9 Best VA Loan Lenders of June 2022

A VA loan is a military benefit that doesn’t require a down payment or private mortgage insurance (PMI). However, your credit score and credit history may still affect whether a lender is willing to offer you a loan with zero down payment.

Our guide to the best VA loan lenders covers the type of loans available, a step-by-step guide to the application process, and the Veterans Affairs (VA)’s service requirements.

Our Top Picks for Best VA Loan Lenders

Best VA Loan Lenders Reviews

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Pros

• 24/7 customer service
• Borrow money to pay for energy-efficient improvements
• No-obligation credit counseling service
• Access to over 6,000 real estate agents

Cons

• High fees and rates
• In-person service in 18 states

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HIGHLIGHTS

Minimum Credit Score

620

Minimum Down Payment

$0 for qualifying borrowers

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Veterans United offers every mortgage loan product available under the VA loan program — fixed and adjustable loans, IRRRL loans, cash-out refinance loans, and jumbo loans — except home equity loans and HELOCs. The lender also offers VA energy efficient mortgages, allowing veterans to borrow additional money to pay for qualified improvements like solar heating, cooling systems and storm or thermal windows.

Lender fees and rates are slightly higher than other lenders’. To get a rate quote, you can fill out an online form or call Veterans United to speak to a loan specialist. You can also check your eligibility for $0 down payment on the lender’s Complete Guide to VA Home Loan section — one of the many educational features available on the website.

Why we chose it: We chose Veterans United for its wide array of loan products, online approvals and 24/7 help over the phone.

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Pros

• Fully online application process
• Loan approval for DTI ratios as high as 60%
• Instant employment and income verification
• Custom fixed-rate loan terms

Cons

• Higher fees and average mortgage rates
• No branch offices

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HIGHLIGHTS

Minimum Credit Score

620

Minimum Down Payment

0% on VA loans

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Quicken Loans by Rocket Mortgage has over 3,000 mortgage brokers available to help. Applying for a mortgage can start with either a phone call or by filling out a fully online loan application. It’s worth noting that if you choose to talk to a loan officer, you will speak to the same person throughout the loan process. Quicken’s website also lists common interest rates and loans

Quicken doesn’t offer home equity loans or home equity lines of credit because they’re a non-depository lender. However, it does offer a full selection of custom fixed-rate VA home loans through its YOURgage loan program, where you can pick any term from 8 to 29 years. For eleven years running, Quicken has also been the highest-ranked lender in the J.D. Power U.S. Primary Mortgage Origination Satisfaction Study.

Why we chose it: We chose Quicken Loans by Rocket Mortgage for its online convenience, high customer satisfaction and custom fixed-rate loan terms.

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Pros

• Access to the USAA Real Estate network
• No underwriting or documentation fees
• USAA Home Learning Center
• High customer satisfaction ratings

Cons

• Must be a military or military spouse
• Lacks a fully online application process
• No cash-out refinances

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HIGHLIGHTS

Minimum Credit Score

620

Minimum Down Payment

$0 for qualifying borrowers

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USAA charges no fees, except for the VA-mandated 1% origination fee on home loans.

USAA also pays for the appraisal, title, and VA funding fee for its streamlined mortgage refinance loans (IRRRL), meaning no additional out-of-pocket expenses for its customers. The bank also offers VA jumbo loans up to $3 million.

USAA’s online platform allows customers to determine loan eligibility, upload documents, estimate how much they qualify for and get pre-approved. However, the application cannot be finalized online. This lender favors phone service and employs dedicated loan officers to guide customers through every step of the borrowing process.

Why we chose it: We chose USAA Bank for its low origination fees, quick online prequalification process and strong suit of banking products.

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Pros

• Get $9,000 cash back when working with a real estate agent in the Navy Federal RealtyPlus Network
• Lock in your rate with Freedom Lock
• Real Match Guarantee
• No-down payment home loans

Cons

• Membership is limited to current and former military, their spouses, and certain federal employees, contractors, and retirees
• No customized rates before you apply

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HIGHLIGHTS

Minimum Credit Score

Not disclosed

Minimum Down Payment

$0 for qualifying borrowers

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Navy Federal Credit Union offers two types of mortgage products — the HomeBuyers Choice Mortgage and the Military Choice Mortgage — designed for members of the military or military families who don’t meet the minimum requirement for a VA loan or are first-time homebuyers.

