Estimate the mortgage amount that best fits your budget.
Current VA loan rates
On Thursday, May 26, 2022, the national average 30-year VA loan APR is 4.560%. The average 30-year VA refinance APR is 4.650%, according to Bankrate’s latest survey of the nation’s largest mortgage lenders.
Today's national VA mortgage rate trends
For today, Thursday, May 26, 2022, the national average 30-year VA mortgage APR is 4.560%, down compared to last week’s of 4.860%. The national average 30-year VA refinance APR is 4.650%, down compared to last week’s of 5.030%.
Whether you're buying or refinancing, Bankrate often has offers well below the national average to help you finance your home for less. Compare rates here, then click "Next" to get started in finding your personalized quotes.
We’ve determined the national averages for mortgage and refinance rates from our most recent survey of the nation’s largest refinance lenders. Our own mortgage and refinance rates are calculated at the close of the business day, and include annual percentage rates and/or annual percentage yields. The rate averages tend to be volatile, and are intended to help consumers identify day-to-day movement.
At Bankrate we strive to help you make smarter financial decisions. While we adhere to strict editorial integrity, this post may contain references to products from our partners. Here's an explanation for how we make money.
ON THIS PAGE
About our Mortgage Rate Tables: The above mortgage loan information is provided to, or obtained by, Bankrate. Some lenders provide their mortgage loan terms to Bankrate for advertising purposes and Bankrate receives compensation from those advertisers (our "Advertisers"). Other lenders' terms are gathered by Bankrate through its own research of available mortgage loan terms and that information is displayed in our rate table for applicable criteria. In the above table, an Advertiser listing can be identified and distinguished from other listings because it includes a "Next" button that can be used to click-through to the Advertiser's own website or a phone number for the Advertiser.
Availability of Advertised Terms: Each Advertiser is responsible for the accuracy and availability of its own advertised terms. Bankrate cannot guaranty the accuracy or availability of any loan term shown above. However, Bankrate attempts to verify the accuracy and availability of the advertised terms through its quality assurance process and requires Advertisers to agree to our Terms and Conditions and to adhere to our Quality Control Program. Click here for rate criteria by loan product.
Loan Terms for Bankrate.com Customers: Advertisers may have different loan terms on their own website from those advertised through Bankrate.com. To receive the Bankrate.com rate, you must identify yourself to the Advertiser as a Bankrate.com customer. This will typically be done by phone so you should look for the Advertisers phone number when you click-through to their website. In addition, credit unions may require membership.
Loans Above $548,250 May Have Different Loan Terms: If you are seeking a loan for more than $548,250, lenders in certain locations may be able to provide terms that are different from those shown in the table above. You should confirm your terms with the lender for your requested loan amount.
Taxes and Insurance Excluded from Loan Terms: The loan terms (APR and Payment examples) shown above do not include amounts for taxes or insurance premiums. Your monthly payment amount will be greater if taxes and insurance premiums are included.
Consumer Satisfaction: If you have used Bankrate.com and have not received the advertised loan terms or otherwise been dissatisfied with your experience with any Advertiser, we want to hear from you. Please click here to provide your comments to Bankrate Quality Control.
Our weekly VA rates vs. the national average
30-year fixed VA loan
Today's national VA mortgage rate trends
For today, Thursday, May 26, 2022, the national average 30-year VA mortgage APR is 4.560%, down compared to last week’s of 4.860%. The national average 30-year VA refinance APR is 4.650%, down compared to last week’s of 5.030%.
Whether you're buying or refinancing, Bankrate often has offers well below the national average to help you finance your home for less. Compare rates here, then click "Next" to get started in finding your personalized quotes.
We’ve determined the national averages for mortgage and refinance rates from our most recent survey of the nation’s largest refinance lenders. Our own mortgage and refinance rates are calculated at the close of the business day, and include annual percentage rates and/or annual percentage yields. The rate averages tend to be volatile, and are intended to help consumers identify day-to-day movement.
Current VA loan rates
The table below brings together a comprehensive national survey of mortgage lenders to help you know what are the most competitive VA loan rates. This interest rate table is updated daily to give you the most current rates when choosing a VA mortgage home loan.
Product | Interest Rate | APR |
---|---|---|
30-Year Fixed-Rate VA | 4.460% | 4.560% |
30-Year Fixed Rate | 5.280% | 5.300% |
30-Year Fixed-Rate FHA | 4.450% | 5.260% |
30-Year Fixed-Rate Jumbo | 5.240% | 5.240% |
Rates as of Thursday, May 26, 2022 at 6:30 AM
Top 5 Bankrate VA lenders
- First Mortgage Direct
- Cardinal Financial Company
- LowRates.com
- McGlone Mortgage Group
- First Midwest Bank
Methodology
Bankrate helps thousands of borrowers find mortgage and refinance lenders every day. To determine the top mortgage lenders, we analyzed proprietary data across more than 150 lenders to assess which on our platform received the most inquiries within a three-month period. We then assigned superlatives based on factors such as fees, products offered, convenience and other criteria. These top lenders are updated regularly.
What is a VA loan?
VA home loans are mortgages that are partially backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, or VA. They are available to current or former members of the military, and can be a great option for borrowers who qualify. VA loans don’t require a down payment or mortgage insurance. This makes them especially competitive with other loans that allow for low down payments, because those usually require mortgage insurance if the buyer puts down less than 20 percent. Mortgage insurance can add hundreds of dollars to your mortgage bill each month.
