Going into 2026, one question remains top of mind for homebuyers: What credit score do I need to secure the best mortgage rate? According to industry experts and recent data, the short answer might be higher than many expect, but it depends heavily on other financial factors too. Why Credit Score Matters — But Isn’t Everything Lisa Wheeler, Senior Home Loan Specialist at Churchill Mortgage, emphasizes that identifying the “best” mortgage rate isn’t as straightforward as picking a number. There are at lea ...