Will the lender check my wife's credit even though shes not on mortgage?

If she has a lower credit score, and her income is not needed, do not include her on the application. You can add her to the ownership title after the loan has closed.

NO...how would they, if you don't apply with her name as co-borrower, they have no legal right to pull her credit

No, she is not on the loan... why would we check her credit? Secondly, inquiries lowering credit scores is more of a myth than a reality in 95% of all cases.

Hi Cyrus: As long as your wife is not the mortgage they wont need her credit and wont check her credit scores! Also if you have further questions you are more than welcome to call me directly 714 639 6694!Cheers,Shab

If you are allying for FHA financing the YES... you will need to have both you and your wife's DEBT considered and the joint credit report is required. This is a new rule that seems to have escaped some of my fellow bankers in their answers. Its OK... that why people pick me to help facilitate their home financing.

It depends on which loan product your applying for and where you live.. Arizona is a community property state, and as such, FHA requires the lender to look at the non-borrowing spouse's credit report and match up the liabilities.. if the non-borrowing spouse has individual debt, then the payments for that debt is added to the borrowers debt and the debt to income ratios are re calculated. Under conventional guidelines, this is not an issue, but for government loans in a community property state, it is.. I'm a Broker here in Scottsdale AZ and I only lend in Arizona. If you or someone you know is looking for financing options, feel free to contact me or pass along my information. William J. Acres, Lender411's number ONE lender in Arizona. 480-287-5714 WilliamAcres.com

Obviously there is a difference of opinion here. The real answer is that depending on the loan type a lender will need to pull your wifes credit. But what is the lender doing? The lender is looking for your wifes debts not her fico score! If you qualify with her debt then pulling her credit will not impact your ability to get a loan. This process will not affect her either.