--- title: 8 Best VA Loan Lenders of September 2026 description: Applying for a VA loan can be complicated. Money reviews the best VA loan lenders to help you choose the best one to meet your needs. authors: - name: Aly J. Yale role: Contributing Writer url: https://money.com/author/aly-j-yale/ bio: Aly J. Yale is a contributing writer focusing on real estate, mortgage and the housing market. Her work has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, Business Insider, Yahoo Finance, CBS and US News & World Report. She served as an editor and reporter for The Dallas Morning News. Aly graduated from Texas Christian University’s Bob Schieffer School of Communication with a major in radio-TV-film and news-editorial journalism. education: Texas Christian University at_money_since: 2020 articles: 98 covers: - Mortgages - Banking - Business - Career Advice - Credit - Housing - Identity Theft - Insurance - Loans - Personal Finance - Professional Services - Retirement also_seen_in: - The Wall Street Journal - Business Insider - Yahoo Finance - US News & World Report - CBS social: - https://twitter.com/AlyJwriter - https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyjyale/ editors: - name: Leslie Cook role: Editor, Real Estate url: https://money.com/author/leslie-cook/ bio: Leslie Cook is Money’s lead real estate editor covering trends in the housing market, mortgage rates and real estate. She also writes about home renovation trends and tips. education: Bryn Mawr College, BA History at_money_since: 2019 articles: 797 covers: - Mortgages - Banking - Credit - Economy and Politics - Housing - Identity Theft - Insurance - Loans - Personal Finance - Professional Services - Retirement - Taxes social: - https://twitter.com/LeslieLCook - https://www.linkedin.com/in/leslie-cook-9829b9198/ updaters: - name: Aly J. Yale role: Contributing Writer url: https://money.com/author/aly-j-yale/ bio: Aly J. Yale is a contributing writer focusing on real estate, mortgage and the housing market. Her work has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, Business Insider, Yahoo Finance, CBS and US News & World Report. She served as an editor and reporter for The Dallas Morning News. Aly graduated from Texas Christian University’s Bob Schieffer School of Communication with a major in radio-TV-film and news-editorial journalism. education: Texas Christian University at_money_since: 2020 articles: 98 covers: - Mortgages - Banking - Business - Career Advice - Credit - Housing - Identity Theft - Insurance - Loans - Personal Finance - Professional Services - Retirement also_seen_in: - The Wall Street Journal - Business Insider - Yahoo Finance - US News & World Report - CBS social: - https://twitter.com/AlyJwriter - https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyjyale/ published: '2026-08-31T12:50:20.000Z' modified: '2026-09-01T19:41:02.000Z' section: Mortgages word_count: 2611 canonical: https://money.com/best-va-loans/ type: Article source: structured-blocks --- > **Disclosure:** We may earn a fee if you click on the links below. Compensation does not determine ranking. Not all brands are included. [Learn more](https://money.com/page/disclaimer/). ![8 Best VA Loan Lenders of September 2026](https://img.money.com/2023/12/Best-VA-Loans-mbci_87704__wqc3tx.jpg?quality=85&w=1012&h=569&crop=1) ## Our Partners ![Visit Site](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/30848/medium_30de525c-689f-4b4e-a983-5f9eedeaec25.webp) Our Partner [Visit Site](https://money.com/go/ad4b294395e8?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-va-loans%2F&bidid=4025900792&ptid=661854118&ptoken=5b7ee311da96cd046712af86b6992b50&zip=20149) **Nation’s #1 VA Lender for Homebuyers (VA Lender Statistics)** - Get up to 100% financing with 0% down - Be ready for the next rate drop with preapproval - Cut the paperwork with the MyVeteransUnited app - Get 24/7 support from our VA loan experts * * * ![Visit Site](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/39711/medium_85521de9-b6c5-4b35-a129-169c217d0287.webp) Our Partner [Visit Site](https://money.com/go/8afab60414d3?