🎖️ VA Loan Eligibility Requirements 2026
VA loans are available to veterans, active-duty service members, National Guard/Reserve members, and surviving spouses. Here are the service requirements:
| Service Type | Minimum Service Required |
|---|---|
| Active Duty (Wartime) | 90 consecutive days |
| Active Duty (Peacetime) | 181 continuous days |
| Current Active Duty | 90 continuous days |
| National Guard/Reserves | 6 years OR 90 days active duty |
| Surviving Spouse | Unremarried spouse of veteran who died in service or from service-connected disability |
📋 Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
You'll need a COE to prove your eligibility. Most VA lenders can pull this for you instantly, or you can request it through eBenefits or by mail.Check your eligibility now
💎 VA Loan Benefits Explained
✅ $0 Down Payment
VA loans are one of the only mortgage options with true 100% financing. No down payment required!
Savings: On a $400,000 home, you save $80,000 compared to a 20% down conventional loan.
✅ No Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI)
Conventional loans require PMI until you have 20% equity. VA loans NEVER require PMI.
Savings: $150-$300/month, or $54,000-$108,000 over 30 years!
✅ Lowest Interest Rates
VA loan rates are typically 0.25-0.5% lower than conventional loans because the VA guarantees a portion of the loan, reducing lender risk.
Savings: 0.5% lower rate = $30,000+ savings over 30 years on a $400K loan.
✅ No Loan Limits (With Full Entitlement)
If you have full VA entitlement, there's no limit on how much you can borrow with $0 down. Buy a $1 million home with no down payment!
Note: You still need to qualify based on income and credit.
✅ Easier Qualification
VA loans have more flexible credit and DTI requirements than conventional loans.
- • No official minimum credit score (most lenders want 620+)
- • DTI up to 41% standard, higher with compensating factors
- • More lenient on past credit issues
- • Residual income considered (not just DTI)
✅ Reusable Benefit
Your VA loan benefit is reusable! You can use it multiple times throughout your life.
- • Pay off one VA loan, use benefit again
- • Have multiple VA loans simultaneously (with enough entitlement)
- • Restore entitlement after selling or refinancing
💰 VA Funding Fee 2026
VA loans have a one-time funding fee instead of PMI. This fee can be rolled into your loan.
| Down Payment | First Use | Subsequent Use |
|---|---|---|
| 0% - 4.99% | 2.15% | 3.3% |
| 5% - 9.99% | 1.5% | 1.5% |
| 10%+ | 1.25% | 1.25% |
🎉 Funding Fee Exemptions
You may be exempt from the funding fee if you:
- • Receive VA disability compensation
- • Are eligible for VA compensation but receive retirement pay
- • Are a surviving spouse of a veteran who died in service
- • Are a Purple Heart recipient on active duty
📝 How to Get a VA Loan in 2026
Check Your Eligibility
Verify you meet the service requirements and obtain your Certificate of Eligibility (COE).Check eligibility now
Find a VA-Approved Lender
Not all lenders offer VA loans. Work with a lender experienced in VA lending.Compare VA lenders
Get Pre-Approved
Pre-approval shows sellers you're serious and helps you understand your budget.Get VA pre-approved
Find Your Home
Work with a real estate agent (preferably one experienced with VA buyers) to find your home.
VA Appraisal
A VA-approved appraiser will assess the property to ensure it meets VA Minimum Property Requirements (MPRs).
Close on Your Home!
Sign the paperwork, pay closing costs (which can be paid by the seller!), and get your keys!
📊 VA Loan vs. Other Loan Types
| Feature | VA Loan | FHA Loan | Conventional |
|---|---|---|---|
| Min Down Payment | 0% | 3.5% | 3-20% |
| PMI/MIP | None | Required (life of loan) | Required until 20% equity |
| Min Credit Score | No minimum* | 580 | 620 |
| Interest Rates | Lowest | Low | Market rate |
| Loan Limits | None (full entitlement) | $541K-$1.25M | $806K-$1.21M |
| Best For | Veterans/Military | Lower credit buyers | Strong credit, 20% down |
*Most lenders require 620+ credit score
❓ VA Loan FAQ 2026
Can I use a VA loan more than once?
Yes! Your VA loan benefit is reusable. You can use it multiple times throughout your life, and even have multiple VA loans at once if you have enough entitlement.
What credit score do I need for a VA loan?
The VA doesn't set a minimum credit score, but most lenders require 620+. Some lenders work with scores as low as 580.
Can I buy a condo with a VA loan?
Yes, but the condo complex must be VA-approved. Check the VA's approved condo list or ask your lender to verify approval.
Can the seller pay my closing costs?
Yes! Sellers can pay up to 4% of the home price toward your closing costs. This is a great negotiating point for VA buyers.
🎖️ Ready to Use Your VA Loan Benefit?
You've earned this benefit through your service. Check your eligibility and compare VA rates from top lenders. Get pre-approved in minutes!