You can still get a VA loan with bad credit, as the VA doesn’t set a minimum credit score. Lenders typically look for scores between 580-620 but focus more on income stability, debt-to-income ratio, and rental history. If your credit score is low, find a VA-experienced lender, explain your situation, and provide full documentation. Even with bad credit, you may qualify for zero down payment. So, yes, you can get a VA loan with bad credit with the right approach.
What’s considered “Bad Credit” for a VA loan?
Let’s clear something up before anything else—bad credit doesn’t always mean you’re out of the game. Most lenders want to see a credit score of at least 580-620 for VA loans. Now, technically, the VA itself doesn’t set a minimum credit score. That’s the beauty of it. But your lender does.
And here’s the deal: lenders aren’t all the same. Some are stricter. Some are chill. That means you can shop around. Cash is king with VA loans: lenders care more about how likely you are to pay that mortgage than what a three-digit score says about you.
What lenders actually look for (it’s more than credit)
If you’re asking, “Can you get a VA loan with bad credit?” you need to understand this piece: Lenders are humans. They want to know the whole story, not just your credit score. Here’s what else gets looked at:
- Income stability – Got a steady job? That’s huge.
- Debt-to-income ratio (DTI) – How much of your monthly income is already spoken for? Under 41% is the aim.
- Rental history – You been paying rent on time? That’s basically a mini mortgage in their eyes.
- Bankruptcy/foreclosure – If this happened years ago and you’ve bounced back, some lenders are willing to listen.
Veterans bring pressure-tested work ethic. If you’ve rebuilt your cash flow and kept up with your bills, a lender will notice.
VA Loans with Bad Credit: Real-Life Situations
Let’s say you’ve got a 585 credit score. You were late on some credit cards during the pandemic. Nothing crazy, just things slipped.But you’ve had a solid job for 2 years, minimal debt, a clean rent history, and some money stashed for a home. You can absolutely get approved. One of our readers—Marine from Ohio—got approved last year with a 594 score. He got denied twice, found a lender that gets VA borrowers (big tip here), and came back swinging with a tight budget and polished paperwork.
He’s now living in a ranch-style home just outside Columbus with zero down payment.
This ain’t fantasy land. It’s real-world stuff.
Your Options If Your Credit Score Is Low
So can you get a VA loan with bad credit? Let’s get practical.
Here’s what you should do if your score is below 620:
- Get your COE (Certificate of Eligibility)
That proves you qualify for a VA loan. You can request one online or have your lender pull it. Don’t guess—lock this down first. - Find a VA-experienced lender
Some lenders have zero patience with low scores. Others know how VA works and they’re way more flexible. Look at companies that HELP not just SELL. - Explain what happened
Credit got dinged during a deployment or medical emergency? Tell ‘em. Life happens. Lenders want the why. - Submit full documentation
Pay stubs, tax returns, rental payments—everything. Paint the full picture of your financial life. - If needed, look at a co-borrower
Not always needed, but could help if you’re just under the score.
And if you’re just under the number? Ask if a little time and credit cleanup could boost your odds. Some lenders want to help. You just gotta start that convo.
Tips to Boost Approval Even with Bad Credit
Outside of just your credit score, there’s stuff you can do to help your loan chances:
- Make on-time payments month in and month out
- Keep credit card balances under 30% (even better under 10%)
- No new credit pulls while applying for a mortgage
- Put together some cash reserves (even $1,000-$2,000 can make you look like less of a risk)
These things tell the lender: “I’ve got my finances in check, even if my past says otherwise.”
Best VA Lenders for Bad Credit Applicants
Not every lender is set up to work with credit scores under 620. So you don’t want to waste time with the wrong crew.
Some names to look at:
- Navy Federal Credit Union (for members only)
- Veterans United Home Loans
- USAA (if you’re already a member)
- Local credit unions that work with military buyers
Still not sure where to go? Hit us up at reAlpha’s blog and check out our guide to lender shopping. Real talk with no fluff.
Common Myths Around VA Loans and Bad Credit
I’ve heard it all. Stuff like:
- “You need 700+ credit to even apply.” Nope.
- “Bad credit always gets denied.” False.
- “VA loans take forever to close.” Actually—many close just as fast or faster than conventional loans.
Don’t let rumors keep you stuck. Get the facts and move smart.
FAQs
What’s the minimum credit score for a VA loan?
The VA doesn’t require one. But most lenders want 580-620. Some may go lower case-by-case.
Can I still buy a house with a bankruptcy on my record?
Yes, but there’s a waiting period—usually 2 years after discharge. And you must show strong recovery since then.
Should I apply now or wait to raise my credit score?
If you’re close to 620 and have solid income, apply now with a lender that’s flexible. Don’t wait forever. Just talk to someone first.
What if I already got denied once?
Then get a second opinion. Not all lenders use the same playbook. Rejections don’t mean you’re out of the game.
Do VA loans require a down payment if my credit is low?
Nope. Just like regular VA borrowers, you can put zero down—even with less-than-perfect credit.
Conclusion
You asked, can you get a VA loan with bad credit? The answer is a straight-up yes. You’ve got more options than you think. Don’t let that number stop you from finally owning your home.
