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Best VA Mortgage Lenders of December 2025
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Best VA Mortgage Lenders of December 2025

Taylor Getler
Holden Lewis
+1
Taylor Getler
+2
Written by 

Taylor Getler

Reviewed by 

Holden Lewis

Edited by 

Dawnielle Robinson-Walker

Written by 

Taylor Getler

 and 
Last updated 10/08/2025
A VA loan is a no-down-payment mortgage for active-duty military, qualified veterans and surviving spouses.
 

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Best for VA specialization

Veterans United

NMLS#1907

Min. credit score

620

Min. down payment

0%

Our take on Veterans United

The Nerdy headline

Veterans United is the largest VA loan originator in the country by far, according to the latest federal data.

What we like
  • Specializes in working with military borrowers.
  • Offers VA refinancing.
  • Sample interest rates are posted online.
What we don't like
  • Interest rates are on the higher end compared to other VA lenders.
  • Does not offer VA renovation loans.
Read our full review of Veterans United

Best for low rates and fees

NBKC

NMLS#409631

Min. credit score

620

Min. down payment

0%

Our take on NBKC

The Nerdy headline

NBKC stands out for offering low VA rates and origination fees, as well as energy-efficient mortgages.

What we like
  • Interest rates and origination fees are on the lower side compared to other VA lenders.
  • Offers energy-efficient mortgages.
  • Offers VA refinancing.
What we don't like
  • Does not offer VA renovation loans.
Read our full review of NBKC

Best for low rates and fees

First Federal Bank

NMLS#408902

Min. credit score

580

Min. down payment

0%

Our take on First Federal Bank

The Nerdy headline

First Federal stands out for having low interest rates and origination fees compared to other VA lenders.

What we like
  • Interest rates and origination fees are on the lower end compared to other VA lenders.
  • Offers VA energy-efficient mortgages.
  • Offers VA refinancing.
What we don't like
  • Does not offer VA renovation loans.
Read our full review of First Federal Bank

Best for variety of VA loan types

Rate

NMLS#2611

Min. credit score

580

Min. down payment

0%

Our take on Rate

The Nerdy headline

Guaranteed rate stands out for offering a range of VA loans, including renovation loans, refinancing, energy-efficient mortgages and Native American Direct Loans.

What we like
  • Offers VA renovation loans.
  • Offers VA refinancing.
  • Offers VA energy-efficient mortgages and Native American Direct Loans.
What we don't like
  • VA interest rates and origination fees are average.
Read our full review of Rate

Best for low rates and fees

Alliant

NMLS#197185

Min. credit score

N/A

Min. down payment

N/A

Our take on Alliant

The Nerdy headline

Alliant has low interest rates and fees compared to other VA lenders, according to the latest federal data.

What we like
  • VA interest rates and origination fees are on the lower end compared to other VA lenders.
  • Interest rates are customizable online.
What we don't like
  • Does not offer VA refinancing.
  • Does not offer VA renovation loans.
Read our full review of Alliant

Best for rate shopping

Wells Fargo

NMLS#399801

Min. credit score

600

Min. down payment

0%

Our take on Wells Fargo

The Nerdy headline

Wells Fargo offers low interest rates compared to other VA lenders.

What we like
  • Interest rates are on the lower end compared to other VA lenders.
  • Offers VA Interest Rate Reduction Refinance loans (VA IRRRL).
  • Sample interest rates are posted online.
What we don't like
  • Does not offer VA cash-out refinancing.
  • Does not offer VA renovation loans.
Read our full review of Wells Fargo

Best for variety of VA loan types

Flagstar

NMLS#417490

Min. credit score

580

Min. down payment

0%

Our take on Flagstar

The Nerdy headline

Flagstar offers a range of VA loans, including VA refinancing and VA renovation loans.

What we like
  • Offers VA refinancing.
  • Offers VA renovation loans.
  • Rate estimates can be customized online.
What we don't like
  • VA lending makes up a small part of Flagstar’s originations.
Read our full review of Flagstar

Best for variety of VA loan types

PenFed

NMLS#401822

Min. credit score

620

Min. down payment

0%

Our take on PenFed

The Nerdy headline

PenFed offers VA refinancing and offers low interest rates for VA loans.

What we like
  • Offers VA refinancing.
  • Interest rates are low compared to other VA lenders.
What we don't like
  • Does not offer VA renovation loans.
  • Customer service score is on the lower end compared to other VA lenders.
Read our full review of PenFed

Best for rate shopping

USAA

NMLS#8722

Min. credit score

N/A

Min. down payment

0%

Our take on USAA

The Nerdy headline

USAA is among the top five VA loan lenders by volume, though conventional loans are available, too.

What we like
  • Sample VA rates are posted online.
  • Offers VA refinancing.
What we don't like
  • Lender received a low score for customer experience.
  • Does not offer VA renovation loans.
Read our full review of USAA

Best for low rates and fees

Navy Federal

NMLS#399807

Min. credit score

N/A

Min. down payment

0%

Our take on Navy Federal

The Nerdy headline

Navy Federal Credit Union stands out for having exceptionally low VA interest rates and fees.

