Best VA Loan Lenders in 2026

5 Best VA Mortgage Lenders in 2026

• Veterans United Home Loans
• Navy Federal Credit Union (NFCU)
• Rocket Mortgage
• PenFed Credit Union
• USAA

Veterans United Home Loans

Veterans United Home Loans is the largest VA lender in the U.S. In fact, it's been the top VA purchase lender every year since 2014. Because Veterans United specializes in VA loans, its customer service agents and underwriters are very familiar with the unique needs of service members and veterans. It also has great customer service reviews and a strong reputation for guiding borrowers in the military through the home-buying process.

• Mortgage types offered: VA, FHA, Conventional, USDA, jumbo, refinance
• Minimum credit score: 620 for VA, 620 for conventional, 500 for FHA
• State availability: 50 states and Washington, D.C.

Navy Federal Credit Union (NFCU)

Navy Federal Credit Union (NFCU) is a popular choice among active duty service members, Reservists, and veterans. It's known for offering some of the lowest VA mortgage rates when compared to the national average. NFCU also provides member perks, like flexible refinancing, and their "Military Choice" and "No-Refi Rate Drop" programs appeal to borrowers who expect moves or rate changes. You must become a member of NFCU to get a mortgage.

• Mortgage types offered: VA, Conventional, Military Choice, Homebuyers Choice, refinance, home equity line of credit (HELOC)
• Minimum credit score: 700 for VA, Military Choice, Homebuyers Choice, and conventional loans
• State availability: 50 states and Washington, D.C.

Rocket Mortgage

Rocket Mortgage is a popular online lender. Because everything is digital, it can be a good option to consider if you prefer managing everything online, or if you relocate frequently. Rocket Mortgage offers a wide variety of loan types, so you're likely to find a loan that meets your unique needs. And if you have questions or need help during the process, it offers lots of helpful online resources for home buyers in the military.

• Mortgage types offered: VA, Conventional, FHA, HomeReady, Home Possible, Rocket ONE+, jumbo, refinance, HELOC
• Minimum credit score: 620 for VA, 620 for conventional, 500 for FHA
• State availability: 50 states and Washington, D.C.

PenFed Credit Union

PenFed is a top-rated credit union for homebuyers in the military, with competitive interest rates and perks like expedited closings, a 60-day rate lock, and full up-front loan approval from underwriting. While PenFed has strong ties with the military, anyone can join the credit union, including veterans, Reservists, and spouses of military personnel. You can get pre-approved or apply for a mortgage online, or call a customer service agent if you want help.

• Mortgage types offered: VA, Conventional, FHA, jumbo, refinance, HELOC
• Minimum credit score: 620 for conventional, 500 for FHA, 700 for jumbo
• State availability: 50 states and Washington, D.C.

USAA

USAA exclusively serves active duty and retired military service members, and their immediate family members. USAA members get access to a few different mortgage options, including VA, conventional, FHA, and refinancing loans. While USAA doesn't offer as many mortgage types as some other lenders, its VA loan has great terms, with 0% down payment, no PMI, and a debt-to-income (DTI) ratio requirement of 43% to 50%. USAA is also known for its exceptional customer service and home loan experts with a deep understanding of military life.

• Mortgage types offered: VA, Conventional, jumbo, HomeReady, refinance
• Minimum credit score: Not disclosed
• State availability: 50 states and Washington, D.C.

What is a VA Mortgage?

A VA mortgage is a home loan backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Unlike conventional loans, the VA doesn't lend money directly. Instead, it provides a partial guarantee to approved lenders, which reduces their risk. This guarantee allows lenders to offer better terms to service members, including easier qualification and more competitive interest rates.

Some of the defining features of a VA mortgage include:

• No down payment
• No PMI
• Flexible credit score requirements
• Lower interest rates
• Limits on closing costs and fees
• More lenient DTI requirements

VA mortgages are available for a variety of purposes. VA purchase loans are the most common, which are used to buy a primary residence. However, VA loans can also be used to build a home, make certain home improvements, or refinance an existing mortgage.

