Credit Score for VA Home Loans (2026): What Works

What credit score do you need for a VA loan in 2026? Here’s the truth: the VA doesn’t set a minimum credit score - lenders do. Most VA lenders typically look for around 620+, but approvals can still happen below that if your file is strong.

If you’re planning to buy in the next 30–90 days, your real question isn’t “Is my score good?”

It’s: What score tier am I in, what will underwriting flag, and what’s my fastest path to pre-approval?

This guide breaks down the minimum credit score for a VA home loan, what scores usually get better VA rates, and exactly how to move from “maybe” to clear-to-close with fewer surprises.

• The VA itself doesn’t set a minimum credit score-lenders do.
• Most VA-approved lenders look for a score of 620+, but lower scores may still qualify.
• Strong residual income and clean financials can outweigh a lower score.
• Manual underwriting and non-traditional credit are options for some borrowers.
• Improving your credit beforehand can open better terms and faster closings.

Short answer: No. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs does not impose a minimum credit score requirement for VA home loans.

According to VA Pamphlet 26-7 (Chapter 4, Section 5), lenders are directed to consider the borrower’s full financial picture-not just their credit number.

"The VA does not require a minimum credit score. Lenders must review the entire loan file and determine if the applicant’s credit history and income are satisfactory."

But here’s the catch: Private lenders (who fund VA loans) often set their minimum credit score requirements. These are called "lender overlays."

Get Pre-Qualified and Save Up to 1.5% at Closing with reAlpha

Save up to 1.5% at closing when you combine real estate and mortgage services with reAlpha.

Check If You Qualify

Let’s cut through the noise and outdated advice.

1. The VA does not set a minimum credit score.

• Private lenders do. These lender-specific rules are called overlays.

2. Typical VA loan approval range: 620+

• This is where most VA lenders are comfortable approving without extra friction.

3. Below 620? Still possible.

• Borrowers with strong income, low debt, or solid residual income may qualify through manual underwriting or compensating factors.

4. Best pricing usually starts around: 680–720+

• Higher scores don’t just affect rates - they also mean smoother underwriting, fewer conditions, and faster closings.

If you’re planning to buy in the next 30–90 days, the real goal isn’t chasing a perfect score - it’s knowing where you fall, what lenders will flag, and how to move forward without delays.

Get a VA pre-approval plan in 2 minutes

VA Loan Credit Score Playbook (What Each Range Really Means)

This table shows how lenders actually view your file - not generic advice.

Key takeaway: Waiting to “perfect” your credit often costs more than moving forward with the right pre-approval strategy - especially in competitive markets.

Veterans Can Save Up to 1.5% at Closing with reAlpha

Save up to 1.5% on your purchase price by using reAlpha Realty and Mortgage together

Unlock Savings

Most VA lenders look for at least a 620 FICO score. However, there’s flexibility:

• 620–639: Often accepted with strong income and low debt
• 640–679: Typical approval range with standard rates
• 680+: Can open doors to faster closings and better pricing
• Below 620: May still qualify through manual underwriting or specialty lenders.

Pro Tip: If your score is under 640, having a clean LES (Leave and Earnings Statement), steady job, or military pension can help balance things out.

To increase your odds of qualifying, understand what shapes your score:

• Payment History (35%) – Pay on time. Missed payments are major red flags.
• Credit Utilization (30%) – Keep balances under 30% of your credit limits.
• Credit Age (15%) – The longer you’ve had accounts, the better.
• New Credit (10%) – Avoid opening too many new accounts at once.
• Credit Mix (10%) – A mix of revolving (cards) and installment (loans) helps.

Yes-you often can, especially with a strong overall application. VA loans are designed to be inclusive.

Manual underwriting is key here. Instead of relying only on automated systems, underwriters examine your:

• Income and employment consistency
• Debt-to-income ratio (DTI)
• Residual income (money left after bills)
• Assets or savings

Pro Tip: If your score is below 620, connect with a VA-savvy lender who specializes in manual underwrites-like reAlpha Mortgage, where veterans get approved when others say no.

This is one of the most common questions VA buyers ask - and the answer depends on time, math, and market movement, not guesswork.

Here’s the decision rule lenders actually use.

You may benefit from waiting 30–45 days if:

• Your credit cards are above 30% utilization and can be paid down quickly
• Your report has errors or outdated negatives you can dispute
• A 20–40 point boost would move you into a better score tier (for pricing or approval ease)
• You’re not actively pursuing a specific home

In these cases, a short pause can improve terms without risking the deal.

You should pre-approve now if:

• You’re planning to buy in the next 30–90 days
• The home or market you want is moving quickly
• Your income, residual income, or assets already offset a lower score
• You want to lock in buying power while improving credit in parallel

Many VA buyers get pre-approved first, then optimize credit while shopping-instead of losing homes waiting for a perfect number.

Waiting isn’t free. Delays can mean:

• Higher home prices
• Less negotiating leverage
• Rate movement against you
• Lost opportunities on the right property

The goal isn’t the highest credit score - it’s the fastest clean path to closing.

We’ll tell you whether waiting helps - with numbers.

Get a VA pre-approval that shows approval likelihood, likely conditions, and whether a short credit boost actually changes the outcome.

Heads up-avoid these credit pitfalls:

• Recent late payments or collections
• High credit card balances
• Multiple recent credit inquiries
• Unresolved charge-offs

Even if you’ve just cleaned up your credit, lenders will want documentation.

Improving your credit doesn’t have to take forever. Here’s how to get started:

1. Get your free report: Visit AnnualCreditReport.com to review your credit.
2. Dispute errors: Correct any inaccurate data.
3. Paydown cards: Focus on high-utilization accounts.
4. Pause new applications: Avoid hard pulls 90 days before applying.
5. Ask a lender: Get a custom credit review from a VA loan expert.

Here’s what lenders usually ask for:

• 2–3 months of LES (Leave and Earnings Statement)
• Recent pay stubs or proof of military income
• Bank statements (checking/savings)
• Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
• Statement of Service (if active duty)

Pro Tip: Get pre-qualified with a lender before house hunting to avoid surprises.

At this point, you don’t need more theory about credit scores.

You need clarity - what you qualify for, what lenders will flag, and how much flexibility you actually have before you make an offer.

That’s why the smartest VA buyers start with pre-approval first, then shop with confidence.

When you buy through a reAlpha real estate company, you may be eligible to receive up to 1% of the home’s purchase price back as a closing credit. Add reAlpha Mortgage, and that credit can increase to up to 1.5% back - applied directly at closing, not later.

No delayed rebates.

No moving parts.

Just clear math and a coordinated path from pre-approval to close.

A VA pre-approval does more than confirm eligibility- it:

• Shows where your credit score actually places you
• Identifies likely conditions before underwriting
• Gives you real buying power when the right home appears

Get your VA pre-approval plan in minutes

See approval likelihood, expected conditions, and estimated closing credit - before you make an offer.