Cash-Out Refinancing | Cambridge Credit Counseling (2024)

FAQs

What credit score is needed for cash-out refinance? ›

Just as you did with your original mortgage, you'll need to meet qualifying criteria to be eligible for a cash-out refinance. These requirements include: Credit score: You'll generally need a credit score of at least 620 to qualify.

Minimum 640 credit score

Conventional cash-out refinance guidelines require a 640 score. Meanwhile, the VA doesn't set a minimum score, but many lenders also set their own at 620. FHA loans are the exception, and borrowers may qualify with scores as low as 500. Learn more about FHA cash-out refinances.

Unlike other refinancing options, cash-out refinancing is open to people with fair and poor credit. While home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) and home equity loans require applicants to have minimum FICO^® Scores^☉ between 660 and 700, a cash-out refinance lender may be satisfied with less.

Usually, the limit for the amount of cash you can receive is 80% of the value of your home. However, there are some exceptions. For instance, if you're a veteran using a VA Cash-Out Refinance you may be eligible to refinance up to 100% of the value of your house.

When you want a cash out refinance using a conventional loan, we can often accept a minimum credit score of 620. When you want a VA loan cash out refinance, we can often accept a minimum credit score of 550. When you want an FHA loan cash out refinance, we can often accept a minimum credit score of 550.

Expect a cash-out refinance to take 45 to 60 days, but with a little help, you may speed up the processing time. The faster you provide documentation and secure the appraisal, the faster your lender can underwrite and process your loan. It's a team effort to get the cash in hand that you want from your home equity.

The process of getting approved for a cash out refinance tends to be faster than a HELOC or home equity loan, but how long does it actually take? If you ask a loan officer, they'll most likely say anywhere from 30 to 45 days.

How long does a cash-out refinance take? A cash-out refinance typically takes 30 to 45 days to complete.

A score below 620 is generally a bad score for refinancing. This is the minimum score required for most refinancing options. While you can still refinance with a lower score (with an FHA refinance, for instance, you need a minimum of 580), you will have fewer choices.

If your score is lower than 620, this could make it difficult to qualify for a home equity loan with many lenders. Calculate your debt-to-income ratio. This is the amount of monthly debts you're obligated to pay, relative to your monthly income. The lower this number is, the better.

Is it smart to do a cash-out refinance? ›

The benefits of a cash-out refinance include access to money at potentially a lower interest rate, plus tax deductions if you itemize. On the down side, a cash-out refinance increases your debt burden and depletes your equity. It could also mean you're paying your mortgage for longer.

Compared to HELOCs, cash-out refinances are less risky for lenders, meaning they are often able to provide lower interest rates – though you may need to anticipate higher upfront fees in the form of closing costs.

You'll usually need at least 20% equity in your home to qualify for a cash-out refinance. In other words, you'll need to have paid off at least 20% of the current appraised value of the house.

If you want to do a cash-out refinance, know that you'll need a credit score of at least 580 for an FHA cash-out refinance or 620 for most other cash-out refinances. Otherwise, explore your options and see if refinancing right now is the best financial choice for you.

Credit score for cash-out refinance

The lowest credit score you can have for a cash-out refinance is 620. With a higher score, you might be able to cash out more, depending on your existing equity level.

FHA Rate-and-Term Refinance

You may be able to do a rate-and-term FHA refinance with a credit score of 500 to 580, but those loans can be hard to access. That's because you have to find an FHA-approved lender, and lenders can add their own guidelines to the FHA's rules.