VA Loan Rates Today September 2026: From ~6.25%
$0 down · No PMI · Rates ~0.25-0.50% below conventional (national avg ~7.0%)
Top VA lenders ranked · 2026 funding fee table · Eligibility in 2 minutes
VA Loan Rates — Quick Answer
VA 30-year fixed rates average 6.25%–6.75% in late September 2026 — about 0.25-0.50% below conventional rates near 7.0%. VA loans require $0 down, charge no monthly PMI, and the VA sets no minimum credit score (most lenders want 620+). Rates are set by lenders, not the VA — the spread between VA lenders routinely hits 0.30%. Compare 5+ VA lenders now →
Top VA Lenders — September 2026 Rate Comparison
| Lender | Best For | VA 30-Yr Rate | Min Credit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Veterans United | #1 VA lender by volume | ~6.25% (30-yr) | 620 | Dedicated VA specialists |
| Navy Federal CU | Military members | ~6.35% | 620 | Rate match + no origination on some loans |
| USAA | Members + families | ~6.40% | 620 | Strong service for military |
| Rocket Mortgage | Fastest digital VA | ~6.45% | 580 | 21-day average close |
| PennyMac | Rate flexibility | ~6.40% | 620 | Strong VA refi/IRRRL desk |
| Freedom Mortgage | Lower credit VA | ~6.55% | 550 | Manual underwriting available |
Indicative rates for a 700+ credit borrower — your actual rate depends on credit, loan size, and lender. Always get 3+ quotes the same day. Get real VA quotes →
2026 VA Funding Fee — What You Actually Pay
The funding fee replaces PMI and can be rolled into the loan. Disabled veterans (10%+ rating) pay $0.
| Use / Down Payment | Fee | Example |
|---|---|---|
| First use, 0% down | 2.15% | $7,525 on $350K |
| Subsequent use, 0% down | 3.30% | $11,550 on $350K |
| 5%+ down (any use) | 1.50% | $5,250 on $350K |
| 10%+ down (any use) | 1.25% | $4,375 on $350K |
| VA IRRRL (streamline refi) | 0.50% | $1,750 on $350K |
| Service-connected disability 10%+ | EXEMPT | $0 |
Veterans Deserve the Lowest Rate — Not the First One Offered
VA lender spreads hit 0.30-0.50% on the same borrower. On $350K, that is $100+/month for 30 years. Compare in 2 minutes — soft pull, no obligation.
Who Qualifies for VA Rates in 2026?
- ✓Veterans: 90 days active duty (wartime) or 181 days (peacetime) with honorable discharge.
- ✓Active duty: 90+ continuous days of service.
- ✓National Guard/Reserves: 6 years of service, or 90 days active under Title 32.
- ✓Surviving spouses: Of veterans who died in service or from service-connected causes (and have not remarried, with exceptions).
You'll need a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) — lenders can pull it in minutes with your SSN and service info. Check your VA eligibility →
VA Loan Rate FAQs — September 2026
What are VA loan rates today?
As of late September 2026, VA 30-year fixed rates average 6.25%-6.75% nationally — roughly 0.25-0.50% below conventional rates (~7.0%). VA 15-year rates run ~5.75-6.10%. Rates are set by individual lenders, not the VA — comparing 3+ VA lenders regularly finds gaps of 0.30%+ on the same day. Get your VA rate quote →
Are VA loan rates lower than conventional?
Yes. VA loans average 0.25-0.50% below conventional 30-year rates because the VA guarantee removes lender risk. On a $350K loan, a 0.375% lower rate saves ~$85/month and ~$30K over the loan. Plus VA has no PMI — conventional borrowers under 20% down pay $150-$350/month in PMI on top of a higher rate. Compare VA lenders →
What is the VA funding fee in 2026?
2026 VA funding fee: first use with 0% down = 2.15% of loan amount; subsequent use = 3.30%. With 5%+ down it drops to 1.50%; with 10%+ down, 1.25%. VA IRRRL (streamline refi) = 0.50%. Veterans with service-connected disability ratings of 10%+ are fully exempt — that saves $7,525 on a $350K first-use loan. Check if you qualify →
What credit score do I need for a VA loan in 2026?
The VA sets no minimum credit score — but most lenders require 620+, and the best VA rates typically need 660-680+. Some lenders go down to 580 or even 500 with strong compensating factors. Because each lender overlays its own rules, a denial at 620 from one lender does not mean all lenders will deny you. Find a flexible VA lender →
Should I lock my VA loan rate now or wait?
If you are under contract, lock — October has major data releases (CPI, jobs report) that can move rates 0.25% in days. If you are 60+ days out, ask about float-down options. Veterans should also know: if rates drop after you close, the VA IRRRL lets you refinance with no appraisal and minimal paperwork — you are never truly stuck with today's rate. Compare VA rates →
Related VA Guides
Your VA Benefit Is Worth ~$30K — Claim Your Rate
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The Mortgage-Info.com Editorial Team researches, writes, and maintains all content on this site. Our guides are built from publicly available data sources including Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, FHA, VA, and lender-published rate sheets, and are reviewed regularly to keep figures and program requirements accurate and current.
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