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Best VA Loan Lenders of June 2026
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Best VA Loan Lenders of June 2026

Georgia Rose
Taylor Getler
+2
Georgia Rose
+3
Written by 

Georgia Rose

,  Co-Written by 

Taylor Getler

,  Reviewed by 

Holden Lewis

,  Edited by 

Johanna Arnone

Written by 

Georgia Rose

 and 
3 others
Last updated 06/08/2026
A VA loan is a government-backed mortgage for active-duty military, qualified veterans and surviving spouses, with no down payment required.
 

This service is free and will not affect your credit score.

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Can I get a VA home loan?

VA loans are offered by mortgage lenders and backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Active-duty military members and veterans who meet length-of-service requirements may be eligible for a VA loan. Some surviving spouses may also apply for a VA loan.
The VA doesn’t set a minimum credit score, although lenders might set minimums. In NerdWallet's latest survey, most VA loan lenders reported minimum scores between 500 and 620.
In addition to not requiring a down payment or mortgage insurance, VA loans often have competitive mortgage rates compared to other types of home loans.
» MORE: VA loan eligibility requirements
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Best for VA loan specialization

Veterans United

NMLS#1907

NerdWallet rating

5.0

VA loans
Min. credit score

620

Min. down payment

0%

GET MY RATE

Our take on Veterans United

The Nerdy headline

Veterans United originates more VA mortgages than any other lender. Though average VA APRs are middle of the road, it’s a solid pick for veterans and military borrowers looking for a lender that has ample experience with this loan type.

What we like
  • Major VA lender, by loan volume.
  • VA loans make up a large share of Veterans United's total home loans.
  • Offers a strong variety of VA loan types for purchase and refinance.
What we don't like
  • Average VA loan APRs are less competitive than some other top VA lenders, according to the latest data.
  • Website doesn’t have online chat.
Read our full review of Veterans United

Best for Faster than average closing time

NBKC

NMLS#409631

NerdWallet rating

5.0

VA loans
Min. credit score

580

Min. down payment

0%

GET MY RATE

Our take on NBKC

The Nerdy headline

NBKC is a big VA lender by loan volume and stands out for its attractive APRs. However, its mobile app does not have mortgage features, and chat support with a human is behind an email form.

What we like
  • Lower-than-average APRs compared to competitors.
  • Offers a good variety of VA loan types for purchase and refinance.
What we don't like
  • No mobile app with mortgage features.
  • Does not offer VA rehab and renovation loans.
Read our full review of NBKC

Best for Faster than average closing time

First Federal Bank

NMLS#408902

NerdWallet rating

5.0

VA loans
Min. credit score

580

Min. down payment

0%

GET MY RATE

Our take on First Federal Bank

The Nerdy headline

First Federal Bank stands out for its relatively low APRs on VA loans and online accessibility — you can apply via the lender’s mobile app or website.

What we like
  • VA loan APRs tend to be competitive.
  • Offers a variety of VA loan types, including Energy Efficient Mortgages.
  • Mobile app includes mortgage features, such as application and preapproval.
What we don't like
  • Doesn't offer VA renovation loans.
  • You'll have to contact the lender to see personalized mortgage rates, though sample rates are posted online.
Read our full review of First Federal Bank

Best for Competitive APRs

Alliant

NMLS#197185

NerdWallet rating

5.0

VA loans
Min. credit score

N/A

Min. down payment

N/A

GET MY RATE

Our take on Alliant

The Nerdy headline

Alliant Credit Union offers lower-than-average APRs, but VA loans aren't a major share of total lending.