"The VA loan program is one of the best available for eligible homebuyers,” says Kevin Parker, vice president of field mortgage originations at Navy Federal Credit Union. “VA loans offer lower interest rates than conventional products which means VA buyers can save money in interest over the life of the loan. VA loans also do not require down payments which can be an especially attractive benefit for first-time homebuyers. Additionally, VA buyers do not have to pay private mortgage insurance, which is sometimes required when paying little down on a conventional product and can add a significant cost to monthly mortgage payments.”
VA loans have specific appraisal and home inspection requirements, which allows buyers to feel more confident in the property they are purchasing, Parker points out.
>>Read more about how to get a VA loan
Who qualifies for a VA loan?
VA loans are made by private lenders and are available to active duty service members, veterans, current and former National Guard and reserve members, and surviving spouses. Interested borrowers will need to obtain a certificate of eligibility from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
- Veterans
- Active duty servicemember
- Current or former National Guard or Reserve member (regardless of whether they have been activated for Federal Service)
- Discharged member of the National Guard (wh(regardless of whether they have been activated for Federal Service)
- Surviving spouse
Eligible homebuyers can apply for a certificate of eligibility in several ways: by mail, online or through your lender.
>>Read more about VA loan requirements
Who sets VA loan rates?
VA loan lenders determine VA loan rates, which can be lower than the interest rates for conventional loans. VA loans come from a variety of mortgage lenders, including banks, non-bank institutions and credit unions.
It’s important to shop around, as rates can differ widely by lender. In fact, a 2020 study by mortgage technology company Own Up found that in a cohort of 20 VA loan lenders, the interest rates from the highest-cost lender and lowest-cost lender differed by up to 1.25 percentage points. However, a 2021 update by Own Up found the difference had narrowed to 0.52 percentage points. In either case, a gap like that, and even slight changes in interest rate, can significantly impact the overall cost of your loan.
Bankrate can help you shop around for the best deal on a VA loan.
Pros and cons of VA loans
A VA loan offers several benefits you may not get with other types of loans. However, there are also potential drawbacks.
Pros
- Generally lower rates than conventional mortgages
- Very flexible credit underwriting — you can qualify with a credit score in the 600s
- No down payment or mortgage insurance requirement
- Refinance options: If you currently have a VA loan, you can get an Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan (IRRRL) with a lower rate and lower your monthly payments, or do a VA cash-out refinance. If you currently have another type of mortgage, you can refinance it into a VA loan with a lower rate and applicable benefits if you’re eligible.
Cons
- You must meet the VA’s eligibility requirements
- Generally can’t be used to purchase a second home or investment property, with some exceptions
- VA funding fee based on current duty status, amount of down payment (if making one) and how much is borrowed
How a VA loan compares to other mortgage rates
In general, VA loans tend to have lower rates than other mortgages such as conventional loans and FHA loans. Below, you can see how a VA loan differs from a conventional 30-year fixed mortgage.
VA Loan 30-Year Fixed Loan | Conventional 30-Year Fixed Loan | |
---|---|---|
House price | $300,000 | $300,000 |
Down payment | $9,000 (3%) | $9,000 (3%) |
Loan amount | $291,000 | $291,000 |
Interest rate | 2.810% | 3.250% |
Principal + interest | $1,197 | $1,266 |
PMI (mortgage insurance) | $0 | $121 (0.50%) |
Total monthly payment | $1,197 | $1,387 |
VA loan FAQs
Learn more about VA loans
- VA mortgage resources
- Bankrate's guide to VA loans
- VA loan calculator
- Best VA loan lenders
- Guide to VA mortgages
- Understanding VA construction loans
Written by: Dhara Singh, mortgage reporter for Bankrate
Dhara Singh is a mortgage reporter for Bankrate. She is a former data analyst turned financial journalist who previously worked at Yahoo Finance, CNET, Cashay.com and JPMorgan Chase covering the housing and retirement beats.
Loan Type | Purchase Rates | Refinance Rates |
---|---|---|
The table above links out to loan-specific content to help you learn more about rates by loan type. | ||
30-Year Loan | 30-Year Mortgage Rates | 30-Year Refinance Rates |
20-Year Loan | 20-Year Mortgage Rates | 20-Year Refinance Rates |
15-Year Loan | 15-Year Mortgage Rates | 15-Year Refinance Rates |
10-Year Loan | 10-Year Mortgage Rates | 10-Year Refinance Rates |
FHA Loan | FHA Mortgage Rates | FHA Refinance Rates |
30-Year FHA Loan | 30-Year FHA Loan Rates | 30-Year FHA Refinance Rates |
VA Loan | VA Mortgage Rates | VA Refinance Rates |
ARM Loan | ARM Mortgage Rates | ARM Refinance Rates |
5/1 ARM | 5/1 ARM Rates | 5/1 Refinance Rates |
7/1 ARM | 7/1 ARM Rates | 7/1 Refinance Rates |
10/1 ARM | 10/1 ARM Rates | 10/1 Refinance Rates |
Jumbo Loan | Jumbo Mortgage Rates | Jumbo Refinance Rates |
30-Year Jumbo Loan | 30-Year Jumbo Loan Rates | 30-Year Jumbo Refinance Rates |
Calculators
Related Links
- 30-year mortgage rates
- 20-year mortgage rates
- 15-year mortgage rates
- 10-year mortgage rates
- VA loan rates
- FHA loan rates