BEST OF
9 Best VA Mortgage Lenders of January 2021
VA loans for current and veteran military members don't require a down payment or mortgage insurance. Compare our picks for best VA mortgage lenders of 2020.
NOTE: Due to the coronavirus outbreak, obtaining a mortgage may be a bit of a challenge. Lenders are dealing with demand and staffing issues. If you can’t pay your current home loan, refer to our mortgage assistance resource. For the latest information on how to cope with financial stress during this emergency, see NerdWallet’s financial guide to COVID-19.
For active military and veterans looking for a VA loan, finding the right lender is important. It can also be a challenge.
You want to work with a lender that knows the Department of Veterans Affairs mortgage program inside and out so you can benefit from its many perks. You also want one that can get you a mortgage as quickly and efficiently as possible.
NerdWallet picked some of the best mortgage lenders offering VA loans in a variety of categories so you can quickly decide which is right for you.
NOTE: Due to the coronavirus outbreak, obtaining a mortgage may be a bit of a challenge. Lenders are dealing with demand and staffing issues. If you can’t pay your current home loan, refer to our mortgage assistance resource. For the latest information on how to cope with financial stress during this emergency, see NerdWallet’s financial guide to COVID-19.
For active military and veterans looking for a VA loan, finding the right lender is important. It can also be a challenge.
You want to work with a lender that knows the Department of Veterans Affairs mortgage program inside and out so you can benefit from its many perks. You also want one that can get you a mortgage as quickly and efficiently as possible.
NerdWallet picked some of the best mortgage lenders offering VA loans in a variety of categories so you can quickly decide which is right for you.
Summary of Best VA Mortgage Lenders of January 2021
Lender | NerdWallet Rating | Minimum Credit Score | Minimum Down Payment | Learn More |
---|---|---|---|---|
Best for borrowers with weaker credit | 640 | 0% | at New American Funding | |
Best for online VA mortgage experience | 620 | 0% | at Quicken Loans | |
Best for traditional lending experience | 640 | 0% | at BNC National Bank | |
Best for online VA mortgage experience | 640 | 0% | at Fairway Independent Mortgage | |
Best for loan variety | 660 | 0% | at Veterans United | |
Best for traditional lending experience | 660 | 0% | at NBKC | |
Best for loan variety | 660 | 0% | Read review | |
Best for VA mortgage experience overall | 600 | 0% | at NASB | |
Best for VA mortgage experience overall | N/A | 0% | Read review |
at New American Funding
New American Funding: NMLS#6606
Min. Credit Score
Min. Down Payment
at New American Funding
at Quicken Loans
Quicken Loans: NMLS#3030
Min. Credit Score
Min. Down Payment
at Quicken Loans
at BNC National Bank
BNC National Bank: NMLS#418467
Min. Credit Score
Min. Down Payment
at BNC National Bank
at Fairway Independent Mortgage
Fairway Independent Mortgage: NMLS#2289

Min. Credit Score
Min. Down Payment
at Fairway Independent Mortgage
at Veterans United
Veterans United: NMLS#1907

Min. Credit Score
Min. Down Payment
at Veterans United
at NBKC
NBKC: NMLS#409631
Min. Credit Score
Min. Down Payment
at NBKC
Veterans First Mortgage: NMLS#449042

Min. Credit Score
Min. Down Payment
at NASB
NASB: NMLS#400039

Min. Credit Score
Min. Down Payment
at NASB
Navy Federal: NMLS#399807

National / Regional
Min. Down Payment
VA mortgage FAQs
Who is eligible for a VA loan?
Active-duty military members and veterans who meet length-of-service requirements may apply for a VA loan. Some surviving spouses may also be eligible.
» MORE: VA loan requirements for 2020
Who is the best lender for VA loans?
All VA loans are subject to rules and guidelines set by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, but no two VA lenders are exactly alike. VA lenders have unique business goals. They vary by the services and options they offer as well as the requirements they set for borrowers, such as minimum credit scores. The best VA lender for you will depend on your circumstances and needs. 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 may fluctuate on a daily basis, just as rates for other loans do. Rates also vary by lender, and the rate you're offered will depend on a variety of factors, such as your credit score. When shopping 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.
» MORE: Compare current VA loan rates
What credit score do you need to qualify for a VA loan?
The Department of Veterans Affairs, which guarantees VA loans, doesn't set a minimum credit score. But lenders can have their own requirements, which typically range from 580 to 620. VA lenders will also look at other factors, such as your debt-to-income ratio, to evaluate your ability to repay the loan.
Can I be denied a VA home loan?
You may be denied a VA home loan if you don't meet the basic VA loan eligibility requirements or don't meet a lender's financial requirements. An FHA loan, insured by the Federal Housing Administration, might be an alternative if you have a lower credit score.
More from NerdWallet
Last updated on March 20, 2020
Methodology
NerdWallet's star ratings for mortgage lenders are awarded based on our evaluation of the products and services each lender offers to consumers who are actively shopping for the best mortgage. The five key areas we evaluated include the variety of loan types and products offered, online conveniences, online mortgage rate information, and the rate spread and origination fee lenders reported in the latest available Home Mortgage Disclosure Act data. To ensure consistency, our ratings are reviewed by multiple people on the NerdWallet Mortgages team.
To recap our selections...
NerdWallet's Best VA Mortgage Lenders of January 2021
- New American Funding: Best for borrowers with weaker credit
- Quicken Loans: Best for online VA mortgage experience
- BNC National Bank: Best for traditional lending experience
- Fairway Independent Mortgage: Best for online VA mortgage experience
- Veterans United: Best for loan variety
- NBKC: Best for traditional lending experience
- Veterans First Mortgage: Best for loan variety
- NASB: Best for VA mortgage experience overall
- Navy Federal: Best for VA mortgage experience overall