What the VA actually checks to say yes

The Department of Veterans Affairs does not use a credit score or income threshold to decide whether you can get a VA loan. Instead, it checks three things: your military service record, whether you have an unexpired Certificate of may be able to access, and whether a lender is willing to give you the money. The VA guarantees part of the loan to the lender, which shifts some risk away from them — but the lender still decides whether to lend to you based on your finances.

You must have served on active duty, in the Selected Reserve, or in the National Guard for a minimum length of time. The exact length depends on when you served and which branch. Most people who served at least 90 days on active duty during wartime, or 181 days during peacetime, meet the service requirement. If you are still serving, you may be able to use a VA loan after 181 days of active duty.

Your discharge must be under conditions other than dishonorable. A general discharge, honorable discharge, or medical discharge all work. A bad conduct discharge or dishonorable discharge does not.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a Certificate of may be able to access from the VA, which you can order online through VA.gov or by mail, and it usually arrives within two weeks.
  • Your service must have lasted at least 90 days on active duty during wartime or 181 days during peacetime, and your discharge must not be dishonorable.
  • The VA does not set income or credit score minimums, but the lender you choose will review your finances and may deny you based on debt, income, or credit history.
  • Surviving spouses of service members who died in service or from a service-connected disability may also be may be able to access, though the rules differ.
  • Once you have your Certificate of may be able to access, you can shop for a lender — the VA does not lend the money itself.

How to get your Certificate of may be able to access

The Certificate of may be able to access is a document from the VA that proves you meet the service requirement. You do not need to wait for a lender to ask for it — you can order it yourself before you start shopping for a home.

The fastest way is through VA.gov. Go to VA.gov/housing-assistance/home-loans, sign in with your Login.gov account, and select "Check your VA loan benefits." The site will pull your service record from the Department of Defense and generate your certificate on the spot if you are may be able to access. You can download it immediately and print it or save it to your phone.

If you do not have a Login.gov account or prefer to apply by mail, fill out VA Form 26-1880 and mail it to the VA regional office that covers your state. The address is on the form. By mail, the process usually takes two to four weeks.

If you have already used your VA loan benefit once and want to use it again, you may still have remaining entitlement. The VA will tell you how much in your certificate.

What lenders will actually look at

Once you have your Certificate of may be able to access, you need a lender. Banks, credit unions, and mortgage companies all offer VA loans. The lender will review your credit report, income, employment history, and existing debts — the VA does not do this part.

Most lenders want a credit score of at least 620, though some will work with lower scores. They will ask for recent pay stubs, tax returns from the last two years, and a list of your debts. They will also verify that you are still employed or, if you are retired, that you have a stable income source.

The VA does not set a debt-to-income ratio limit, but most lenders will not lend to you if your monthly debt payments (including the new mortgage) exceed 41 to 50 percent of your gross monthly income. This varies by lender and by your overall financial picture.

If you have been turned down by one lender, you can apply to another. Different lenders have different standards, and some specialize in VA loans and may be more flexible.

Surviving spouses and other special cases

If your spouse died on active duty or from a service-connected disability, you may be may be able to access for a VA loan even though you did not serve yourself. You will need a Certificate of may be able to access that shows you are a surviving spouse, which you can order through the same VA.gov process or by mail using VA Form 26-1880.

If your spouse is a veteran but you are not, you cannot use their may be able to access to get a VA loan unless you are a surviving spouse. However, your spouse can apply for the loan in their own name, and you can be a co-borrower.

If you are a veteran but your discharge was not honorable — for example, you received a general discharge under other than honorable conditions — you may still be may be able to access depending on the reason. Contact the VA directly to discuss your situation, because the rules are case-by-case.

What happens after the lender says yes

Once a lender approves you, they will order an appraisal of the home and a title search. The VA will also review the property to make sure it meets minimum standards — it must be safe, sanitary, and a reasonable price for the area. The VA does not inspect every home, but the lender will order an appraisal that covers these points.

You will not pay an origination fee, application fee, or underwriting fee — the VA prohibits these. You may pay a funding fee, which goes to the VA and helps fund the program. The funding fee is usually 2 to 3 percent of the loan amount for first-time users, though it is waived if you receive VA disability compensation. You can roll the funding fee into the loan amount rather than paying it upfront.

Closing usually takes 30 to 45 days from the time the lender approves you. You will sign the final paperwork, the lender will fund the loan, and you will receive the keys.

Common reasons lenders say no

The most common reason a lender denies a VA loan is a low credit score or recent missed payments. If you have unpaid collections, charge-offs, or a foreclosure in the last two years, many lenders will decline. Some will work with you if you can explain the situation and show that it is resolved.

High debt relative to income is another frequent reason. If you have car loans, credit card balances, student loans, and other monthly payments that add up to more than half your income, a lender may say the new mortgage payment would stretch you too thin.

Unstable employment can also be a barrier. If you have changed jobs frequently in the last two years, or if you are self-employed with inconsistent income, the lender may ask for more documentation or decline. Some lenders are more flexible about this than others.

If the home itself does not pass the VA's minimum standards — for example, the roof is failing or the foundation is cracked — the lender may not fund the loan until repairs are made.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be honorably discharged to use a VA loan?

No. A general discharge, medical discharge, or other discharge under conditions other than dishonorable will work. A dishonorable discharge or bad conduct discharge does not. If your discharge paperwork says "other than honorable," contact the VA to discuss your specific case — the rules can vary.

Can I use a VA loan if I am still on active duty?

Yes, if you have completed at least 181 days of active duty. You will need a Certificate of may be able to access, which you can order through VA.gov using your military credentials. Some lenders may ask for a letter from your command confirming your service status.

What if I was dishonorably discharged?

A dishonorable discharge disqualifies you from a VA loan. If you believe your discharge was in error or if you have had it upgraded, contact the VA with your updated discharge papers. Otherwise, you would need to explore conventional loan options.

Can I use a VA loan more than once?

Yes. Your Certificate of may be able to access will show your remaining entitlement. Once you pay off a VA loan, your entitlement restores and you can use it again. Some veterans use VA loans multiple times over their lifetime.

Does the VA check my credit score?

No. The VA does not set a credit score requirement. Your lender will check your credit and may decline if your score is too low or if you have recent missed payments. Different lenders have different standards, so if one says no, another may say yes.