Best VA Loan Lenders

To select our top picks, we started with the companies on this guide, then eliminated those without at least a 3.5-star overall satisfaction rating, leaving 12. To stay on the list, lenders also had to have a 2:1 ratio of 5-star to 1-star reviews over the last year (April 29, 2020, through April 29, 2021).

We based our recommendations on recurring themes in recent 5-star reviews. For example, NewDay USA is the pick for VA refinancing because a comparatively high number of happy customers mention it.

• Our top pick overall: Veterans United
• Our pick for VA loan refinancing: NewDay USA
• Our pick for helpful loan officers: ClearPath Lending
• Our pick for quick process: Mr. Cooper
• Our pick for first-time buyers: Caliber Home Loans
• Our pick for competitive rates: AmeriSave Mortgage
• Our pick for easy applications: Rocket Mortgage

Veterans United offers VA loans exclusively, so it’s very familiar with the programs. Homebuyers can get status updates on loans, submit documents and service payments through an online portal, MyVeteransUnited.

For those who prefer in-person services, the company has a network of local branches across the country. Realty, insurance and credit counseling services are also available.

What reviewers say

• Accommodating, friendly reps
• Smooth, easy process
• “They made me feel like I was their only client.” -Tiera of Frederick, MD
• “The whole process was fast (about 30 days) and easy.” -Patrick of Myrtle Beach, SC

With NewDay USA, you can refinance up to 100% of a home's value through the NewDay 100 program. On average, vets take out $53,812 in loan proceeds. You can start the process by requesting information about its loans online or contacting one of its loan officers.

The website has a wide variety of educational articles and other resources to guide you through the loan application process. The lender also has a strong reputation for giving back — it partners with organizations dedicated to assisting veterans and children of veterans.

What reviewers say

• Great communication
• Efficient process
• “I appreciate working with such a professional staff.” -Edward of Auburn, GA
• “The process was very straightforward and easy to navigate.” -Daryl of Owosso, MI

ClearPath Lending offers purchase and refinance programs for VA loans and other mortgages. Through the website, you can access free calculator tools and connect with experienced loan officers.

Several customers who refinanced a VA loan through ClearPath say that the reps are professional and trustworthy. The process seems pretty easy, even for those who are currently traveling with the military.

What reviewers say

• Simple process
• Good rates and terms
• “They were very helpful and did everything they could to make it easy for me to do what I wanted to do.” -Brian of Corryton, TN
• “If I was grading this, I would have graded it an A.” -William of Las Vegas, NV

Mr. Cooper’s website is easy to use, and the company guarantees its closing dates. It has many online resources to help answer questions about the VA loan process for purchasing or refinancing.

Use Mr. Cooper’s online calculators to learn more about your potential refinancing rates, monthly mortgage payments and early payoff amounts. It doesn’t charge fees for online payments, and it has a fully U.S.-based customer service department.

What reviews say

• Straightforward process
• Efficient refinancing
• “Very little paperwork and all questions answered promptly.” -Robert of North Las Vegas, NV
• “The team was really working with my best interests in mind at all times.” -Robert of Oakdale, MN

Caliber’s VA loan options include those with fixed and adjustable rates and loans for high-balance mortgages. The company’s online process is user-friendly and accessible for experienced and first-time homebuyers.

If you apply online, you can verify your identity and required documents electronically. You can also apply for Caliber’s VA loans over the phone. Its loan consultant program is available in most states.

What reviewers say

• Personalized support
• Great rates
• “Caliber Home Loans has absolutely gem team in place.” -Ankush of Edison, NJ
• “They are professional, respond to inquiries quickly and are fast.” -Joshua of Homestead, FL

AmeriSave Mortgage is a national mortgage company that offers VA purchase and refinancing programs. It offers competitively low rates for VA loans. Plus, there are no loan origination fees, and other lender fees are minimal.

AmeriSave makes it easy to get pre-qualified online — no Social Security number or hard credit pull is required. You can also find mortgage payment calculators and other free resources through its website.