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-va-loans%2F&bidid=4025900794&ptid=661854118&ptoken=0e169a9a7981aea6ae61ec40fe0c6a02&zip=20149) - **Home financing, made simple** - Shockingly affordable rates - Pre-approval in minutes - Rated A+ by the BBB and 4.8/5 stars across 700+ verified Bankrate reviews - A simple mortgage process, built to close on time * * * ![Visit Site](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/30039/medium_9d9105c1-b179-4886-894d-215d5f30e718.webp) Our Partner [Visit Site](https://money.com/go/9a7cf60a9f27?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-va-loans%2F&bidid=4025900793&ptid=661854118&ptoken=4d5ffdd805b1e5c77a6219ffb9d5c1aa&zip=20149) **30+ Years VA Loan Experience** -  VA-Approved Lender serving Veterans in All 50 States -  95% Five-Star Reviews on Trustpilot -  A+ With BBB, Equal Housing Lender -  Let Your VA Loans Benefit Open Doors for You ## Key Takeaways - Money's review of 30-plus VA lenders across six weighted factors names Veterans United best overall, Rocket Mortgage best for refinancing and Pennymac best online. - VA loans require no down payment and no private mortgage insurance, though a funding fee of 0.5% to 3.3% of the loan amount applies. - Rocket Mortgage's research finds that 54% of eligible borrowers know VA loans require no down payment; fewer than 40% know they skip mortgage insurance. ## Our top picks for the best VA loan lenders of September 2026 - [**Veterans United**](#VeteransUnited)**:** Best Overall - [**Rocket Mortgage**](#Rocket)**:** Best for Refinancing - [**Pennymac**](#Pennymac)**:** Best Online Lender - [**CrossCountry Mortgage**](#CrossCountry)**:** Best for Building or Repairing a Home - [**PenFed**](#PenFed)**:** Best Credit Union - [**New American Funding**](#NewAmerican)**:** Best for Low Credit Borrowers - [**Rate**](#Rate)**:** Best for Low Fees - [**Navy Federal Credit Union:**](<#Navy Federal>) Best for Overseas Service Members ## VA Loans make home-buying more affordable for eligible veterans, service members, and spouses ### Work with a licensed Rocket Mortgage (NMLS #3030) representative in your state today. [Visit Site](https://money.com/pr/maa2cdec5335?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-va-loans%2F) ## Best VA loan lender company reviews ## Best Overall: Veterans United ![](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/17994/large_20c16d89-5d82-46b3-9bd2-596513175658.png) [Visit Site](https://money.com/pr/hf9b4fe51940?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-va-loans%2F) **Pros** - VA loan specialists - Very competitive interest rates - Strong customer reviews on Trustpilot and BBB - Has advertised rates to help you gauge costs **Cons** - Credit score requirement could be lower - No adjustable-rate loans ### HIGHLIGHTS Loan products Purchase, IRRRL, cash-out refinancing, jumbo Terms 15, 20, 25 and 30 years Credit score minimum 620 Geographic availability 50 states **Why we chose it: [Veterans United](https://money.com/pr/u046cd0f4d6d?ap_referrer=https%253A%252F%252Fmoney.com%252Fbest-va-loans%252F)** tops our list of best VA lenders. The lender specializes in VA loans, and its loan officers bring years of experience to the application process. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs loan data, the company originated over 70,000 VA loans in 2025 alone and has been in the VA lending game for more than two decades. Veterans United offers a variety of loan programs, a substantial library of educational resources geared toward veterans, and had the lowest sample interest rate among all lenders during our review period. The lender also offers a military-specific loan application, which can make the process more efficient, and ranks high in customer service among independent ranking services, including the Better Business Bureau and Trustpilot. ## Best for Refinancing: Rocket Mortgage ![](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/26672/large_4b36ff1b-4d9a-4868-a7f3-b2cc1a9cca79.jpg) [Visit Site](https://money.com/pr/ncf7b2b70bed?