The HomeBuyers Choice program is a fixed-rate 30-year loan with no mortgage insurance premiums and 100% financing. The Military Choice Mortgage has the same advantages as the Homebuyers Choice, but with special interest rates and origination fees for active-duty and veteran borrowers. In both cases, the funding fee can be waived for a higher interest rate, reducing the cash needed for the closing costs.

Why we chose it: We chose Navy Federal Credit Union for its mortgage products designed for first-time homebuyers. We also liked the lender’s consideration of alternative credit data and rate match guarantee.

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Pros

• No lender fees
• Up to $2,500 in lender credits (only applies to purchase loans)
• Member discounts on asset protection programs, home security systems, tax preparation services, and car, life or home insurance
• Serves members in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, Guam, Germany, Spain, Italy, Okinawa, and the UK

Cons

• Additional fees apply to VA loans — except the lender fee
• Alternative data is not considered

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HIGHLIGHTS

Minimum Credit Score

620

Minimum Down Payment

$0 on VA loans

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As a credit union, PenFed has the autonomy to offer lower, more competitive rates for its VA loans. However, though PenFed has low rates and no lender fees, some additional charges apply, including the VA funding fee, title, appraisal, and tax services fees.

Anyone that opens a savings account can apply for a VA loan, since PenFed has an open national membership charter.

PenFed also has several conventional mortgages for customers who aren’t eligible for VA loans or military members looking to purchase a second home. We especially liked the educational efforts of the PenFed Foundation, a non-profit focused on financial literacy, short-term financial assistance, credit-building, and homeownership. Its assistance and resources are accessible to active-duty service members, veterans, and Wounded Warriors.

Why we chose it: We chose PenFed Credit Union for its competitive mortgage rates, no lender fees and member discounts of up to $2,500.

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Pros

• Dedicated VA loan specialists
• Specialized in VA loans and military borrowers
• Licensed in 50 states and Washington, DC

Cons

• High credit score requirements
• Rates are not disclosed online
• No home equity loans and HELOCs

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HIGHLIGHTS

Minimum Credit Score

~660

Minimum Down Payment

0%

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Veterans First Mortgage stands out for its online loan accessibility. Military customers who might be deployed overseas can take advantage of their online loan application, track and upload documents, and e-sign essential papers. The lender offers both VA new purchase loans and refinance loans (IRRRLs and cash-out).

Though Veterans First rates are slightly higher than others on our list, they’re still competitive, and total loan costs tend toward the lower end of the spectrum.

General information about fees — including the VA loan funding fees — can be found on its website. Still, borrowers looking for more in-depth information regarding any of its loans must call or fill out a form so that a loan officer can get in touch with them.

Why we chose it: We chose Veterans First Mortgage for its fully online application process, which is particularly important for military members who are deployed overseas, as well as the lenders’ decades of experience in VA loan originations.

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Pros

• Access to many other financial products, even debt relief programs
• Easy-to-use mobile app
• Partners with 1,500 potential lenders
• Receive competing quotes from multiple lenders with a single form

Cons

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HIGHLIGHTS

Minimum Credit Score

N/A

Minimum Down Payment

N/A

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LendingTree is a lending marketplace that offers borrowers the chance to shop for at least three lenders and compare VA loan rates and closing costs all in one place. This comes in handy with rarer loans, such as ARMs (adjustable-rate mortgages), since using a marketplace can help you consolidate offers.

Not only is LendingTree free to use, accessing competing offers won’t affect your credit score, while still allowing you to comparison shop. With LendingTree, borrowers can get a quick idea of the mortgage rates available by choosing the type of loan, home value, down payment and inputting their credit score.

Why we chose it: We chose LendingTree for its personalized VA loan rates and easy-to-use user interface.

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Pros

• Low minimum credit score
• English/Spanish bilingual agents
• Lends to people with “nontraditional credit”
• Branches in 31 states

Cons

• Not available in New York State or Hawaii
• Loan fees and rates are not disclosed online

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HIGHLIGHTS

Minimum Credit Score

580

Minimum Down Payment

3%

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New American Funding uses manual underwriting to comprehensively look at each borrower’s financial situation, lending to borrowers with credit scores as low as 580. NAF also evaluates creditworthiness by looking at “nontraditional credit,” such as on-time utility bills and rent payments.

NAF features a wide selection of loan products, including cash-out refinance mortgages, and accepts applications in person, by phone, or online and documents can be uploaded and signed electronically.