What reviewers say

• Professional and friendly reps
• Smooth process
• “The process was quick and painless. It was the easiest home loan I've ever done.” -Bradley of Valley City, OH
• “Overall, the rates went down and I'm saving over $300 a month in a year.” -Margaret of Hoffman Estates, IL

Rocket Mortgage by Quicken Loans makes it easy to get started online. You simply upload the necessary documents, and then a loan representative guides you through the underwriting process. Once approved, you can shop for homes or start the refinancing process.

VA loans are available with 15-, 20- and 30-year terms. Quicken Loans is a national mortgage company that offers VA loans and other conventional, conforming and jumbo loans.

What reviewers say

• Great online experience
• Fast process
• “The customer service was outstanding and everyone was very helpful.” -Antonio of Fredericksburg, VA
• “The VA Streamline refinance went on without much effort.” -Michael of Clermont, FL

VA loans are a type of home loan exclusively for military service members and veterans. VA loans are available through private mortgage lenders and backed by the VA. These loans often have lower credit score requirements than traditional mortgage loans, and you typically don’t need a down payment.

VA loans are guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs, so if you can’t repay your loan, the VA will pay a set portion of the amount to your lender. You also could get more competitive interest rates and loan terms by applying for a VA loan.

There are a few different types of VA loans with purposes ranging from purchasing to refinancing. Make sure you familiarize yourself with the VA loan types in order to see which one best suits your situation.

While specific eligibility criteria vary depending on the mortgage lender, the basic requirement for a VA loan is service experience in the military, National Guard or Reserves for a predetermined amount of time (ranging from 90 days to six years, depending on your area of service).

Private mortgage lenders typically have more specific VA loan requirements, such as minimum income amounts and credit score ratings or a maximum debt-to-income ratio.

Every mortgage lender is different, so it’s important to find a lender that’s compatible with your circumstances. Below are a few tips to help choose the right VA lender for you.

• Decide if you want in-person or online services. If you like the convenience of an online lending process, check out VA lenders with an online service option. If you’d rather work with an in-person lender, find out which national lenders have branches in your area or look into working with a local VA lender.
• Read reviews and compare lenders. Apply for pre-qualification with more than one VA lender before choosing a company. Mortgage rates change frequently, and comparing rates and terms can help you find the best VA loan for your situation.
• Make sure you meet the lender’s VA loan requirements. Each mortgage lender has different VA loan requirements. While they tend to be less restrictive than the requirements for traditional mortgage loans, you should still familiarize yourself with the eligibility requirements. Ask potential lenders about any credit score, down payment or income requirements they have for VA loans.
• Double-check that the lender offers the services you’re interested in. VA loans aren’t limited to new home purchases. If you want to refinance an existing VA-backed loan, make sure your potential lender offers this service before committing to work with them.

Applying for a VA loan is very similar to applying for a traditional mortgage loan. However, there are a few extra steps you need to take to confirm your eligibility and move forward with the lending process:

1. Verify your eligibility. Before you apply for a VA loan, make sure you’re eligible by reading over the VA’s requirements.
2. Find a VA loan lender and get preapproved. You can get preapproved for a loan by submitting documentation like W-2s and pay stubs. If you have a preapproval letter, sellers might be more interested — it shows you can afford the house you want.
3. Apply for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE). Your lender uses your Certificate of Eligibility to verify that you meet all the eligibility requirements to fill out a VA home loan application. To find out what forms you need, check our guide to getting a VA COE.
4. Complete the VA loan application. When you apply for a VA loan, you’ll need to include information about your income and debt. You’ll also authorize the lender to pull your credit history. Your lender will work with you on your VA home loan application to make sure you have all the necessary information. Plan to wait 30 days for your VA loan approval.
5. Schedule your VA appraisal. VA loans can’t be approved above a home’s appraisal price, so VA lenders are required to order an appraisal to ensure the property meets VA standards and determine its value. VA appraisals generally take about 10 days, but they can take longer, especially in parts of the country where there’s a high demand for VA loans.
6. Have your VA loan underwritten. Underwriters verify that your loan is accurate and determine whether or not you’ll be able to make your monthly mortgage payments.
7. Close on your property. The last step in securing a VA loan is closing on your new home. You’ll have to pay your VA loan guarantee to the VA office within 15 days of closing. You can pay it upfront in cash or roll it into your monthly payment. First-time homebuyers have to pay a 1.75% guarantee fee, and all other homebuyers pay a 2.25% guarantee fee.