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-va-loans%2F) **Pros** - Has advertised rates to help you gauge costs - Lots of loan and term options - Serves all 50 states - Low credit score requirements - Strong Trustpilot rating **Cons** - 1 regulatory actions in last five years - No physical locations - Low BBB reviews and high number of complaints ### HIGHLIGHTS Loan products Purchase, IRRRL, cash-out refinancing, jumbo Terms 15, 20, 25 and 30 years; 5/1 ARMs Credit score minimum 580 Geographic availability 50 states **Why we chose it:** Whether you need to reduce your interest rate or take cash out of your home equity, [Rocket Mortgage](https://money.com/pr/u9ba45ef1937?ap_referrer=https%253A%252F%252Fmoney.com%252Fbest-va-loans%252F)’s VA refinancing options can help you do it. The company also offers a wide range of loan terms, low average interest rates, and a minimum credit score of 580 (at least for VA IRRRLs). Often, no appraisal is needed. Rocket Mortgage’s application is all in one place, which can be handy for those applying from far-off stations in different time zones. VA borrowers will need at least a 580 credit score minimum for IRRRLs and 620 for fixed-rate loans. ## Best Online Lender: Pennymac ![](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/30079/large_d084e384-5a5b-405b-a737-2023f4450615.webp) [View Rates](https://money.com/pr/eaba375c6a99?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-va-loans%2F&url=) **Pros** - Competitive interest rates - Serves all 50 states - Low credit score requirements for purchase loans - Good Trustpilot score **Cons** - No physical locations - Limited loan and term options - Must fill out form to see rates - Average customer reviews on BBB ### HIGHLIGHTS Loan products Purchase, IRRRL, cash-out refinancing Terms 10 to 30 years Credit score minimum 580 (purchase), 620 (refinance), none (IRRRL) Geographic availability 50 states **Why we chose it:** If you’re looking for a quick and easy online VA loan experience, [Pennymac](https://money.com/pr/df41f2e32565?data-trk-company=pennymac-va-loans-review&data-trk-imp=true&data-trk-pcu-type=direct_link&data-trk-pcu-uuid=df41f2e32565&encoded_id=&ap_referrer=https%253A%252F%252Fmoney.com%252Fbest-va-loans%252F) can help. The online lender offers both refinancing and purchase options, and has competitive interest rates on both products. Its credit score minimum is also quite low, especially for purchase loans. VA IRRRLs require no minimum credit score for existing Pennymac customers. Pennymac also has deep VA lending experience. The company originated almost 15,00 VA loans in just 2025 alone, according to VA's loan data. ## Best for Building or Repairing Your Home: CrossCountry Mortgage ![](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/29974/large_8c20bab9-4939-4524-a1e6-58886cf67173.webp) [View Rates](https://money.com/pr/sce8f6062ee9?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-va-loans%2F&url=) **Pros** - Lots of loan and term options - Serves all 50 states - Low credit score requirements **Cons** - 2 regulatory actions in last five years - Higher average interest rates than many competitors - Low Truspilot and BBB ratings ### HIGHLIGHTS Loan products Purchase, IRRRL, cash-out refinancing, renovation, one-time-close construction, jumbo Terms 15, 20, 25 and 30 years Credit score minimum 620 for VA, as low as 500 for other loan types Geographic availability 50 states **Why we chose it:** VA renovation and construction loans aren’t offered by most lenders, but [CrossCountry Mortgage](https://money.com/pr/q19f61ac5d8b?data-trk-company=cross-country-mortgage-review&data-trk-imp=true&data-trk-pcu-type=direct_link&data-trk-pcu-uuid=q19f61ac5d8b&encoded_id=&ap_referrer=https%253A%252F%252Fmoney.com%252Fbest-va-loans%252F) boasts both. Use one to renovate your existing house, buy a fixer-upper and roll the repair costs into a single loan, or build your dream home from the ground up. Its construction loans require just one single closing. The lender’s ultra-low credit score requirements and many loan terms could also be the difference-maker for many VA borrowers. CrossCountry allows credit scores as low as 500. ## Best Credit Union: PenFed ![](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/15086/large_20d3cf9f-a594-43ca-9e07-79e01531dbf0.png) [Visit Site](https://money.com/pr/i531c2e059f5?