NAF offers a 14-day closing guarantee and often works with down payment assistance programs to help customers fund the down payment and closing costs. NAF also has first-time home buyer programs. Despite this, lender fees are not significantly lower than other lenders.

Why we chose it: We chose New American Funding for its low minimum credit score of 580 and down payment assistance programs. We also liked that they have bilingual agents (English/Spanish) available.

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Pros

• No home appraisal and no income verification for IRRRLs
• Borrowers with fair credit may be eligible
• Visit brick-and-mortar branches or set up online appointments
• Online support to upload documents, provide an e-signature and track your loan

Cons

• No home equity loans or HELOCs
• No option to pre-qualify online
• Requires a 3% down payment

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HIGHLIGHTS

Minimum Credit Score

600

Minimum Down Payment

0%

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Freedom Mortgage offers home purchase loans, refinance loans (IRRRLs) and cash-out refinance loans to veterans with lower credit scores if they meet other financial and income criteria.

Freedom Mortgage’s VA Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan (IRRRL) program, also called a streamline refinance program, is also available. The benefits of a VA streamline refinance include lower rates, better terms, low funding fees, no income verification, and no home appraisal. Savings will depend on your current interest rate, the new interest rate, the closing costs and more.

Why we chose it: We chose Freedom Mortgage as one of our best VA loan lenders for its VA IRRRLs, also called streamline refinances, that include easy credit qualification, lower rates, and faster closings.

Other VA loan lenders we considered

The following lenders offer great mortgage products, but lack useful features and resources found in our top picks, while others have average mortgage products supported by useful features and competitive rates.

Here is the list of the other VA lenders we considered:

Paramount Bank

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Pros

• Online application available
• No origination fee or prepayment penalty
• 98% recommended status on LendingTree
• Branch locations in nine states: Arizona, California, Florida, Iowa, Illinois, Kansas, Ohio, Texas and Missouri

Cons

• No mortgages rates available on its website
• No information on the minimum down payment, credit scores or DTI ratios

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Paramount Bank offers a popular range of mortgage products ranging from traditional home purchase loans to government-backed loans such as VA loans.

While Paramount’s loan products are on par with many of their competitors, its limited physical locations, lack of mortgage rate and general fee information on their website are some of the factors that excluded it from our list.

Flagstar Bank

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Pros

• Large selection of government-backed loan options in all 50 states, including State Housing Finance Agency Loans
• Multiple online tools, including a Mortgage Information Center and several calculators
• Wide selection of conventional loans for purchase and refinance
• Specialty products include loans for construction and renovation, multiple properties, high balances and a jumbo adjustable-rate option

Cons

• High number of complaints in the CFPB
• Home equity line of credit charges an annual fee of $75

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Flagstar Bank’s wide variety of loan products, along with its many useful tools and online resources make it a great choice. However, the company has a higher number of CFPB complaints compared to the companies on our top list.

PNC

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Pros

• Posts current rates on its website
• Home Insight(R) Tracker helps borrowers track and update their application
• PNC Bank services most of its home loans

Cons

• Mortgage application can’t be completed online
• In-person service not available in every state
• Does not publish minimum credit requirements
• Published rates assume a 700 credit score, and it can’t be customized

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PNC Bank offers a number of mortgage loan products comparable to their competitors but the inability to complete loan applications online, combined with the lack of in-person service in some states disqualifies it from our list of top VA mortgage lenders.

LoanDepot

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Pros

• Has digital income, asset and employment verification
• Over 200 affiliated branches nationwide
• Proprietary software allows for a fully digital mortgage

Cons

• Rates and fees not available online, only by speaking with a loan officer
• No home equity loans or lines of credit
• VA loans not a major focus
• Loan eligibility criteria not disclosed

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Loan Depot provides a fully online loan application experience, making it a good choice for individuals who don’t necessarily have the time to visit a branch.’

Despite the overall convenience of LoanDepot’s mortgage process, the lack of focus on VA loans and the overall lack of information regarding fees and eligibility kept it out of our list.

Guild Mortgage

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Pros

• Low credit requirement of just 580 for VA loans
• Collaborates with many down payment assistance programs
• Services its own loans

Cons

• Not licensed in New York or New Jersey
• Loan origination fees can be high for conventional loans
• Nationwide reach, but physical branches in just 25 states
• Doesn’t disclose fees

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Guild Mortgage is an ideal lender for people with below average credit scores. Their collaboration with several down payment assistance programs can help individuals with tight budgets save some money when closing on their loan.

