How long after bankruptcy can I get a VA loan?

Chapter 7: 2 years from discharge. Chapter 13: 1 year of on-time payments with court approval. Exceptions possible after 1 year for Chapter 7 with extenuating circumstances.

What will cause VA loan denial?

Top reasons: DTI >41% without residual income, credit score below lender minimum (often 620), unverifiable income, property not meeting VA standards, or not meeting service requirements.

Do I need a down payment for a VA loan?

No, VA loans offer 100% financing with $0 down payment for eligible veterans. This is one of the biggest benefits of VA loans compared to conventional mortgages that typically require 3-20% down.

What are the VA loan service requirements?

Generally: 90 days active duty during wartime, 181 days during peacetime, or 6 years in National Guard/Reserves. Surviving spouses of veterans who died in service or from service-connected disabilities may also qualify.

VA Loan Requirements 2025: Zero Down Payment Guide + Eligibility Checker (90% Approval Rate)

Q: Can I get a VA loan with a 620 credit score?

Yes, most VA lenders in our network approve loans with a 620-660+ credit score. The VA itself has no minimum, but lenders set their own guidelines. A 620 score with stable income and low DTI can qualify you for competitive rates.

🎯 Quick Answer

VA loan requirements 2025: Must meet service requirements (90+ days wartime or 181+ days peacetime), have Certificate of Eligibility (COE), credit score 620+ (lender minimum), debt-to-income ratio ≤41%, and sufficient residual income. No down payment required. Property must meet VA appraisal standards.

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VA Loan Service Requirements: Do You Qualify?

The first and most important requirement for a VA loan is meeting the service eligibility criteria. The VA has specific minimum service requirements that vary based on when and how long you served. Get your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) to verify your service qualifies.

Wartime vs Peacetime Service Requirements

Service Period	Minimum Service Required	Notes
WWII (9/16/1940 - 7/25/1947)	90 days active duty	Wartime service
Korean War (6/27/1950 - 1/31/1955)	90 days active duty	Wartime service
Vietnam War (8/5/1964 - 5/7/1975)	90 days active duty	Wartime service
Gulf War (8/2/1990 - Present)	90 days active duty	Wartime service (ongoing)
Peacetime (All other periods)	181 days continuous active duty	Higher requirement
Post-9/11 (After 9/11/2001)	90 days active duty	Wartime service

National Guard & Reserves Eligibility

Members of the National Guard and Reserves can also qualify for VA loans, but the requirements are different. Check if your Guard or Reserve service qualifies you for VA benefits.

✅ 6 years of service in the Selected Reserve or National Guard
✅ Honorable discharge required
✅ 90 days active duty under Title 10 orders also qualifies
✅ Current members with 90+ days active duty qualify
⚠️ Training time doesn't count toward the 6-year requirement

Surviving Spouse Eligibility

Surviving spouses of veterans may be eligible for VA loan benefits in specific circumstances:

✅ Spouse of veteran who died in service or from service-connected disability
✅ Spouse of veteran missing in action (MIA) or prisoner of war (POW)
✅ Must not have remarried (with some exceptions for remarriages after age 57)
✅ Must obtain a Certificate of Eligibility from the VA

🎖️ Get Your Certificate of Eligibility (COE)

Your COE proves to lenders that you meet VA service requirements. Get it instantly online or have your lender request it for you during pre-approval.

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VA Loan Credit & Income Requirements

While the VA doesn't set a minimum credit score, most lenders require 620-660+ for approval. Your credit score affects your interest rate and approval odds. Compare VA lenders to find one that matches your credit profile.

"No Minimum Credit Score" Myth vs Lender Reality

⚠️ Important Truth About VA Credit Requirements

The VA itself has no minimum credit score requirement. However, VA-approved lenders DO set their own minimums, typically 620-660. Some lenders may go lower with compensating factors like high income or low DTI.

Credit Score Range	Approval Likelihood	Expected Rate	Lender Options
720+	✅ Excellent	Best rates (6.5-6.75%)	All lenders
680-719	✅ Very Good	Good rates (6.75-7%)	Most lenders
640-679	✅ Good	Average rates (7-7.25%)	Many lenders
620-639	⚠️ Fair	Higher rates (7.25-7.5%)	Specialist lenders
580-619	❌ Difficult	Premium rates (7.5%+)	Very few lenders
<580	❌ Very Difficult	Manual underwriting	Rare

Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI) Limits

The VA prefers a DTI ratio of 41% or less, but exceptions are possible with strong compensating factors. DTI is calculated by dividing your total monthly debt payments by your gross monthly income.

📊 DTI Calculation Example

Monthly Income: $6,000

Monthly Debts:

Future mortgage payment (PITI): $1,800
Car loan: $400
Credit cards: $150
Student loan: $250

Total Debt: $2,600 ÷ $6,000 = 43.3% DTI

⚠️ This borrower would need compensating factors or to pay down debt to qualify.

Compensating factors that can help with high DTI include:

✅ Excellent credit score (720+)
✅ Significant cash reserves (6+ months)
✅ Low loan-to-value ratio (making a down payment)
✅ Strong employment history (2+ years same job)
✅ High residual income (see below)

Residual Income Requirements

One unique aspect of VA loans is the residual income requirement. This is the amount of money you have left over each month after paying all debts and living expenses. The VA wants to ensure you have enough cushion to handle unexpected expenses.

Region	Family of 1	Family of 2	Family of 3	Family of 4	Family of 5+
Northeast	$450	$755	$909	$1,025	$1,062
Midwest	$441	$738	$889	$1,003	$1,039
South	$441	$738	$889	$1,003	$1,039
West	$491	$823	$990	$1,117	$1,158

*For loans over $80,000. Add $80 per additional family member over 5.

No Income Minimum, But...

The VA doesn't set a minimum income requirement, but you must have stable, reliable incomesufficient to cover your mortgage payment, debts, and living expenses. Acceptable income sources include:

✅ W-2 employment income (2 years history preferred)
✅ Military retirement pay
✅ VA disability compensation (tax-free, can be grossed up)
✅ Self-employment income (2 years tax returns required)
✅ Rental income (75% of gross rents)
✅ Social Security benefits
✅ Alimony/child support (with 3+ years continuance)

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VA Loan Property Requirements

Not all properties qualify for VA financing. The home must meet VA Minimum Property Requirements (MPRs)and pass a VA appraisal. Find VA lenders who can guide you through property requirements.