Should I use VA with excellent credit (740+)?
Often yes, especially with little or no down payment available. VA's no-MI advantage compounds over time and usually beats conventional below 20% down. With 20%+ down available, conventional becomes a real comparison.
Plain-English explanation
Excellent credit narrows the rate gap between VA and conventional. The remaining VA advantage is structural: no monthly MI. At zero or low down, conventional's PMI offsets a chunk of any rate edge. At 20%+ down, conventional drops PMI entirely and can win on cost. Run both. Subject to lender pricing.
What can change the answer?
Credit score, down payment, expected hold period, mortgage-insurance economics, property type, and funding-fee exemption can change which loan wins.
Want the real answer for your VA file?
VA guidelines are the rule. Your COE, entitlement, residual income, property, and Florida costs are what decide the actual answer.
More VA questions on VA vs Conventional
Educational only. VA guidelines, lender overlays, rates, fees, and underwriting requirements can change. Final eligibility depends on full underwriting review.