However, the lack of physical branches in half of all U.S. states and the fact that Guild doesn’t disclose their fees upfront prevented it from placing in our list.

Fairway Independent Mortgage

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Pros

• Large variety of eligible property types for VA loans
• Offers fixed- and adjustable-rate VA mortgages, as well as VA cash-out refis and VA IRRRLs

Cons

• Rates not disclosed online without an application with personal information
• Not available in Alaska or West Virginia
• Rates and fees are generally middle of the road, rather than low

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Fairway Independent Mortgage is a popular lender that offers many different types of VA loan products, including cash-out refinancing mortgages, which some of their competitors don’t offer.

Despite their varied loan offering, Fairway Independent’s rates are not the lowest among VA lenders, which is why they didn’t make our list.

Guaranteed Rate

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Pros

• Minimum credit score for VA loans is 580, though shown rates assume a score of 680
• Online application, documentation, and loan management

Cons

• Below industry average in JD Power’s 2020 Primary Mortgage Origination Satisfaction Study
• Limited VA loan offering
• No home equity products

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Guaranteed Rate is a great choice for anyone looking to process their mortgage loan application entirely online. Their minimum credit score requirement goes as low as 580, which also makes them a solid alternative for people with poor credit scores.

Despite their overall solid loan offerings, their VA loan products are less varied than some of their competitors. Their below average score in JD Power’s 2020 Primary Mortgage Origination Satisfaction Study was also a main factor in their exclusion from our list of top picks.

Movement Mortgage

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Pros

• Offers VA 15- and 30-year fixed-rate, VA IRRRL and VA Cash-out Refinance mortgages
• Streamlined underwriting process
• Allows 100% funding of the property

Cons

• Rates and fees not available online
• Sparse consumer education resources
• Quick processing times don’t necessarily apply to government-backed loans

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Movement Mortgage offers different types of VA mortgage loans, including the popular fixed-rate options of 15-or 30-year loan terms. Notably, they also allow 100% funding of the property being purchased, when the norm is anywhere from 80-95%.

Despite Movement’s claims of a streamlined underwriting process, this speed does not necessarily apply to government-backed loans (such as VA loans.)

NBKC Bank

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Pros

• VA loans, VA IRRRL, and VA refinance loans are a focus area for the NBKC
• Features customized rates and fee estimates without needing to input personal information
• Application process and loan tracking can be done fully online

Cons

• Best for borrowers with fair to good credit – minimum credit score of 640 for VA loans
• Home equity products and construction loans only available in the Kansas City area
• No home renovation loans
• Lack of transparency around fees

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NBKC Bank is a good choice for people looking to apply for a VA loan online. The online experience is fairly streamlined and it is possible to get customized rates and fee estimates by providing only basic information about your mortgage budget — and an email address.

On the other hand, NBKC bank could be better about disclosing rates and fees upfront, since you do at least have to provide an email address before they give you any information.

North American Savings Bank (NASB)

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Pros

• Considers alternative credit data in some cases
• Specializes in VA lending
• Ample educational resources and clearly outlined qualification requirements

Cons

• No online resources for application or loan tracking
• High origination fee of $995 on all home loans except VA mortgages
• Branch network limited to 11 offices in Missouri
• No renovation mortgages or home equity products

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Competitive rates and a wealth of educational resources for first-time buyers make North American Savings Bank a solid alternative when looking for a VA mortgage loan.

Although NASB offers many online tools for keeping track of your mortgage once you’ve closed on the loan, the lack of substantial online support during the loan application process makes it a less preferable alternative to other VA mortgage lenders.

VA Loans Guide

Like a USDA loan, a Veteran Affairs loan is a government-backed mortgage program. Read on to learn more about the types of VA loans, their pros and cons, the costs associated, and how to apply.

How do VA loans work?

VA loans are mortgage loans issued by private lenders but guaranteed by the Federal government through the Department of Veteran Affairs. As part of the guarantee, the government will repay part or all of the loan if the borrower defaults.

VA loans also offer several benefits to qualifying military service members.

Pros and cons of VA loans

When shopping for a VA loan, consider the advantages and disadvantages of this type of loan. For example, although VA loans offer lower interest rates than a traditional mortgage, they are not necessarily the best choice for buying, improving, building, or refinancing rental properties. Read below to find out more about the pros and cons of VA loans.

