Is there a VA loan limit?

Veterans with full entitlement have no VA loan limit — the lender determines how much you qualify for. Limits only apply if you have reduced entitlement from an existing VA loan.

What is the VA funding fee?

A one-time fee of roughly 1.25%–3.3% of the loan amount that keeps the program running. Veterans receiving VA disability compensation and eligible surviving spouses are exempt.

Can I use BAH to qualify for a VA loan?

Yes. Lenders count Basic Allowance for Housing as effective income, and because BAH is non-taxable it can often be grossed up, increasing your qualifying power.

Home / VA Loan Guide

Your Benefit. Earned, Not Given.

The Complete VA Loan Guide for 2026

Q: What credit score do I need for a VA loan?

The VA itself sets no minimum credit score. Most lenders look for a score around 580–620, but requirements vary and many work with lower scores given strong compensating factors.

The VA home loan is one of the most powerful benefits ever offered to those who serve — $0 down, no PMI, and competitive rates. Here's how it works and how to use it.

Why the VA Loan Beats Almost Everything Else

$0 down payment. Buy a home without spending years saving 5–20% down.
No private mortgage insurance (PMI). Conventional buyers with less than 20% down pay PMI every month. VA buyers don't — often saving $100–$400/month.
Competitive interest rates. VA loans are government-backed, so rates typically run below conventional loans.
Flexible credit guidelines. The VA sets no minimum score; lenders commonly work from around 580–620.
Limited closing costs. The VA restricts which fees veterans can be charged.
Reusable, for life. Your entitlement can be restored and reused for every PCS and beyond.
No prepayment penalty. Pay it off early, refinance, or sell whenever you want.

Who Is Eligible for a VA Loan?

You may qualify for a VA loan if you meet one of the following service requirements:

Active duty: 90 continuous days of service.
Veterans: Generally 90 days of wartime service or 181 days of peacetime service (24 months for post-1980/1981 enlistees, with exceptions).
National Guard & Reserve: 6 years of service, or 90 days of active-duty service under Title 32/Title 10 (at least 30 consecutive).
Surviving spouses: Un-remarried spouses of service members who died in the line of duty or from a service-connected disability.

You'll prove eligibility with a Certificate of Eligibility (COE). You can request it through VA.gov or your lender can usually pull it for you in minutes.

Understanding VA Loan Entitlement

Entitlement is the amount the VA guarantees on your behalf. With full entitlement, there is no VA loan limit — your lender decides how much you qualify for based on income and credit. You have full entitlement if you've never used the benefit, paid off a previous VA loan and sold the home, or had your entitlement restored.

With reduced entitlement (for example, you still own a home bought with a VA loan), you can still buy again — including holding two VA loans at once, a common move for PCSing families who rent out their previous home.

The VA Funding Fee

Down Payment	First Use	Subsequent Use
0% down	2.15%	3.3%
5–9.99% down	1.5%	1.5%
10%+ down	1.25%	1.25%

Exempt from the funding fee: veterans receiving VA disability compensation, veterans eligible to receive it, Purple Heart recipients on active duty, and eligible surviving spouses. The fee can also be rolled into the loan.

How to Get a VA Loan: Step by Step

Get your COE. Your lender can typically pull it instantly with your DD-214 or Statement of Service.
Get pre-approved. A VA loan specialist reviews your income (including BAH), credit, and entitlement, and issues a pre-approval letter — do this as soon as you have orders.
Shop with a military-friendly agent. Work with someone who knows VA appraisals, military clauses, and PCS timelines.
Under contract & VA appraisal. The VA appraisal confirms value and checks Minimum Property Requirements (MPRs) for safety and soundness.
Underwriting & closing. Typical VA closings take 30–45 days — easily aligned with a report date when your lender knows PCS.

VA Loan FAQ

What credit score do I need for a VA loan?

The VA sets no minimum. Most lenders look for roughly 580–620, and strong factors like residual income can offset a lower score.

Is there a maximum VA loan amount?

Not with full entitlement. Since 2020, veterans with full entitlement face no VA loan limit — qualification is determined by your lender.

Can I use BAH to qualify?

Yes. BAH counts as effective income, and because it's non-taxable, many lenders "gross it up," boosting your qualifying power. Estimate yours with our BAH calculator.

Can I buy a home before I arrive at my new duty station?

Yes — with orders in hand you can get pre-approved and go under contract remotely, then close around your report date. See our PCS checklist for the ideal timeline.

What can't a VA loan be used for?

VA loans are for primary residences — not pure investment properties or unimproved land. You can, however, buy a multi-unit property (up to 4 units) if you live in one unit.

Ready to use the benefit you earned?

Get pre-approved with a licensed VA loan specialist before your next PCS.

Call (719) 259-2246