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-va-loans%2F) **Pros** - Among the Lowest average interest rates of all lenders analyzed - Serves all 50 states - Has advertised rates to help you gauge costs - 60-day rate locks on purchase pre-approvals - Expedited closing options **Cons** - Limited term options - Credit score requirement could be lower - Must become a member - Average-to-poor reviews on BBB and Trustpilot ### HIGHLIGHTS Loan products Purchase, IRRRL, jumbo Terms 15 and 30 years Credit score minimum 620 Geographic availability 50 states **Why we chose it:** Credit unions are known for having low rates — and [PenFed](https://money.com/pr/hce007e71c36?ap_referrer=https%253A%252F%252Fmoney.com%252Fbest-va-loans%252F) is no different. PenFed offered some of the lowest average interest rates throughout our evaluation period, and current APRs start in the high-5% range on VA loans. PenFed also serves all 50 states, has an expedited closing option and doesn’t require membership when applying for a loan, although you will have to become a member before closing on the loan. Anyone can join PenFed by opening a savings account with an initial deposit of $5, though. The credit union is one of the biggest in the nation, serving nearly 3 million customers, and has operated the PenFed Foundation since 2001, which offers veteran support services and civilian transition assistance. ## Best for Low Credit Borrowers: New American Funding ![](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/18561/large_e7c5dfb2-c14c-47a4-8b14-9c2c3f6513ab.png) [Visit Site](https://money.com/pr/i48369d745cb?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-va-loans%2F&url=) **Pros** - Low credit score requirements - Serves all 50 states - Strong BBB reviews and Trustpilot ratings **Cons** - 2 regulatory actions in the last five years - Middle-of-the-road interest rates - Below-average customer satisfaction ratings, according to JD Power ### HIGHLIGHTS Loan products Purchase, IRRRL, cash-out refinancing Terms 15 and 30 years for fixed-rate; 5/1 ARMs Credit score minimum As low as 500 Geographic availability 50 states **Why we chose it:** The VA doesn’t have hard credit score requirements for its loans, but individual lenders can set their own thresholds. And [New American Funding](https://money.com/pr/ofa343251a05?ap_referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fmoney.com%2Fbest-va-loans%2F)? They’ve set theirs low. The lender accepts credit scores as low as 500, has certified VA loan specialists on staff and there are even options for borrowers with no credit. NAF is also known for its great service, boasting a 4.8 rating on Trustpilot, a 4.6 on BBB and a 4.9 rating on Zillow. The lender does have two regulatory actions against it in recent years, though. (Both pertain to licensing issues). ## Best for Low Fees: Rate ![](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/25069/large_605a6ee3-9d07-456a-95e5-7f502d51806f.webp) [Visit Site](https://money.com/pr/k29322be80e1?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-va-loans%2F&url=) **Pros** - No origination fees - No minimum credit score required - Competitive interest rates - Fast closings **Cons** - No adjustable-rate loans - Below-average customer satisfaction ratings, according to JD Power ### HIGHLIGHTS Loan Products Purchase, IRRRL refinance, cash-out refinance, energy efficient, renovation Terms 15, 20 and 30 years Credit score minimum None Geographic availability 50 states and Washington, D.C. **Why we chose it:** [Rate](https://money.com/pr/vb4827c67c44?ap_referrer=https%253A%252F%252Fmoney.com%252Fbest-va-loans%252F) (formerly known as Guaranteed Rate) doesn't charge a loan origination fee for qualifying applicants, which resulted in average savings of $1,640 in lender fees in 2025. The lender also offers a wide variety of VA loans, competitive interest rates, lightning-fast closings, and no minimum credit score requirement. Instead, the lender reviews your financial information to make an approval decision. You can also borrow up to 100% of your home's value with Rate’s VA cash-out refinance. Rate is also one of the few lenders that offers VA renovation loans and energy-efficient loans, which you can use to make energy upgrades to your home. ## Best for Overseas Service Members: Navy Federal Credit Union ![](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/11638/large_b63f6c40-f679-4095-8677-845b86e6fbac.png) [Visit Site](https://money.com/pr/i47aa36fa482?