Best VA Lenders in California 2026: Top 8 Ranked & Reviewed
Michael Rodriguez
VA Loan Specialist | Veteran | 15+ Years Experience
January 22, 2026
Looking for the best VA lenders in California? California has 3,200+ VA-approved lenders, but only 8 consistently deliver the best rates, fastest approvals, and veteran-focused service.
5.875%
Average VA Rate
$783,000
Median Home Price
0%
Down Payment
$1.15M
Max Loan Limit
🎖️ Top 8 VA Lenders in California (2026 Rankings)
Veterans United - Best Overall VA Lender California
18,500+ CA loans funded
Why #1:
- 🎖️ #1 VA lender in America (40% market share)
- 💰 Lowest VA rates: 5.75%-5.95% APR
- ⚡ Close in 27 days average
- 🏆 Veteran-owned & operated
- 📚 Free VA loan education
Best For:
First-time VA buyers in California who want expert guidance
Navy Federal - Best Military Credit Union California
15,200+ CA loans funded
Why #2:
- ⚓ Largest military credit union
- 💰 Competitive rates: 5.80%-6.00% APR
- 🎯 No VA funding fee for active duty
- 📱 Excellent mobile banking
- 🏆 Strong San Diego presence
Best For:
Active duty military in California (especially San Diego)
📊 VA Loan Limits California 2026 by County
| County | Major City | 2026 VA Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | Los Angeles | $1,149,825 ⭐ |
| San Diego | San Diego | $1,149,825 ⭐ |
| Santa Clara | San Jose | $1,149,825 ⭐ |
| San Francisco | San Francisco | $1,149,825 ⭐ |
🎉 Great News for California Veterans!
ALL major California counties have the maximum VA loan limit of $1,149,825 (2026). This means you can buy homes up to $1.15M with 0% down!
✅ California VA Loan Requirements 2026
Eligibility Requirements
✅ Active Duty:
90 days wartime OR 181 days peacetime
✅ Veterans:
Honorable discharge + service requirements
✅ National Guard/Reserves:
6 years service
✅ Surviving Spouses:
Unremarried spouses of veterans
Financial Requirements
Credit Score:
620+ recommended (no VA minimum)
Down Payment:
0% required (up to $1.15M)
DTI Ratio:
41% max (flexible with residual income)
VA Funding Fee:
2.15% first-time (waived for disabled vets)
❓ FAQ: VA Lenders California 2026
Can I buy a $1 million home with 0% down in California?
YES! VA loans in California allow 0% down up to $1,149,825 (2026 limit).
This covers most homes in California except ultra-luxury markets. No PMI required!
What is the VA funding fee in California?
First-time use: 2.15% of loan amount
Subsequent use: 3.30% of loan amount
Waived for: Veterans with 10%+ disability rating, Purple Heart recipients, surviving spouses
Which California cities are best for VA loans?
Best VA Markets:
- San Diego (huge military presence)
- Riverside/San Bernardino (affordable + military bases)
- Sacramento (affordable + Travis AFB nearby)
- Oceanside/Carlsbad (near Camp Pendleton)