VA Loan Rates for Apr 18, 2026
Check your VA rate now—$0 down, no PMI. Eligible veterans and service members can save thousands. Compare rates below and get a personalized quote in minutes.
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VA Loan Highlights
Eligible veterans and service members get $0 down, no PMI, and competitive rates. Here's what makes the VA loan one of the best benefits in the military.
$0 down
100% financing—no down payment required. Keep your savings for moving, repairs, or reserves. One of the biggest benefits of the VA loan.
No PMI
Unlike conventional loans with less than 20% down, VA loans never require private mortgage insurance. That can save hundreds per month.
Competitive rates
The VA guarantee reduces lender risk, so you often get lower rates than conventional. Shop multiple lenders to find your best rate.
Reusable benefit
Your VA loan benefit never expires. Pay off a loan and your entitlement restores. You can even have two VA loans at once in some cases.
COE required
You need a Certificate of Eligibility from the VA. Most veterans get it in minutes online. Your lender can help you obtain it.
No loan limits
With full entitlement, there are no VA-imposed caps. Your borrowing power is based on income, credit, and what you can afford.
Why VA Works for Veterans
The VA loan was designed to reward military service. If you're eligible, it's often the most affordable path to homeownership—no down payment, no PMI, and competitive rates.
$0 down, no PMI
Keep your savings. No down payment, no PMI—unlike conventional.
Lower total cost with less than 20% down
One-time funding fee vs. years of PMI. Compare total costs, not just rates.
Reusable benefit
Pay off a VA loan and your entitlement restores. Use it again for your next home.
VA at a Glance
Funding fee at a glance
VA charges a one-time funding fee (1.25%–3.3%) instead of monthly PMI. It can be financed into the loan. Veterans with VA disability compensation and certain surviving spouses are exempt.
First-time use with $0 down is typically 2.3%; subsequent use is higher. Your lender will calculate your exact fee.
Loan limits
With full entitlement, there are no VA loan limits. Your borrowing power is based on income, credit, and what you can afford—not a cap.
Partial entitlement or subsequent use may have county-based limits. Your lender will confirm your eligibility.
Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
A COE confirms your service requirements are met—you need one before a lender can close a VA loan. Most veterans can get one in minutes at the VA's eBenefits portal, but the easiest path is letting your lender pull it for you.
VA-approved lenders have direct access to the VA's system and can request your COE electronically as part of the pre-approval process—no extra steps on your end.
Get a COE from a Lender →VA vs Conventional
VA often wins when putting less than 20% down—no PMI can offset the one-time funding fee. Conventional can compete with 20% down and strong credit.
VA Borrower Eligibility
These are the main boxes a borrower needs to check. Your lender runs the actual numbers.
Service requirements
Veterans with 90+ consecutive days during wartime or 181+ days during peacetime, active-duty members after 90 days, National Guard / Reserves with 6+ years of service, and certain surviving spouses qualify. Basic training and AIT alone do not count. Discharge must be other than dishonorable.
Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
A COE from the VA confirms you meet service requirements. Most veterans get one in minutes through the VA's eBenefits portal or via their lender. Your lender can typically pull it for you as part of the pre-approval process.
Credit score
The VA sets no minimum credit score, but most lenders look for 620+. Some VA lenders accept lower scores with compensating factors. Shopping multiple lenders matters—requirements vary.
Debt-to-income (DTI) & residual income
VA uses a residual income test—money left after all monthly obligations—rather than a strict DTI cap. Most lenders use 41% DTI as a guideline, but strong residual income can offset a higher ratio. This makes VA underwriting more flexible than conventional.
Income & employment
Stable, documented income is required. Be prepared to explain gaps or job changes. Self-employed borrowers typically need two years of tax returns. Your lender sets the exact documentation list.
Funding fee
A one-time funding fee (1.25%–3.3% of the loan) replaces monthly PMI and can be financed into the loan. Veterans receiving VA disability compensation and certain surviving spouses are exempt. Your lender will calculate your exact fee.
Primary residence
The home must be your main residence. VA loans cannot be used for investment properties or second homes. You must intend to occupy the property within the timeframe required by VA and your purchase contract.
Bankruptcy & foreclosure
VA uses fixed waiting windows. Rough guide: Chapter 7 ≈ 2 years from discharge; Chapter 13 ≈ 1 year+ in the plan with trustee approval; foreclosure ≈ 2 years from completion. Documented extenuating circumstances may shorten the wait.
VA Property Eligibility
The home must fit VA rules—property type, condition, and minimum property requirements.
Eligible properties
Single-family homes, VA-approved condos, and 2–4 unit properties (you must live in one unit). Some manufactured homes that meet VA standards also qualify. Investment-only purchases are not allowed.
VA appraisal & MPRs
The home must pass a VA appraisal and meet Minimum Property Requirements (safety, soundness, sanitation). Properties needing significant repairs may require fixes before closing unless using a VA renovation loan.
Loan limits
With full entitlement, there are no VA-imposed loan limits—your borrowing power is based on income and credit. Partial entitlement (e.g., an existing VA loan) may have county-based limits. See VA at a Glance above.
No PMI
VA loans never require private mortgage insurance. The one-time funding fee is the only VA-specific cost beyond principal and interest—and it can be rolled into the loan or waived for eligible veterans.
Ready to see if you fit? Get a Quote from a Lender or connect with a lender to confirm your COE and compare VA against other loan options.
Not sure if VA is your best option?
Talk with a VA-approved lender about your service history, COE, and budget to compare VA, FHA, and conventional options side by side.
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