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-va-loans%2F&url=) **Pros** - Credit union branches located worldwide - VA loan specialists - Very competitive interest rates - Clearly advertised rates - Strong Trustpilot reviews **Cons** - Min. credit score not disclosed - Limited loan terms - Must become a member, meeting strict requirements - F rating on BBB, with over 2,000 complaints in the last three years ### HIGHLIGHTS Loan Products Purchase, IRRRL refinance, cash-out refinance, Military Choice, jumbo Terms 15 and 30 years Credit score minimum Not disclosed Geographic availability Worldwide **Why we chose it**: [Navy Federal](https://money.com/pr/bc2b38693afa?ap_referrer=https%253A%252F%252Fmoney.com%252Fbest-va-loans%252F) provides not only online services but also has over 380 branches worldwide, primarily near major military bases — a definite advantage for service members deployed overseas who prefer in-person interactions. The credit union offers low rates and a wide range of loan options, including the “Military Choice” loan, which veterans and service members who have already exhausted their VA entitlement can use to purchase a home with zero down. It also comes in a jumbo version. Navy Federal’s rates are also worth noting. Well-qualified borrowers can currently get 15-year fixed-rate loans with rates as low as 5.375%. ## Other companies we considered ### [USAA](https://money.com/pr/pbfc584ed92e?ap_referrer=https%253A%252F%252Fmoney.com%252Fbest-va-loans%252F) USAA is a well-known name in the military community, offering a wide range of loan options for VA borrowers. It also offers other financial services for military members, including insurance, credit cards and banking options, making it a good choice if you're looking for a one-stop shop. **Why we didn't choose it:** It’s not transparent about its credit score minimums and loan term options, and its 1.3-star rating on Trustpilot leaves a lot to be desired. A whopping 88% of customers give their experience just one star on the site. ### [**loanDepot**](https://money.com/pr/l75206f79fb3?ap_referrer=https%253A%252F%252Fmoney.com%252Fbest-va-loans%252F) Lender loanDepot offers a wide range of VA loan options with loan terms ranging from 15 to 30 years. The number of available options makes loanDepot a good choice for homebuyers seeking flexibility. **Why we didn't choose it:** The website offers little detail on fees, and it doesn't provide sample rates, although you can use the lender's calculators to get a ballpark payment estimate. ## What you need to know about VA loans Chris Birk, vice president of mortgage insights and education at Veterans United Home Loans, says that VA loans are a powerful tool for military members. "It's designed to make homeownership more achievable and sustainable," he adds. VA loans are similar to other mortgage loans, with a few key exceptions. Here’s what you need to know if you’re considering a VA loan purchase or refinance: ### What is a VA loan? A VA loan is a mortgage guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. This means that if you default on your loan (you fail to make payments), the VA will repay the lender for a portion of its losses. The VA also sets the basic qualifying requirements for these loans, though the department doesn’t actually provide them. Instead, private, VA-approved mortgage lenders — such as those listed here — issue them directly to consumers. For this reason, rates and terms can vary by company. ### Who qualifies for a VA loan? VA loans are a benefit available to military members and veterans, as well as some qualifying spouses. To be eligible for one, you must not only have a military service record, but you must have served a certain amount of time. For current service members, it’s at least 90 continuous days. For veterans, it depends on when you served. The following are the most recent VA service requirements. | **Period served** | **Service requirement** | | --- | --- | | Aug. 2, 1990 - present | One of the following: 24 continuous months The full period of service (at least 90 days) At least 90 days if you were discharged for a [qualifying exception](https://www.va.gov/housing-assistance/home-loans/eligibility/#what-if-i-dont-meet-the-minimu) Less than 90 days if you were discharged for a service-connected disability | | Sept. 8, 1980 - Aug. 1, 1990 Oct. 17, 1981 - Aug. 1, 1990 (as an officer) | One of the following: 24 continuous months The full period of service (at least 181 days) At least 181 days if you were discharged for a [qualifying exception](https://www.va.gov/housing-assistance/home-loans/eligibility/#what-if-i-dont-meet-the-minimu) Less than 181 days if you were discharged for a service-connected disability | | May 8, 1975 - Sept. 7, 1980 (post-Vietnam War