What we like
  • Low average APRs compared to other lenders.
  • Mortgage borrowers do not need to become members of the credit union until the closing process, so you can apply without committing to membership.
What we don't like
  • VA loans make up a small share of Alliant's total home loans.
  • You can’t track your mortgage application online.
  • No mortgage mobile app.
Read our full review of Alliant

Best for high loan limits

USAA

NMLS#401058

NerdWallet rating

5.0

VA loans
Min. credit score

620

Min. down payment

0%

GET MY RATE

Our take on USAA

The Nerdy headline

USAA is among the top 10 VA lenders by volume and offers some rarer types of VA loans like EEMs (Energy-Efficient Mortgages). USAA membership is open only to current and former military and eligible family members.

What we like
  • Major VA lender, by loan volume.
  • VA loans make up a large share of USAA's total home loans.
  • Offers a strong variety of VA loan types for purchase and refinance.
What we don't like
  • Average APRs are less competitive than other top VA lenders.
  • Does not offer VA rehab and renovation loans.
Read our full review of USAA

Best for VA loans overall

Navy Federal

NMLS#399807

NerdWallet rating

5.0

VA loans
Min. credit score

N/A

Min. down payment

0%

GET MY RATE

Our take on Navy Federal

The Nerdy headline

Navy Federal is known for VA lending, but its flexible VA-like loan options truly stand out. You'll need a military connection to join the credit union.

What we like
  • Low average APRs compared to other lenders.
  • Major VA lender, by loan volume.
What we don't like
  • Borrowers must join the credit union before applying for a mortgage, and all borrowers on the loan must be members for the loan to close.
  • Does not offer VA rehab and renovation loans.
Read our full review of Navy Federal

Best for Customer experience

SoFi

NMLS#696891

NerdWallet rating

5.0

VA loans
Min. credit score

600

Min. down payment

0%

GET MY RATE

Our take on SoFi

The Nerdy headline

SoFi offers perks for existing customers, including discounts, closing credits and accessible customer support.

What we like
  • Lower average APRs compared to some other lenders.
  • Mobile app has mortgage features.
  • Prequal, preapproval and application can be done online.
What we don't like
  • VA loans make up a small share of SoFi's total home loans.
  • Must provide contact details to see customized VA rates online.
Read our full review of SoFi

Best for Competitive APRs

loanDepot

NMLS#174457

NerdWallet rating

5.0

VA loans
Min. credit score

520

Min. down payment

0%

GET MY RATE

Our take on loanDepot

The Nerdy headline

Loan Depot is a solid pick for borrowers who want competitively low APRs and a variety of loan types to explore.

What we like
  • Has branches across the country for customers who prefer face-to-face service.
  • Receives high marks for customer satisfaction, according to Zillow.
  • APRs for VA loans are more competitive than average.
What we don't like
  • Mortgage rates aren't available online; you'll need to contact a loan officer.
  • Does not have a mobile app with mortgage features.
Read our full review of loanDepot

Best for VA loan accessibility

PenFed

NMLS#401822

NerdWallet rating

5.0

VA loans
Min. credit score

620

Min. down payment

0%

GET MY RATE

Our take on PenFed

The Nerdy headline

PenFed scores high for offering lower-than-average APRs for VA loans, but may not be the best fit for borrowers with fixer-uppers.

What we like
  • Offers VA refinancing.
  • Average APRs are lower compared to other VA lenders.
  • Offers financing in Guam and Puerto Rico.
What we don't like
  • Does not offer VA renovation or EEM loans.
  • No mobile app with mortgage features.
  • Cannot complete preapproval online.
Read our full review of PenFed

Best for Faster than average closing time

Chase

NMLS#399798

NerdWallet rating

4.5

VA loans
Min. credit score

620

Min. down payment

0%

GET MY RATE

Our take on Chase

The Nerdy headline

Chase is a great pick for VA borrowers looking for a large national bank, an in-person experience and comparatively low APRs.

What we like
  • Offers low APRs compared with other lenders, according to the latest federal data.
  • Offers VA Energy-Efficient Mortgages.
  • Faster-than-average closing time.
What we don't like
  • Doesn't offer VA renovation loans or cashout refinances.
  • You have to speak with a home loan adviser to complete the application.
  • Website rates tool does not show VA options.
Read our full review of Chase

How we chose the best VA loan lenders

Our team of mortgage experts follows an objective, consumer-first methodology to assess VA lenders and pick the best.