VA Loan Eligibility Requirements

In order to get a VA loan, borrowers must meet certain requirements. Eligibility depends on several factors, like your service history and length, duty status, and character of service. Here are some of the general VA loan eligibility requirements:

• Active duty service members: Eligible after 90 consecutive days of service.
• Veterans: Eligibility depends on when you served. Most veterans are eligible if they have 90 days of wartime service or 181 days of peacetime service.
• National Guard and Reserves: Guardsmen and Reservists are usually eligible after six years of service, or 90 days of non-training active duty service under Title 10 or qualifying Title 32 orders.
• Surviving spouses: Surviving military spouses are eligible if their spouse died in service, or from a service-connected disability, or if their spouse was missing in action or a prisoner of war (POW) for more than 90 days, and the spouse never remarried.

See What You Qualify For With a VA Loan

Check VA Eligibility

What to Consider When Choosing a VA Lender

There are lots of reputable VA lenders, so it's important to compare several to find the best one for your needs. Below are some criteria to keep in mind as you research and compare VA mortgage lenders:

• VA loan experience and volume: Lenders with high VA loan volume tend to know the program inside and out. That means fewer surprises during underwriting, consistent processing, and more reliable VA-specific support.
• Interest rates and fees: Even though the VA guarantees the loan, lenders set rates and fees. Good lenders will offer competitive interest rates, a clear fee disclosure, and options to roll certain costs into the loan.
• Customer service: Because VA financing sometimes involves extra documentation, like certificates of eligibility (COE), occupancy certifications, and appraisal requirements, working with responsive lenders who understand the needs of military borrowers is a big plus.
• Flexibility for military life: If you're on active duty, deploy frequently, or expect PCS orders, look for lenders with strong digital tools and remote closing options. You should also consider lenders that are used to working with military compensation, which can expedite the pre-approval and underwriting process.
• Loan options: Ideally, you should choose a VA lender that offers a wide range of VA loans, including purchase loans, VA refinance loans, and VA jumbo loans (if you live in a high-cost area). If your situation changes in the future and you need a different type of mortgage, it can be beneficial to work with the same lender.
• Speed and reliability: Look at the lender's average closing times, refinance processing times, and loan approval track record. For active duty borrowers, timing can matter.

How to Get a VA Mortgage

Here's a quick overview of how to get a VA mortgage:

1. Get pre-approved from a VA lender: Before you start house hunting, you should get pre-approved for a VA loan. A pre-approval letter shows sellers that you're qualified, and it helps you understand how much home you can afford. To get pre-approved, a VA lender will review your credit score, income, and debt-to-income (DTI) ratio. A pre-approval isn't a guarantee, but it will give you an idea of how much money you might be able to borrow based on your financial history.
2. Obtain your COE: You must have a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) to get a VA home loan. This certificate proves to your lender that you qualify for the VA loan benefit. Most lenders can retrieve your COE automatically, but you can also request a copy yourself through VA.gov or by mailing VA Form 26-1880 to the lender.
3. Find a real estate agent with knowledge of VA loans: If you're using a VA loan to buy a house, you can work with any real estate agent you want. However, it can be beneficial to work with a realtor who understands VA loans, like a Military Relocation Professional (MRP). When interviewing agents, ask about their familiarity with MPR requirements and VA appraisals.
4. Make an offer: Once you've found a home, you can make an offer. When crafting an offer, remember that VA borrowers can ask sellers to cover up to 4% of closing costs. Additionally, earnest money deposits are typically refundable if the home doesn't meet VA requirements.
5. Get a home appraisal: The VA requires an appraisal for all properties being financed with a VA purchase loan. An appraisal ensures the property value supports the loan and that the home meets the VA MPRs.
6. Go through loan underwriting: The next step is to formally apply for your VA loan, which will go through underwriting. During this process, the lender will verify your income, employment, financial assets, and the results of the home appraisal.
7. Close on the home: The last step is to close on the home. At the closing, you'll sign the final documents, pay any closing costs, and get the keys to your house.

Frequently asked questions