The Short Answer
You need a minimum of 660 FICO for the standard DSCR refinance program. 650+ FICO qualifies for Program 7 at up to 75% LTV. 500+ FICO qualifies for Program 7 at 50% LTV. Here is the complete tier-by-tier breakdown.
Credit Score LTV Grid
Standard Program: 660+ FICO
The standard program is the most competitive rate tier. 680+ FICO qualifies for up to 80% LTV. 660–679 FICO qualifies for up to 70% LTV. Both tiers: no income docs, no W-2s, qualify on rental income. DSCR must be 1.0 or above on the standard program.
Expanded Program: 660+ FICO, More Flexibility
The expanded program also starts at 660 FICO but provides access to scenarios the standard program excludes: sub-1.0 DSCR properties (floor 0.75), Section 8 rentals, and small balance loans from $50,000. Rates are higher than standard: typically 0.5–1.0% above.
Program 7: 650+ FICO and 500+ FICO
Program 7 is our highest-rate expanded credit program for long-term rental (LTR) properties 1–4 units only. 650+ FICO qualifies for up to 75% LTV. 500+ FICO qualifies for up to 50% LTV. No minimum DSCR requirement on Program 7: a significant advantage for sub-1.0 situations.
How Credit Score Affects Your Rate
Credit score is one of three primary rate factors on DSCR loans: alongside LTV and DSCR ratio. A 660 FICO borrower will pay a higher rate than a 720 FICO borrower at the same LTV. The difference is typically 0.25–0.75% in rate depending on the spread between tiers.
Rate Factors on DSCR Loans
Credit score: higher score = lower rate
LTV: lower LTV = lower rate
DSCR ratio — higher DSCR = lower rate (at 1.0+)
What to Do if Your Credit Is Below 660
- Check for errors on your credit report: disputing inaccurate items can improve score within 30–60 days
- Pay down revolving utilization below 30%: this has the fastest positive impact on score
- Avoid new credit inquiries for 60–90 days before applying
- If timeline is urgent and equity exists, Program 7 provides a real path at 500+ FICO on LTR properties
Know Your Credit Score?
Submit your deal: we'll tell you which program fits. No credit pull to get a rate.
Submit Deal Summary →The Bottom Line
660 FICO is the standard floor. But 500 FICO is the actual floor through Program 7. Most investors at any credit tier above 500 with equity in an LTR property have at least one viable refinance program. The key variable is the rate you'll pay: higher credit score always means lower cost of capital.