Which credit score does a conventional lender use?
The 'lower middle FICO' across all borrowers. For each borrower, the lender pulls all three bureau scores (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) and takes the middle. Across multiple borrowers, the lender uses the lower of those middles as the qualifying score.
What this actually means.
Example: Borrower A has scores 705, 712, 720 → middle is 712. Borrower B has scores 690, 695, 715 → middle is 695. The qualifying score for the file is 695 (lower of the two middles). LLPAs and PMI tier on that score. This is why one borrower's bad pull can hurt the whole file even if the other is strong.
Where this can move.
Recent late payments, thin credit history, disputed accounts, lender overlays, and AUS findings can change the answer.
Ask the question. Get the straight answer.
Send the scenario and I'll tell you what I'm seeing. No application fee. No long form just to get a basic answer.
More conventional questions on Credit.
Educational only. Conventional loan guidelines, lender overlays, rates, fees, PMI, LLPAs, and underwriting requirements can change. Final eligibility depends on full underwriting review. Mortgage Expert, Inc. is not affiliated with Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, FHFA, or any government agency.