The Department of Veterans Affairs does not establish a single minimum credit score for all VA-backed home loans. Lenders review the full risk profile and may set their own credit-score overlays. Mike can compare available wholesale VA lenders instead of treating one company’s rule as universal.
What lenders review besides the score
Late housing payments and recent delinquencies can matter more than an old isolated issue.
VA underwriting considers whether sufficient income remains after major monthly obligations.
The lender must document stable, acceptable income that is likely to continue.
Cash reserves, low debt, stable housing history and conservative payment shock may support the overall file.
Credit challenges that need a real review
Bankruptcy, foreclosure, collections, disputed accounts, late mortgage payments, student loans and thin credit files all require fact-specific analysis. The date, type, circumstances and recovery since the event matter. Avoid assuming you qualify—or do not qualify—based on an online score alone.
Why a broker comparison can matter
VA provides the guaranty, while private lenders make the loan. Lender overlays, automated-underwriting results and manual-underwriting policies can differ. Mike can identify which available wholesale option better fits the documented scenario, though approval is never guaranteed.
VA credit score questions
What is the minimum credit score for a VA loan?
VA does not publish one universal minimum credit score for its home loan guaranty. Individual lenders may apply their own minimums and underwriting rules.
Can I qualify after bankruptcy or foreclosure?
Possibly. The event, timing, re-established credit, circumstances and lender requirements all matter. A past credit event is not an automatic permanent denial.
Does checking my eligibility require a credit pull?
Requesting or reviewing a Certificate of Eligibility does not itself require a mortgage credit report. Loan pre-approval generally does require a lender to review credit.
Does a 580 or 620 credit score mean approval?
A score by itself cannot answer that. VA does not set a universal minimum score, while lenders may set minimums and review the rest of the file. A number you see advertised is not a commitment to lend or confirmation that a particular program is available through Mike.
VA underwriting also considers repayment history and the ability to meet obligations. The VA Lender’s Handbook, Chapter 4 explains credit review. A lender must evaluate your actual circumstances.
What to ask when a lender says no
- Ask which requirement caused the decision: a lender’s minimum score, payment history, income documentation or another issue.
- Ask whether there is a specific next step and what would need to change before another review.
- If you want a second opinion, describe the general issue to Mike. He can explain whether a further review makes sense; another review does not guarantee a different result.
You can start with: “I’m hoping to buy in Michigan, and a lender raised a credit concern. Can we talk about what to do next?” Keep account numbers, credit reports and other private records out of an ordinary message. Mike can direct you to a secure channel if documents are needed.
Mike, can we talk about my next step?Also useful: Michigan VA loan guide · Preparing your VA loan file · An eight-day clear-to-close example.
Page updated September 29, 2026. No approval or credit-score outcome is promised.