period) May 8, 1975 - Oct. 16, 1981 (as an officer) Feb. 1, 1955 - Aug. 4, 1964 (post-Korean War period) July 26, 1947 - June 26, 1950 (post-WWII period) | One of the following: 181 continuous days Less than 181 days if you were discharged for a service-connected disability | | Aug. 5, 1964 - May 7, 1975 (Vietnam War) Nov. 1, 1955 - May 7, 1975 (in the Republic of Vietnam) June 27, 1950 - Jan. 31, 1955 (Korean War) Sept. 16, 1940 - July 25, 1947 (WWII) | One of the following: 90 continuous days Less than 90 days if you were discharged for a service-connected disability | Some National Guard and Reserve members are also eligible for VA loans. You typically need at least 90 days of non-training, active-duty Title 10 service or at least six creditable years in the Reserves or Guard. ### What costs are associated with a VA loan? VA loans come with closing costs like any other loan, and you’ll generally pay somewhere between 3% to 5% of your loan amount, depending on your lender. One fee that is unique to VA loans is the VA funding fee, which helps support the VA loan program. The cost of this fee ranges from [0.5% to 3.3%](https://www.va.gov/housing-assistance/home-loans/funding-fee-and-closing-costs/) of the loan amount, depending on how you’re using the loan, how many times you’ve used the VA loan benefit, and the down payment you’re making (if any). VA loans also allow the seller or home builder to pay for some or all of the loan's closing costs. Sellers can also pay up to 4% of the home’s “reasonable value” in concessions, which may include discount points, a temporary rate buydown, or prepayment of taxes and insurance fees. This can help significantly reduce the upfront costs of a VA loan. ## Types of VA loans available There are several types of VA loans you can use, depending on your goals. These include: - **VA purchase loans:** These are VA loans you can use to buy a home. You do not need a down payment. - **VA IRRRLs:** Short for Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loans, these are the VA loans you’d use to refinance your mortgage and reduce your interest rate. You can also use them to move from an adjustable interest rate to a fixed one or to lower your monthly payment. You must already have a VA loan to qualify. - **VA cash-out refinances:** VA cash-out refinances let you take out a loan that’s larger than your current one and keep the difference in cash. - **Jumbo VA loans:** Although the VA does not have a maximum loan limit for borrowers with full entitlement, lenders often refer to loans that exceed the conforming loan limit as jumbo loans. You might use this if you’re buying a larger house or a property in a particularly pricey housing market. - **VA renovation loans:** A VA renovation loan is an option if you want to buy a home that needs repairs or safety updates, or you need to fix up your existing home. With the former, you’d roll both the repair costs and the home’s purchase price into one single loan. - **VA construction loans:** This is the VA loan you’d use if you wanted to build a home from the ground up. These may include one or two closings, depending on your lender, and aren’t widely offered. They also require you to use a VA-approved home builder. - **VA Energy-efficient loans:** The VA's Energy Efficient Mortgage allows eligible borrowers to finance up to $6,000 in approved home improvements that increase energy efficiency and help reduce utility bills. This is an add-on option for VA purchase or refinance loans (not a stand-alone loan). Loan options can vary widely from one mortgage company to the next, and not all VA-approved lenders offer all of these options. Shop around if you’re looking for a specific type of VA loan. ## What to look for in a VA lender Many VA-approved mortgage lenders exist, but no two are exactly the same. To make sure you’re getting the best one for your budget and needs, you should consider: - **Available VA loan options**, as these vary widely between companies - **Company reputation,** including customer reviews, lawsuits, regulatory actions and online ratings - **Loan terms and interest rates**, including whether the rates are fixed or adjustable - **Loan qualification requirements,** such as credit score minimums and DTI thresholds - **Geographic footprint,** as not all lenders serve all 50 states Be sure to compare loan estimates from each lender you consider. These will show how each lender’s fees and closing costs compare. You can also ask each lender about any incentives they might offer, such as [mortgage rate buydowns](https://money.com/mortgage-rate-buydown-popular-how-to/)**.