fixed-Rate Mortgage vs Adjustable-Rate Mortgage
- DSCR Loans vs Hard Money Loans
- Bank Statement Loans vs Conventional Loans
- Fix and Flip Loans vs HELOC for Renovations
- Cash-Out Refinance vs HELOC for Investors
- FHA Loan vs Conventional Loan
- 15-Year Mortgage vs 30-Year Mortgage
- Buying a Rental with Cash vs Financing a Rental Property
- Local Mortgage Broker vs Rocket Mortgage
- USDA Loan vs FHA Loan
- HELOC vs Home Equity Loan
- DSCR Loan vs Hard Money Loan
- 15-Year Mortgage vs 30-Year Mortgage
- Second Home Loan vs Investment Property Loan
- Warrantable Condo vs Non-Warrantable Condo