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
$0 down. No PMI. Below-market rate. Compare 5+ VA lenders in 2 minutes.
Get VA Pre-Approved →
Meet Sarah
Senior Mortgage Advisor & VA Loan Specialist
Sarah Mitchell brings over 12 years of mortgage industry expertise, specializing in VA loans and first-time homebuyer programs. As a certified NMLS professional, she has helped thousands of veterans and military families achieve homeownership through specialized loan programs. Her deep understanding of VA benefits and down payment assistance programs makes her a trusted advisor for service members transitioning to civilian life.
EXPERTISE:
KEY ACHIEVEMENT:
Helped 2,500+ veterans secure home loans