** ## The pros and cons of a VA loan **Pros** - Low interest rates - No down payment required - Loans are assumable, meaning a future borrower can take over the loan when buying your house - No mortgage insurance required - May offer more credit and debt flexibility than other loans **Cons** - Only available to qualifying military members, veterans and military spouses - Require a VA funding fee in most cases - Only primary residences allowed - Property must meet certain standards and safety requirements - Slower equity building if you make no down payment - Not all lenders offer them ## Alternatives to VA loans Even if you are a veteran or military member, VA loans aren’t the only loan option you have at your disposal. You can also consider: - **Conventional loans:** Conventional loans are an option if you have a decent credit score. They allow down payments as low as 3%, though you will usually need to pay for private mortgage insurance if your down payment is under 20%. These require a good-to-excellent credit score to qualify for the best rates. - **FHA loans:** FHA loans offer low interest rates and allow down payments as low as 3.5%. You need a credit score of 500 to 580, depending on your down payment and lender. FHA loans require a mortgage insurance premium, which is partly paid up front, with the other portion included in your monthly mortgage payment. This insurance is often required for the life of the loan. - **USDA loans**: USDA loans are an option if the home you’re buying is in an eligible rural or suburban part of the U.S. You will also need to fall under a certain income threshold for your county. Lenders set minimum credit score requirements, not the USDA, and these loans can be obtained with a 0% down payment. A down payment assistance program may also be able to help, depending on where you’re located and your income level. If you’re not sure what the best loan is for your home purchase or refinance, talk to a loan officer or mortgage broker. They can walk you through your options. ## Latest news in VA loans A recent [study](https://www.rocketcompanies.com/press-release/only-half-of-service-members-are-aware-va-loans-require-no-down-payment/) by Rocket Mortgage indicated that only 48% of eligible borrowers consider using a VA loan. The study also shows a lack of knowledge about the program's advantages: only 54% know VA loans don't require a down payment, while fewer than 40% know they don't require private mortgage insurance. Another perk is that VA borrowers can [deduct their VA funding fee](https://news.va.gov/145096/borrowers-can-deduct-funding-fees/) starting in tax year 2026, first claimed on their 2027 return (you must itemize, and the deduction phases out at an adjusted gross income of $109,000). This fee ranges from 0.5% to 3.3%, depending on the loan type, amount, down payment, and the borrower’s history using the program. To improve the loan benefit, several members of the 119th Congress recently [introduced H.R. 8532](https://veterans.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=7899) — the VA Home Loan Affordability Act — in the House of Representatives. The legislation aims to “reduce bureaucratic barriers in the Department of Veterans Affairs Home Loan program, speed up the homebuying process for veteran families, and modernize the program to ensure it meets today’s industry standards for the homebuying process.” The VA also recently launched a new [Partial Claim Program](https://news.va.gov/press-room/va-launches-partial-claim-program-to-help-veterans-avoid-home-foreclosure/) designed to help struggling VA borrowers avoid foreclosure. ## VA loan lenders FAQs ### Can you use a VA loan more than once? Yes, you can. There is no limit on how many times you can use the benefit. You can restore your full entitlement when you pay off the loan, whether you sell or keep the home. You can also still qualify for a second VA loan if you have remaining entitlement, although you may have to make a down payment. ### What will disqualify you from a VA loan? You won't qualify for a VA loan if you don't meet the VA's length of