What we like
  • Best-scoring VA lender for interest rates and fees.
  • Offers VA refinancing.
  • Specializes in working with military borrowers.
What we don't like
  • Does not offer VA renovation loans.
Read our full review of Navy Federal

Best for rate shopping

Pennymac

NMLS#35953

Min. credit score

580

Min. down payment

0%

Our take on Pennymac

The Nerdy headline

Pennymac stands out for having low interest rates and for offering a customizable rate tool on its website.

What we like
  • Rate estimates can be customized online.
  • VA interest rates are on the lower end compared to other VA lenders.
  • Offers VA refinancing.
What we don't like
  • Does not offer VA renovation loans.
  • Origination fees are on the higher end compared to other VA lenders.
Read our full review of Pennymac

Best for rate shopping

U.S. Bank

NMLS#402761

Min. credit score

N/A

Min. down payment

0%

Our take on U.S. Bank

The Nerdy headline

U.S. Bank stands out for having one of the highest customer experience scores among surveyed VA lenders.

What we like
  • High customer experience score.
  • Offers VA refinancing.
  • Interest rates are on the lower end compared to other VA lenders.
What we don't like
  • Does not offer VA renovation loans.
  • VA lending makes up a small part of US Bank’s originations.
Read our full review of U.S. Bank

Best for rate shopping

Truist

NMLS#399803

Min. credit score

620

Min. down payment

0%

Our take on Truist

The Nerdy headline

Truist offers low interest rates compared to other VA lenders.

What we like
  • Offers low interest rates compared to other VA lenders.
  • Offers VA refinancing.
What we don't like
  • Does not offer VA renovation loans.
  • VA lending makes up a small part of Truist’s originations.
Read our full review of Truist
The star ratings on this page reflect each lender's performance in NerdWallet’s VA loans category. We scored the category and chose lenders for this page using the following methodology:
NerdWallet reviewed more than 40 mortgage lenders, including the majority of the largest U.S. mortgage lenders by annual loan volume (measured among lenders with at least a 1% market share), lenders with significant online search volume and those that specialize in serving various audiences across the country.
All reviewed mortgage lenders that offer VA loans were evaluated based on (1) the portion of their business dedicated to VA lending, (2) their market share among all 2023 VA loan originations, (3) their average VA loan origination fees, (4) their average VA loan interest rates, (5) their variety of VA loan types (including VA Energy Efficient Mortgages, VA rehab and renovation loans, VA Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loans and VA cash-out refinances), (6) their VA interest rate transparency, (7) customer experience. The highest scoring lenders appear on this page. Lenders gained extra points for offering Native American Direct Loans, and lost points for recent government actions regarding violations that harmed customers.
NerdWallet solicits information from reviewed lenders on a recurring basis throughout the year. All lender-provided information is verified through lender websites and interviews. We also utilized 2023 HMDA data for origination volume, origination fee, average interest rate and share-of-product data.
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Introduction to VA mortgages

VA loans are offered by lenders and backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The main advantages of VA home loans is that they don't require a down payment or mortgage insurance. Furthermore, the program doesn't require a minimum credit score, although lenders might set minimums.

Qualifying for a VA loan

VA loans don’t require a down payment or mortgage insurance and have competitive mortgage rates compared to other types of home loans.
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.

Special fees associated with VA loans

Borrowers pay a “funding fee,” which acts as a one-time mortgage insurance payment. This fee is a percentage of your mortgage, which depends on your down payment and whether or not you’ve used your VA entitlement before.
Funding fee requirements range from 1.25% to 2.15% of the loan amount if this is your first VA loan.
Down Payment
Funding Fee — Purchase or Construction Loan, First Use
0% to 4.9%
2.15%
5% to 9.9%
1.5%
10% or more
1.25%
Funding fee requirements range from 1.25% to 3.3% of the loan amount you’ve gotten a VA loan before.
Down Payment
Funding Fee — Purchase or Construction Loan, Subsequent Use
0% to 4.9%
3.3%
5% to 9.9%
1.5%
10% or more
1.25%
VA refinances have funding fee requirements as well, ranging from 0.5% to 3.3% of the loan amount.
VA Refinance Loan
Funding Fee
Cash-out refinance — first use
2.15%
Cash-out refinance — subsequent use
3.3%
VA IRRRL Loan
0.5%
MORE NERDY PERSPECTIVE 🤓
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

More from NerdWallet

Fact-checked as of Oct. 8, 2025

Frequently asked questions

  • What lender is best for VA loans?

    All VA loans follow rules and guidelines set by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Each lender has its own requirements, such as minimum credit scores. This is why it's important to shop around to compare mortgage rates and qualification requirements.
  • 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, and they often look for scores of 620 or higher. 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.