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Pros

• Lower interest rates and credit score requirements
• Higher chances of approval
• No down payment
• No private mortgage insurance (PMI) or mortgage insurance premium (MIP)
• More lenient refinance options than conventional loans
• Access to mortgage relief options

Cons

• Additional requirements for homebuyers might apply
• Closing costs aren’t covered
• Funding fee is non-negotiable
• Cannot be used for rental properties
• The home must pass VA safety requirements

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VA loan rates

Mortgage rates for VA loans are typically lower than conventional loans and even FHA loans. However, interest rates are set by private lenders, not the federal government, and are subject to daily market fluctuations. Rates will also vary slightly for each VA loan type (fixed, streamline, cash-out and jumbo) and term (15-year or 30-year).

As of January 2022, the VA loan mortgage rates from some of our featured lenders range from 2.250% to 3.082% APR. Many lenders list their mortgage rates online, but others give you the option to file for an online quote or contact one of their representatives for more information.

Closing costs on a VA loan

The VA Funding Fee is an upfront mortgage insurance provision added to the mortgage amount. The fee can range from 1.4% to 3.6% of the loan, but the exact percentage will depend on the down payment, loan type, and whether it is your first time using a VA-backed loan.

The funding fee is added to the mortgage amount and can be either financed over the term of the loan or paid upfront at closing. It may be waived for veterans on a service-related disability or active-duty service members who can prove to be Purple Heart recipients at closing time.

Other closing costs associated with VA loans include:

• Real estate commissions
• Brokerage fees
• Loan origination fees
• Discount points
• Appraisals
• Title fees

VA mortgage lending rules allow a property seller to make “seller’s concessions,” that is, contribute to the veteran’s closing costs for up to 4% of the total loan amount. The veteran can also cover closing costs through a gift from a family member.

To help calculate how much you’d pay for a new mortgage, check out our mortgage calculator. If you’re looking into refinancing, our mortgage refinance calculator can give you an idea of how much you’d pay.

Types of VA loans

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs offers four different loan types — (VA purchase loan, interest rate reduction refinance loan (IRRRLs), cash-out refinance loan, and Native American direct loan — each with its own set of requirements and limitations. Evaluate all loan options before deciding which best VA mortgage lender suits your needs.

Purchase loan

Used to purchase a primary residence, make energy-efficient upgrades to an existing home, or buy property to construct a house, purchase loans can be fixed-rate or adjustable-rate. A fixed-rate loan means monthly payments remain the same through the life of the loan, whereas an adjustable-rate loan features interest rates and mortgage payments that may change.

Purchase loans can’t be used to buy an investment home, vacation house, rental property, or a fixer-upper in need of significant repairs. The VA itself no longer places maximum loan limits, but your VA mortgage lender might. In most U.S. counties, the maximum loan amount for 2021 is $548,250 but it can be as high as $822,375 in more expensive areas.

Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan (IRRRL)

Designed to refinance an existing VA mortgage, a streamlined refinance can get you a lower interest rate, reduce the loan term, or go from a variable-rate to a fixed-rate mortgage.

Cash-out refinance loan

A VA cash-out refinance replaces an existing VA loan and changes its terms to take advantage of home equity. The cash-out option also serves to refinance a non-VA-backed loan into a VA-backed loan. To learn more, read our guide on how to refinance a VA loan.

Native American Direct loan (NADL)

NADL is the only VA loan that is managed and funded directly by the government entity. Veterans who are Native American (or whose spouses are Native American) are eligible for this loan. It can be used to buy, build, or improve a home on federal trust land.

As of July 1, 2021, there is no limit to the amount of money that can be borrowed with this program (aside from the limitations imposed by creditworthiness, DTI, and general Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac conforming limits, though borrowers can access higher limits if they choose to make a down payment).

If you also want to explore other options or check out current mortgage rates, our page of the best mortgage lenders can be an excellent place to start.

How to qualify for a VA Loan

The VA home loan program and its military benefits are available for:

• Active-duty military members
• Veterans
• Past and present members of the National Guard
• Surviving spouses of military personnel who died in combat

A VA home loan does not have a minimum credit score requirement, but most participating VA loan lenders require a minimum credit score of 620. Our advice? Always check your credit report and your debt-to-income ratio before applying for a loan and improve it if you can.

For more information, read our 5 tips for getting a VA loan as well as our guide on how to dispute your credit report.

Service requirements

Veterans and active-duty service members need to have served at least 90 days during wartime, or 181 days during peacetime. National Guard members must have served at least 90 days of active-duty service during wartime or six years of creditable service in the Select Reserves or Guard.

