The VA itself sets no minimum credit score — but every lender that funds VA loans does. Here’s the full breakdown by loan amount and situation, so you know exactly where you stand before you apply.

Minimum Credit Scores by Loan Amount

Loan Amount	Minimum FICO	Notes
Up to $1,000,000	580	Standard VA purchase or cash-out refinance
Up to $1,500,000	680	Higher amounts require stronger credit
Up to $2,000,000	700	Additional lender review required
Up to $2,500,000	720	Maximum 90% LTV applies

In high-cost California markets like Orange County, Los Angeles, and San Diego — where home prices regularly exceed $800,000 — loan amounts above $1,000,000 are common. Veterans purchasing in those markets should target a 680+ FICO to access the full range of VA financing.

How Your Score Is Determined

Lenders pull a tri-merged report from all three bureaus. Your representative score is calculated as follows:

• Three valid scores: the middle score is used
• Two of three are duplicates: the duplicate score is used
• Two valid scores: the lower of the two is used
• Multiple borrowers: the lowest representative score among all borrowers applies to the entire loan

No Credit Score? There’s Still an Option

VA guidelines allow loans with no credit score using non-traditional credit — such as 24 months of on-time rent, utility, phone, or cable payments. These loans are limited to purchase transactions, maximum $1,000,000, and require manual underwriting with additional review.

Waiting Periods After Major Derogatory Events

Event	Waiting Period
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy	2 years from discharge date
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy	12 months under repayment plan with trustee/judge approval
Foreclosure	2 years from title transfer date
Short Sale / Deed-in-Lieu	2 years from title transfer date
Multiple Bankruptcies (within 7 years)	2 years from most recent

Questions About Your Credit Profile?

At Lendia, we’ll review your full credit picture and tell you exactly where you stand. Get a free consultation today.