Are You Eligible for a VA Loan? Find Out in 1 Minute

VA loans are some of the best home loans available—period. They often come with no down payment, no private mortgage insurance (PMI), and lower interest rates than other loans. If you’re eligible, you should take full advantage. Here’s how to find out if you qualify.

Key Takeaways

• VA loans are for veterans, active-duty service members, and some surviving spouses.
• Most people need a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) to apply.
• There’s no minimum credit score required by the VA, but lenders may have their own rules.

Who Can Get a VA Loan?

To qualify for a VA loan, you must meet at least one of these conditions:

• You served 90 days in wartime (active duty),
• 181 days in peacetime (active duty),
• 6 years in the National Guard or Reserves,
• Or you’re the surviving spouse of a veteran who died in the line of duty or from a service-connected disability.

If you're not sure, don’t guess—check the official VA eligibility page.

What Is a Certificate of Eligibility (COE)?

The COE proves you meet the service requirements. You can apply for it online through the VA, ask your lender to get it for you, or mail in a form. Full instructions are on the VA’s COE page.

Other Things You’ll Need

You still need to meet your lender’s financial rules—like credit, income, and debt. The VA doesn’t set a minimum credit score, but most lenders want to see around 620 or higher.

If a lender imposes some criteria on you that are not in line with the official VA eligibility page, you should probably shop for another lender.

If You’ve Used a VA Loan Before

You can still get another one, but you might need to restore your entitlement. Learn how that works on this page.

Lenders and VA Loans

Not all lenders treat VA loans the same. While VA loans are backed by the government and carry less risk, they also come with limits on what lenders can charge. For example, the VA only allows lenders to charge up to 1% of the loan amount as an origination fee. This cap can mean the lender makes less money compared to other types of loans where fees are higher or less regulated.

Because of this, some lenders may try to steer you toward a conventional loan—even if the VA loan would save you more. Don’t fall for it. Always ask your lender to show you a side-by-side comparison, and make sure they clearly explain any differences. A good lender will support you in using your VA benefits—not push you away from them.

When shopping for a home loan, look for a lender who does a lot of VA loans and understands the process well. These VA-friendly lenders are more likely to help you get the best terms without delay. You’ve earned this benefit—make sure you work with someone who respects that. For official info, visit the VA Home Loan Eligibility page.

Bottom Line

If you served this country, you earned this benefit. VA loans can save you tens of thousands of dollars. Check your eligibility today and don’t let this opportunity pass you by.