VA Loan Guide 2026: 0% Down, No PMI, Rates from 5.95%
VA loans in 2026: 0% down payment, no PMI (saves ~$150/mo vs FHA), rates from 5.95% (0.25% below conventional). Funding fee: 2.15% first-time use (0% down), 3.30% subsequent use. Disabled veterans exempt. No loan limits with full entitlement. Min credit 580-620 (VA sets no minimum). Eligibility: 90 days wartime, 181 days peacetime, 6 years Guard/Reserves, or surviving spouse.
VA Loan Guide 2026: Zero Down Home Loans for Veterans
0% down. No PMI. Rates from 5.95%. Everything veterans and service members need to buy a home with no down payment — funding fee chart, eligibility, loan limits, and step-by-step approval roadmap.
$0
Down Payment
580
Min Credit
5.95%
VA Rate
Never
PMI
Quick Answer: VA Loan Benefits at a Glance
0% down payment — keep your savings intact
No mortgage insurance — saves ~$150/mo vs FHA on a $400K loan
Lower rates — VA averages ~0.25% below conventional
Reusable benefit — no lifetime cap on usage
Assumable — future buyers can take over your low rate
Seller concessions — sellers can pay up to 4% of closing costs
What Is a VA Loan? 2026 Program Overview
The VA loan is a mortgage guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs allowing eligible borrowers to purchase a home with 0% down, competitive rates, and no private mortgage insurance (PMI). In 2026, the program remains one of the most affordable paths to homeownership, especially as conventional rates stay elevated.
Key 2026 update: The Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act removed county loan limits for most borrowers, meaning eligible buyers can now finance homes above $1M with no down payment as long as they have full entitlement. Compare VA lender rates →
VA Loan Eligibility & Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
You typically qualify if you meet ONE of the following service tests:
Active Duty
- 90 consecutive days during wartime
- 181 days during peacetime
Guard / Reserves / Spouses
- 6 years in National Guard or Reserves
- Spouse of service member who died in line of duty
Request your COE instantly via eBenefits or have your lender pull it during pre-approval.
2026 VA Funding Fee Chart
The one-time funding fee helps keep the program self-sustaining. It can be financed into the loan amount.
| Down Payment | First-Time Use | Subsequent Use |
|---|---|---|
| 0% – 4.99% | 2.15% | 3.30% |
| 5% – 9.99% | 1.50% | 1.75% |
| 10% or more | 1.25% | 1.50% |
Exemptions: Disabled veterans, Purple Heart recipients, and surviving spouses typically pay $0 funding fee.
Current VA Rates vs Conventional (June 2026)
30-Year VA Fixed
5.95%
30-Year Conventional
6.25%
30-Year FHA
6.10%
Rates vary by lender and borrower profile. Always compare Loan Estimates from multiple lenders. Get pre-approved and see your VA rate →
Compare 5+ VA Lender Rates in 2 Minutes
On a $400K loan, a 0.50% rate gap = $32,000 over 30 years. Get real quotes from 5+ lenders — soft pull, no SSN required.
5.95%
Best VA rate
$90/mo
Savings vs avg
2 min
To compare
Soft pull only • No obligation • 300+ lenders
How to Apply: 6 Simple Steps
Get your COE
Request your Certificate of Eligibility or have your lender retrieve it.
Get pre-approved
Compare offers from 3-5 VA-approved lenders to find the best rate.
Find a VA-approved property
Shop for a home and sign a purchase agreement.
Order VA appraisal
The VA appraisal ensures the property meets minimum property requirements.
Get Clear to Close
Satisfy loan conditions and receive your Clear to Close.
Get the keys
Sign final documents and enjoy zero-down homeownership.
VA IRRRL: Streamline Refinance for Lower Rates
If you currently have a VA loan, the Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan (IRRRL) lets you refinance with no appraisal, no income verification, and little to no out-of-pocket cost. You can even roll closing costs into the new loan.
Ready to Use Your VA Benefit?
0% down. No PMI. Rates from 5.95%. Check your eligibility and compare VA lender rates in 2 minutes — soft pull only, no SSN required.
Check My VA Eligibility →Soft pull only • No obligation • 300+ lenders
