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VA Loans
VA Loan Requirements 2025: The Complete Eligibility Guide
7 min read · 2025-04-01
Everything veterans and active-duty service members need to know about qualifying for a VA mortgage.
VA loans offer $0 down payment, no PMI, competitive rates, and lifetime reuse — but you must meet specific eligibility requirements.
Who Is Eligible for a VA Loan?
- Active duty: 90+ consecutive days
- Veterans: 90 days wartime or 181 days peacetime
- National Guard/Reserves: 6+ years service
- Surviving spouses of veterans who died in service
VA Loan Credit Score Requirements
The VA itself has no minimum credit score — but lenders set their own overlays. Most require 580–620. Veterans United requires 620.
VA loans have a funding fee of 1.25–3.3% of the loan amount. Disabled veterans with 10%+ service-connected disability are exempt.
VA Loan Benefits Summary
- $0 down payment required
- No private mortgage insurance (PMI)
- Rates typically 0.5–1% lower than conventional
- Assumable by another eligible veteran
- Can use VA benefits multiple times for life
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