Once you have been deemed eligible, you must apply for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE). The COE proves to the VA mortgage lender that you meet the VA’s eligibility requirements.

How to apply for a VA home loan

After confirming eligibility for a VA loan, take the following steps to apply:

• Gather the information you need to apply for your Certificate of Eligibility (COE). You can apply online through your lender using a WebLGY system, or by mail by downloading a VA Form 26-1880
• Submit your loan application. The lender will request a VA appraisal of the house. The lender reviews the appraisal and your credit income and decides if they accept your loan application
• Apply for your COE and contact your state’s regional VA loan center to start the process directly with the government, in the case of Native American Direct Loans.

Once your lender accepts your application, they’ll work with you to select a title company (or entity) to close on the house.

If you have any questions that your lender can’t answer, please call your VA regional loan center at 877-827-3702. You can also watch a video on the official U.S. Dept. of Veteran Affairs’ YouTube page to learn more about VA home loans and how to apply.

When shopping for a VA loan lender, we recommend the following steps.

1. Choose a lender that can address your economic needs. If you’ve had financial trouble in the past, focus on VA lenders with lower credit minimums.
2. Get prequalified, as this lets you know if you’re eligible for a VA loan and how much you can borrow with the lender.
3. Compare quotes from at least three different companies, since this lets you see how much you’d be spending if you committed to a specific lender.

VA loan terms, rates, monthly payments, and closing costs vary significantly from provider to provider, so having multiple quotes can help you choose the one that hits all your financial goals.

Key takeaways:

• Choose lenders that work with your economic needs in mind
• Get prequalified
• Compare quotes from at least three lenders

Latest News on VA Loans

To learn more about mortgage loans, we recommend you start with our guide on 9 Types of Morgage Loans. Our guide includes in-depth information on loan types, terms and interest rates.

Although the VA loan program offers favorable terms like no down payment and no private mortgage insurance (PMI) to those who qualify, the loans are still issued by private institutions just like any other mortgage. To make sure you save money and make the most out of your VA loan benefit, we’ve put together an article on the 5 Tips for Getting the Best VA Loan Rate.

Finally, VA loans don’t require a down payment because the government guarantees the loan, however, putting money down can cut your costs in the long run. Read our latest article to learn more about the advantages of making a down payment on a VA loan.

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Best VA Loan Lenders FAQ

What are VA loans?

A VA loan is a no-down-payment mortgage military benefit partially backed by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Borrowers can use the loans for the purchase of a primary residence or to refinance an existing mortgage.

Who qualifies for a VA loan?

To qualify for a VA loan, you or your spouse must meet the basic service requirements set by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), have a valid Certificate of Eligibility, and meet the lender’s income and credit requirements.

How many times can you use a VA loan?

You can use a VA loan more than once but only to purchase or refinance a principal residence, provided you meet the availability requirements. However, you may be able to use a partial entitlement for a second loan if you haven’t used it all on your first mortgage. Remember that using a partial entitlement may mean you’ll need to shell out a down payment and a higher VA funding fee.

How to apply for a VA loan?

To get a VA loan, borrowers must meet the basic VA loan requirements outlined above. To start, select an eligible VA loan lender, apply for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE), apply for pre-approval and shop the housing market. After signing a purchase agreement with the seller, you can submit your application and the lender will order an appraisal.

If the underwriting process goes smoothly, you can finally close your loan. Buyers interested in NADLs must begin the process directly with the government by contacting their state’s VA loan regional center.

How to get a VA loan with bad credit?

Some lenders will issue a VA loan to veterans and service members with credit scores as low as 580, like Freedom Mortgage and New American Funding from our list. However, many lenders will require a credit score of 620 or higher. You can take steps to improve your credit score, from paying your bills on time and paying off any debts to requesting credit bureaus to fix any errors. We recommend that you start by requesting a free copy of your credit report.

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How We Chose the Best VA Mortgage Lender

Experience in VA Loans

We prioritized VA mortgage lenders that process many VA loans. The home buying and mortgage application processes can be complicated. Having a VA mortgage lender who is familiar with this process ensures that every step is taken care of in a timely manner.

Customer Service

We highlighted VA mortgage lenders that excel in customer satisfaction and provide first-time homeowners step-by-step guidance throughout the pre-approval, application, and loan closing process.

Summary of Money’s Best VA Home Loan Lenders of June 2022

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