A guide to the best VA mortgage lenders, from the Nerds who chose them
Here’s what makes the best VA mortgage lenders on this month's list stand out.
It’s hard to miss Veterans United when looking at VA loans — they’re a giant in the space, offering all the classic VA loans, including Streamline refinances, as well as less common ones like energy-efficient mortgages. We’re particularly pleased to see such a behemoth allow applications via a mobile app and offer a degree of transparency: you can see sample rates and monthly payments on their website based on your credit score. Now for the less exciting news: Veterans United doesn’t offer VA renovation loans, and the online application process isn’t fully self-service.
NBKC: "Its average closing time is a supersonic 25 days"
NBKC’s average closing time is a supersonic 25 days. In a hurry and tech-minded? You’ll also like the full-service online application process. All this with lower-than-average APRs. But (yes, there’s always a but) NBKC doesn’t offer VA renovation loans or energy-efficient mortgages.
First Federal: "Our attention was caught by the 580 minimum credit score"
First Federal caught our attention with its super-competitive APRs, fully online application process and solid selection of loan types (you can find the less common VA energy-efficient mortgage on their roster). It kept our attention with its 580 minimum credit score, 27-day average closing time and comprehensive mobile app. However, you can’t view sample rates based on your credit score or location online, which makes comparing lenders harder.
Alliant: "We were wowed and wooed by its super-competitive APRs"
We were wowed by Alliant’s super-competitive APRs and wooed by its speedy 25-day average time to close. You’ll find all the classic VA loan types, like purchase loans, cash-out and Streamline refinances, and can apply fully online. We particularly liked how Alliant offers VA loans to a wider-than-average range of financial profiles. There’s no mobile app, though. And, due to its smaller-than-average market share, its experience and expertise in this loan type may not be vast.
USAA: "A behemoth with lower-than-average APRs and VA expertise"
Another giant in the VA space, USAA caught our eye with its lower-than-average APRs and VA expertise: it dedicates a sizable portion of its business to this loan type. You’ll also find less common products like VA energy-efficient mortgages. Plus, a decent number of application steps are available online and via the mobile app. If you want a speedy process, though, don’t hold your breath — USAA’s average time to close is a sleepy 42 days.
Navy Federal is a little bit of everything all rolled into one: competitive APRs, VA expertise (with a larger-than-average share of its business dedicated to this loan type), VA purchase and refinance options, a quick 30-day average time to close, customizable sample rates online, and a full-service digital application process. You won’t find VA renovation or energy-efficient loans at this lender, though. And you can’t apply via the mobile app.
SoFi: "Fully self-service application process, online and via the mobile app"
Calling all digital divas — SoFi’s online application process is fully self-service, and you can also apply via their mobile app. Also, you don’t have to compromise on price — they offer lower-than-average APRs. SoFi’s experience with VA loans is something to be mindful of because this loan type makes up a smaller-than-average portion of their business.
LoanDepot: "Minimum credit score of 520 and less common loan types"
Looking for a less common VA loan? LoanDepot has you covered with renovation and energy-efficient loans on the menu, as well as all the classics. We were particularly impressed with its super competitive APRs, and pleased to see the minimum credit score was 520 — which can reach as high as 620 among competitors. The online application process isn’t fully self-service, but you can get a lot done without needing to talk to a rep. Techy borrowers may be disappointed by the lack of a mobile app, though.
PenFed: "Scores 'above average' on almost everything"
PenFed is our “above average” VA lender — it scores (you guessed it) above average for low APRs, market share and loan variety. Plus, it dedicates an above-average portion of its business to this loan type and offers VA products to a wider-than-average range of financial profiles. While it edged above the average for loan variety, it doesn’t offer VA energy-efficient or renovation loans.
Chase: "Offers competitive APRs and a nifty monthly payment estimator"
Chase not only offers competitive APRs but also lets you see how those APRs will play out: you can estimate your rate and monthly payments online, based on your credit score, location and property details. Plus, you can apply for a mortgage via the mobile app. You won’t find refinance options, though — Chase only offers VA purchase and energy-efficient loans. It’s also worth noting that it dedicates a small portion of its business to this loan type.
🏆 Navy Federal is NerdWallet's Best VA Lender of 2026
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. |
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. NERDY EXPERT
Gabi Wiartalla | VP of Outside Sales at Next Door Lending, a wholly owned subsidiary of NerdWallet
“One of the big common misconceptions with VA loans ... is that if I have a VA loan on one home, I can't use a VA loan again. Yes, you can. It completely comes down to your entitlement.”
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
