What credit score do I need for a VA loan?
VA itself does not set a hard minimum credit score — it's a lender decision. Most lenders want 580–620 minimum on standard VA files; some go lower with manual underwriting and compensating factors. Stronger scores often mean better pricing.
What this actually means.
Lender overlays vary: 580 is a common floor for streamlined VA files; 620 is broader; 640+ unlocks more lenders and tighter pricing. Manual underwriting can sometimes approve below 580 with strong residual income, low DTI, and clean recent payment history. Recent late payments, collections, and high credit-card utilization affect the file separately from the score. Subject to lender overlays.
What this looks like on a real file.
Where this can move.
Lender overlays vary widely. Recent late payments, collections, disputed accounts, and bankruptcy/foreclosure seasoning can change the answer.
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Educational only. VA guidelines, lender overlays, rates, fees, and underwriting requirements can change. Final eligibility depends on full underwriting review. Mortgage Expert, Inc. is not affiliated with the VA, HUD, or any government agency.