40+

Lenders reviewed

We review more than 40 lenders, including major banks, credit unions, and online lenders operating across multiple states.

10

Categories assessed

Each lender is evaluated across 10 weighted categories covering VA loan volume, overall share of the VA loan market, rates and fees, types of VA loans offered, rate transparency and customer experience.

11,000+

Data points analyzed

Our team tracks and reassesses hundreds of data points annually for reviewed lenders, ensuring up-to-date, accurate comparisons.

Star rating categories

We evaluate the following categories and carefully weigh how each factor impacts your experience.
NerdWallet rates VA loan lenders based on what matters most to eligible borrowers: VA loan rates and fees, the variety of VA loan options, how much of a lender’s business is dedicated to VA loans, VA loan market share, product accessibility, customer experience and rate transparency.
We review more than 40 lenders and score VA loan lenders using a weighted system that prioritizes affordability and lenders with deep experience serving VA borrowers. Lenders earn higher scores for offering lower borrowing costs, a wider range of VA loan options, strong participation in the VA lending market, broad availability and clear, accessible rate information, along with a smooth borrowing experience from application through closing.
We use a mix of lender-provided information, publicly available data and our own analysis to evaluate each lender. Recent regulatory actions may affect a lender’s score.
For inclusion on this roundup, lenders must achieve high ratings for VA loans.

🏆 What makes Navy Federal our 2026 winner?

Navy Federal is NerdWallet’s 2026 winner for VA loans because it combines loan-type expertise with impressively low APRs. But that's not where the perks end — the website provides customizable sample rates, you can reach human customer service reps through a variety of channels (including online chat), and loans are available to a range of financial profiles.

Choosing the best VA lender

When comparing lenders that offer VA home loans, you want to prioritize institutions that have experience with these types of mortgages and offer a competitive combination of rate and fees.
How do I choose a VA lender?
This is different for everyone and depends on your specific needs. My advice would be that while you might prioritize using a lender tailored to veterans, the right choice for you may not be the one with the most aggressive military marketing. Consider broadening your search and applying with a few different lenders — even if they’re not as familiar — to ensure you're getting the best possible offer.
Taylor Getler, Lead Writer, Mortgages
Feeling overwhelmed by the range of lender options and unsure what’s best for you? NerdWallet publishes individual lender reviews to give you a deeper look into the perks and customer experience at different VA lenders.
For example, see our rundown of the nation’s largest VA loan lender, Veterans United.
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Special fees associated with VA loans

VA loan borrowers pay a one-time “funding fee,” which can be paid all at once or financed into your loan amount. This fee is a percentage of your mortgage, which depends on your down payment amount and whether or not you’ve used your VA entitlement before.

More from NerdWallet

Frequently asked questions

  • What lender is best for VA loans?

    NerdWallet’s team of mortgage experts have determined that the best VA lenders prioritize military borrowers, are major players in the VA loan market, charge low rates and fees, offer a wide variety of VA loan types, post sample mortgage rates online for ease of comparison and offer a strong customer experience.

  • What is the current interest rate for VA loans?

    VA mortgage rates change daily. Rates also vary by lender, and the rate you're offered will depend on factors like your credit score. When shopping VA lenders, compare the annual percentage rate, or APR, to get a complete picture of the true costs. The APR includes the interest rate, fees and other costs of the loan.

  • What credit score do you need to qualify for a VA loan?

    The Department of Veterans Affairs doesn't set a minimum credit score for VA loans. But lenders can have their own requirements — typically, a score of 620 or higher can help you qualify with most lenders.
    Lenders that accept lower scores may require applicants to meet stricter standards in other areas. VA lenders will also look at other factors, such as your debt-to-income ratio, to evaluate your ability to repay the loan.