VA loan credit score rules
The VA sets no minimum credit score. Here is what VA underwriters look at instead, and where lender minimums come in.
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At a glance
- No VA minimum score
- Lenders set their own minimum
- Housing payment history weighs heavily
- No credit history isn't generally a negative
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Questions, answered
What is the minimum credit score for a VA loan?
The VA doesn't set one. Its Lenders Handbook says, "VA does not have a minimum credit score requirement." Lenders can set their own minimums, and those can change with the loan and how it's underwritten.
Can I get a VA loan with a 550 credit score?
VA sets no minimum credit score, so its handbook names no cutoff at 550 or any other number. Lenders can set their own minimum, and a lender's minimum may be higher than 550. When an underwriter reviews your file, VA's rules call for a look at your full credit history, your residual income and your debt-to-income ratio. A 550 score does not guarantee approval at FLO Mortgage or anywhere else. A licensed loan officer can review your credit report and tell you where you stand.
Why did a lender tell me I need a higher score?
Lenders, including FLO Mortgage, can add their own requirements on top of VA's rules. These are often called overlays. A different lender may use different rules, so ask which rule applied to you.
Can I get a VA loan with no credit score?
Having no credit history isn't generally counted against you. The underwriter can use bills you pay on time, such as rent, utilities or insurance, if the payment history can be verified. Not every lender offers this.
Do medical collections hurt a VA loan?
Under VA's rules, lenders may disregard medical collections that haven't become a judgment or lien, and VA doesn't require you to pay them off. Medical collections that became a judgment or lien are treated differently, and lenders can add their own rules.
How long after bankruptcy can I get a VA loan?
VA's handbook lets lenders disregard a Chapter 7 bankruptcy discharged more than 2 years before closing. Between 1 and 2 years is usually not enough unless you have opened and paid new credit on time since, and the bankruptcy was caused by events outside your control, with proof. Under 12 months is generally not possible. In Chapter 13, 12 months of on-time plan payments plus the trustee's or judge's approval of the new loan may be considered.
More answers in the FLO Mortgage VA FAQ.
What VA underwriters look at
VA's rule is that you have to be a "satisfactory credit risk." The underwriter decides that from your whole credit picture, not one number.
- Housing payments. Your most recent 24 months of rent, and any current or recent mortgage, are verified. VA calls housing payment history often a primary sign of how you'll pay a mortgage.
- Late payments and collections. The underwriter looks at the pattern, how recent it is and why it happened. Credit is generally treated as re-established after 12 months of on-time payments once past problems are paid.
- Non-medical collections. VA doesn't always require isolated non-medical collections to be paid off. Unpaid ones count in your debt-to-income ratio and residual income. With no payment plan, VA uses 5% of the balance divided by 12 as the monthly payment.
- Credit counseling. A consumer credit counseling plan with 12 months of on-time payments, and the agency's approval of the new loan, can be enough. If your credit was good when you joined, it's treated as neutral or positive.
Bankruptcy and foreclosure
A past bankruptcy or foreclosure doesn't automatically rule you out. VA's handbook sets these timelines:
| Chapter 7 bankruptcy | Discharged more than 2 years before closing: may be disregarded. 1 to 2 years: usually not enough unless you have opened and paid new credit on time since, and the bankruptcy was caused by events outside your control, such as job loss, a long strike or uninsured medical bills, with proof. Divorce generally doesn't count. Under 12 months: generally not possible. |
|---|---|
| Chapter 13 bankruptcy | Finished the plan on time: credit may be considered re-established. At least 12 months of on-time plan payments, with the trustee's or judge's approval of the new loan: may be considered. |
| Foreclosure | Finalized more than 2 years before closing: may be disregarded. 1 to 2 years: usually not enough unless you have opened and paid new credit on time since, and the foreclosure was caused by events outside your control, with proof. |
| Short sale or deed in lieu of foreclosure | If your payments stayed current before it and you voluntarily kept in touch with the servicer, a waiting period from the transfer date may not be needed. |
If the foreclosure or short sale was on a VA loan, you may have less entitlement for the next one. See VA loans after bankruptcy or foreclosure and VA entitlement.
Where lender minimums come in
The VA guarantees part of the loan, but the lender makes the decision. Lenders can run an automated underwriting system first and can set a minimum score of their own. That's why two lenders can give you different answers on the same credit.
A 550 credit score and a VA loan
The lender you apply with may set its own minimum for the loan you want, and it may stop a file below that minimum before an underwriter sees it. Under VA's rules, an underwriter looks at your rent and mortgage history, any recent late payments or collections, your residual income and your debt-to-income ratio. FLO Mortgage can't promise approval on a 550 score.
If the automated system rates your file Refer, some lenders have an underwriter review it by hand. See VA manual underwriting and second looks. FLO Mortgage's own credit requirements depend on the loan. A licensed loan officer can review your credit report and tell you where you stand.
Ways to strengthen your file
- Pay every bill on time from here on. Recent history counts more than old problems.
- Keep rent receipts or a landlord reference ready for your last 24 months.
- Write a short, honest explanation for any late payments, collections or past bankruptcy.
- Check your free credit reports at AnnualCreditReport.com and dispute errors.
- Try the VA loan calculator to see a payment that fits your budget.
Source: VA Lenders Handbook (VA Pamphlet 26-7), Chapter 4, Topic 7, last changed August 24, 2026, checked November 2, 2026. See also 38 CFR 36.4340.
This is not a commitment to lend. All loans are subject to credit approval, underwriting guidelines, property eligibility and program availability. Lender requirements may be stricter than the program guidelines described here. Not all applicants will qualify. Figures reflect VA guidelines in effect as of November 2026 and may change without notice. FLO Mortgage, LLC, company NMLS #1835856. Licensed mortgage lender in Florida (MLD2621), Georgia and Tennessee. Equal Housing Opportunity. FLO Mortgage is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or any government agency. Licensing & Disclosures.
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