Updated Friday, April 3, 2026 30-Yr Fixed6.34%– 0.00 | 15-Yr Fixed5.69%– 0.00 | FHA 30-Yr6.10%↓ -0.34 | VA 30-Yr6.27%↓ -0.24 | 5/1 ARM6.14%↑ +0.02

VA Loans: Zero Down, No PMI for Veterans

VA loans are the best mortgage benefit for eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and surviving spouses. No down payment required, no PMI, and competitive interest rates.

What Is a VA Loan?

A VA loan is a mortgage guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Like FHA, the VA does not lend directly — it guarantees a portion of the loan, allowing private lenders to offer exceptional terms. VA loans are widely considered the best mortgage product available, offering zero down payment, no private mortgage insurance, and typically the lowest interest rates of any loan type.

VA Loan Benefits

No Down Payment
100% financing available. No down payment required on loans up to the conforming limit (no limit with full entitlement since 2020). This alone saves tens of thousands upfront.
No PMI — Ever
VA loans never require private mortgage insurance, even at 100% LTV. This saves $100–$400+/month compared to conventional or FHA loans with low down payments.
Lower Interest Rates
VA rates are typically 0.25%–0.50% lower than conventional rates. Over a 30-year loan, this can save $20,000–$40,000 in interest. See today's VA rates.
Lenient Credit
No VA-mandated minimum credit score (most lenders use 620). Flexible DTI with residual income test. More forgiving of past credit issues.
VA Funding Fee
One-time fee of 1.25%–3.3% (can be rolled into loan). First-use with no down = 2.15%. Waived entirely for veterans with service-connected disabilities.
Reusable Benefit
VA loan entitlement can be reused. Sell a VA-financed home and use the benefit again. Some borrowers can even have two VA loans simultaneously with remaining entitlement.

VA Loan Eligibility

Who Qualifies?
  • Active Duty: Currently serving with 90+ continuous days of active service.
  • Veterans: Served 90+ days during wartime or 181+ days during peacetime, with honorable discharge.
  • National Guard/Reserves: 6+ years of service, or 90+ days of active duty (Title 10).
  • Surviving Spouses: Un-remarried spouses of veterans who died in service or from service-connected causes.

Obtain your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) through VA.gov, your lender, or by mail using VA Form 26-1880.

VA Loan Types

ProgramPurposeKey Feature
VA Purchase LoanBuy a homeNo down payment required
VA IRRRL (Streamline)Refinance existing VA loanNo appraisal, minimal paperwork
VA Cash-Out RefinanceRefinance + access equityUp to 100% of home value
VA Renovation LoanBuy + renovateFinance repairs into purchase loan
Native American Direct LoanBuy on federal trust landDirect loan from VA (not guaranteed)

Calculate your VA payment with our VA calculator or compare with VA vs. Conventional to see the savings.

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