service requirements or have been dishonorably discharged. Lenders will set their own qualification requirements for credit score and debt-to-income ratio, which can prevent you from getting a loan. Finally, the VA establishes minimum property requirements that can disqualify you if they're not met. ### How long does it take to close on a VA loan? It can take 40 to 55 days to close on a VA loan, about the same time as a conventional mortgage. Factors that could extend the closing time include scheduling your home appraisal or completing work needed to meet the minimum property requirements. ### Are VA loan rates lower than conventional rates? Yes. According to Money's rate data, the average rate on a 30-year VA loan was 6.31% as of August 27, 2026, compared to 6.58% for a conventional mortgage. However, you must pay a VA funding fee ranging from 0.5% to 3.3% of the loan amount, which can offset that lower rate. ### Can you buy a duplex or a multiunit property with a VA loan? Yes. You can buy property with up to four residential units with a VA loan. However, one of the units must be your primary residence, among other qualification requirements. Some lenders may count the rental income from the other units as qualifying income when you apply. ## Methodology We evaluated three dozen VA mortgage lenders nationwide, gathering data on product terms, qualifying requirements, interest rates, availability, reputation and other factors to zero in on the best ones. We rated lenders on a one-to-five scale across six categories: product variety (20%), average interest rates (20%), reputation and regulatory issues (20%), credit score minimums (20%), term options (10%), and geographic availability (10%). We prioritized companies that: - Have strong customer ratings and no regulatory actions listed in the Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System in the last five years. - Offered the lowest average interest rates during our review period. - Have low credit score minimums and broad geographic availability, allowing more borrowers to access their products. - Offer a wide variety of VA mortgage products, including purchase loans, cash-out refinances, jumbo loans and construction/renovation loans. ## Summary of our top picks for the 8 best VA loan lenders of September 2026 - [**Veterans United**](#VeteransUnited)**:** Best Overall - [**Rocket Mortgage**](#Rocket)**:** Best for Refinancing - [**Pennymac**](#Pennymac)**:** Best Online Lender - [**CrossCountry Mortgage**](#CrossCountry)**:** Best for Building or Repairing a Home - [**PenFed**](#PenFed)**:** Best Credit Union - [**New American Funding**](#NewAmerican)**:** Best for Low Credit Borrowers - [**Rate**](#Rate)**:** Best for Low Fees - [**Navy Federal Credit Union:**](<#Navy Federal>) Best for Overseas Service Members ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "@id": "https://money.com/best-va-loans/#breadcrumb", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://money.com" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Mortgages", "item": "https://money.com/mortgages/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "VA Loans", "item": "https://money.com/va-loans/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "8 Best VA Loan Lenders of September 2026" } ] }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://money.com/#website", "url": "https://money.com", "name": "Money", "publisher": { "@id": "https://money.com/#organization" } }, { "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://money.com/best-va-loans/#webpage", "url": "https://money.com/best-va-loans/", "name": "8 Best VA Loan Lenders of September 2026", "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://money.com/#website" }, "datePublished": "2026-08-31T12:50:20.000Z", "mainEntity": { "@id": "https://money.com/best-va-loans/" }, "inLanguage": "en-US", "breadcrumb": { "@id": "https://money.com/best-va-loans/#breadcrumb" }, "dateModified": "2026-09-01T19:41:02.000Z" }, { "@type": "Article", "headline": "8 Best VA Loan Lenders of September 2026", "articleSection": "Mortgages", "image": [ { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://img.money.com/2023/12/Best-VA-Loans-mbci_87704__wqc3tx.jpg?quality=85", "width": 2880, "height": 1920 } ], "author": [ { "@type": "Person", "name": "Aly J. 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