What’s The Minimum Credit Score For A VA Loan? A Guide
VA loans can be tremendously helpful for those who’ve served their country in the United States armed forces, as well as those who are currently serving and those whose spouse has died from or after suffering a service-related disability or is missing in action or a prisoner of war. Not only do VA loans tend to have low interest rates compared to most other loan options, but they also provide financial benefits like refinancing equity and buying a house with no down payment. So, what’s the minimum credit score needed to qualify for a VA loan?
Let’s walk through some important-to-know information about the minimum credit score for VA loans, and we’ll highlight some key considerations to keep in mind.
What Is A VA Home Loan?
A VA loan is a government loan backed by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This type of mortgage loan option is available to veterans, active-duty service members and surviving spouses who all meet specific eligibility criteria established by the VA. A VA loan acts as a “thank you” to service members and their families for their dedication to serving their country.
VA loans carry several benefits, including a no-down-payment requirement for a home purchase. A VA loan will also typically feature a desirable interest rate and provide a homeowner the opportunity to convert their home equity into cash once they’ve built up a reasonable amount of equity.
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Is There A Minimum Credit Score For VA Loans?
The VA doesn’t have a set minimum credit score that’s necessary to qualify for a VA loan, but mortgage lenders do. Each lender can set its own credit score minimum based on what score they’re comfortable accepting.
Depending on the lender, you may have to hit a minimum credit score of 580 for a VA loan. That number can vary from one lender to the next, though, and vary with the type of loan you choose.
Who Sets VA Loan Credit Score Requirements?
As mentioned above, the VA itself doesn’t have a set minimum credit score requirement, but the Department of Veterans Affairs does entrust private lenders with properly vetting the borrower to understand their financial stability. The VA’s role in the loan process is to fund and manage the program and be sure it runs smoothly, but the VA itself doesn’t issue loans – that’s the individual mortgage lender’s job.
Can I Get A VA Loan With Bad Credit?
It’s possible to get a VA loan with bad credit, but the credit score minimum is ultimately in the hands of the mortgage lender you end up choosing. Keep in mind: Other factors – like your debt-to-income ratio (DTI) – also help determine whether you qualify for a VA loan.
How To Improve Your Credit Score For A VA Loan
Before you embark on trying to raise your credit score, it’s important to understand what’s actually on your credit report. Once you’ve accessed that report and reviewed everything on it, you can get started on what you need to work on. Below are some ways you can begin improving your credit score today, or at the very least keep it from dropping.
Pay Your Bills On Time
Paying your bills on time is an easy way to boost your credit score. There’s always time to turn your credit score around by paying your monthly bills when or before they’re due. Setting up autopay is a great strategy for staying on top of your monthly payments and never forgetting to make them.
Keep Credit Utilization In Check
Credit utilization refers to the portion of your credit limit that you’re using at a certain period of time. The biggest key with credit utilization is to not let your credit balances carry over month to month. Paying your credit card balance in full each month will help improve your credit score.
Forgo Applying For New Lines Of Credit And Other Loans
When applying for a new credit card or any other loan, you’ll undergo a hard inquiry that actually damages your credit score for a period of time.
Track Progress
While you continue working to raise your credit score, it’s wise to track your progress along the way. An array of credit monitoring services can show how your credit score is changing over time and highlight various aspects of your credit history.
Consolidate Debt
If you’re currently dealing with a lot of outstanding debts, it might be worth seeking a debt consolidation loan. This loan will leave you with only one monthly payment to make, and if you’re lucky enough to secure a low interest rate, you might be able to pay off your debt even quicker.
The Bottom Line: VA Loans Offer More Flexibility With Credit Score Minimums
While there’s no across-the-board minimum credit score for VA loans, it’s essential to understand the VA loan benchmarks your lender has put in place for borrowers to achieve before they can become loan eligible.
However, since VA loans are designed to help borrowers who’ve served their country or were married to someone who served, some lenders will go the extra mile to assist those seeking this type of financing.
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Victoria Araj
Victoria Araj is a Staff Writer for Rocket Companies who has held roles in mortgage banking, public relations and more in her 15-plus years of experience. She has a bachelor’s degree in journalism with an emphasis in political science from Michigan State University, and a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Michigan.
