VA Loan Calculator
VA Loan Calculator
Calculate monthly payments for VA loans with funding fee
First-time use: 2.3%, Subsequent use: 3.6% (0% for disabled veterans)
VA Loan Calculator: Complete Veterans Guide
VA loans are government-backed mortgages exclusively available to eligible veterans, active duty service members, and qualifying spouses.These loans offer significant advantages including no down payment requirement, competitive interest rates, no private mortgage insurance (PMI), and more flexible qualification standards compared to conventional mortgages.
Quick Answer
To calculate your VA loan payment: Enter your loan amount, interest rate, and loan term. The calculator automatically includes the VA funding fee based on your military status and down payment. Most qualified veterans can finance 100% of the home value with rates typically 0.25-0.5% lower than conventional loans.
VA Loan Eligibility Requirements
No down payment required for qualified veterans and service members
Service Requirements:
Veterans
Generally need 24 months of active duty during wartime or 181 days during peacetime. National Guard and Reserve members need 6 years of service. Must have been discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.
Active Duty Service Members
Current service members with 90+ days of continuous active duty service. Can apply for VA loan benefits while still serving, making it easier to purchase homes near duty stations.
National Guard & Reserves
Must have completed 6 years of honorable service in the Selected Reserve or National Guard, or have 90+ days of active duty including 30+ consecutive days. Some training periods qualify.
Surviving Spouses
Unremarried surviving spouses of veterans who died in service or from service-connected disabilities. Must meet specific timing and circumstances requirements.
VA Funding Fee Structure
Standard Funding Fee Rates
The VA funding fee helps sustain the loan program for future generations of veterans.
Refinancing Options
VA offers specialized refinancing programs for existing VA loan holders.
VA Loan Benefits vs Conventional Mortgages
VA Loan Advantages
No Down Payment Required
Finance 100% of home value up to VA county limits, saving tens of thousands upfront
No Private Mortgage Insurance
Save $200-400+ monthly compared to conventional loans with low down payments
Competitive Interest Rates
Typically 0.25-0.5% lower than conventional rates due to government backing
Flexible Credit Requirements
More lenient credit and debt-to-income standards than conventional loans
Additional VA Benefits
Assumable Loans
Qualified buyers can assume your loan, potentially valuable in rising rate environments
No Prepayment Penalties
Pay off your loan early without fees, refinance anytime without restrictions
Foreclosure Protection
VA provides assistance to help veterans avoid foreclosure during financial hardship
Reusable Benefit
Use VA loan benefits multiple times throughout your lifetime with proper entitlement
Example VA Loan Calculations
Example 1: First-Time VA Loan User
Home price: $400,000, Interest rate: 6.5%, 30-year term, First-time use
Savings vs Conventional: No PMI saves ~$300/month, No down payment saves $80,000 upfront
Example 2: Disabled Veteran (Funding Fee Exempt)
Home price: $350,000, Interest rate: 6.25%, 30-year term, Service-connected disability
Total Benefits: No down payment, no PMI, no funding fee = Maximum savings
Example 3: VA Refinance (IRRRL)
Current loan: $300,000 at 7.5%, Refinance to: 6.0%, IRRRL streamline refinance
Annual Savings: $3,588 - Funding fee paid back in 5 months
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my VA loan benefit more than once?
Yes, VA loan benefits are reusable. After paying off your first VA loan, your full entitlement is restored. You can also use remaining entitlement for a second home while still having an existing VA loan, subject to entitlement calculations and county loan limits. There's no limit to the number of times you can use VA benefits.
Do I need a down payment for a VA loan?
No down payment is required for most VA loans up to the county loan limit. This is one of the biggest advantages of VA loans. However, you can make a down payment to reduce your loan amount, monthly payments, and potentially lower your funding fee. Down payments of 5% or more reduce the funding fee significantly.
What's the maximum VA loan amount?
VA loans have no maximum limit set by the VA, but practical limits depend on your remaining entitlement and the county loan limits where you're buying. Currently, most areas have a $766,550 baseline limit, with higher limits in expensive areas. Veterans with full entitlement can typically borrow up to the county limit with no down payment.
Can I refinance with a VA loan?
Yes, VA offers two refinance options: Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loans (IRRRL) for rate/term refinancing with minimal documentation and a 0.5% funding fee, and Cash-Out Refinance loans that allow you to access home equity. IRRRLs are streamlined and typically close faster than conventional refinances.
How do I obtain my Certificate of Eligibility (COE)?
COEs can be obtained online through the VA's eBenefits portal, through your lender (who can often obtain it electronically), by mail using VA Form 26-1880, or through a VA regional office. The COE verifies your eligibility and shows your available entitlement amount. Most lenders can obtain this quickly during pre-approval.
What credit score do I need for a VA loan?
The VA doesn't set minimum credit score requirements, but most lenders prefer scores of 620 or higher. Some lenders accept scores as low as 580-600 with compensating factors like stable income, low debt-to-income ratios, or significant assets. VA loans are generally more flexible than conventional loans regarding credit requirements.
Related Financial Tools
VA Loan Calculator
Calculate monthly payments for VA loans with funding fee
First-time use: 2.3%, Subsequent use: 3.6% (0% for disabled veterans)