what is the minimum credit score to get a VA loan? And how do I get an accurate score? credit karma?

In my experience, 620 is the minimum score. Credit Karma does not reflect the same scores as a tri-merged mortgage credit report. You may want to apply with a mortgage loan originator and get your mortgage scores as part of the application process.

I can do 100% down to a 560 mid score. Credit Karma isn't going to pull the same scores as our Credit Report. I'd be happy to speak with you and see if I can get you preapproved.

Officially VA has no score requirement. But the VA doesn't do loans. They insure a small portion of the loan that a lender does. Therefore the lender has significant risk, and commonly have their own additional requirements above what VA says they need to insure it. The biggest lender requirement is credit score. Most lenders won't allow anything under 640. Many, like our company will do down to 620. A very rare few SAY they will lend with lower score, but realistically, if the score is below 620 there is probably other things on credit that would get you denied anyway. Next, your only ACCURATE credit score is to contact a lender and have him pull credit. Places like Credit Karma show you the "Advantage" scoring model, which while similar, is NOT the same scoring model your lender will use.

Every lender will have different minimum acceptable credit scores, but this I know for sure.. you will never get an accurate score using credit Karma.. you need to contact a local mortgage broker and let him pull your credit.. he can only use the credit score that he pulls, and its going to be much more accurate than CK.. As far as what score is acceptable.. VA guidelines do not have a minimum credit score.. but the VA does not lend money.. they only insure loans against default.. the lenders, or those with the $$$, will oftentimes add their own rules above what VA calls for.. it's these "Overlay's" which makes lending rules different one lender to another.. So while some lenders might look for a 640 or above, there are other lenders who might go down to 580.. But understand this.. regardless of your score, lenders are going to analyze your complete loan profile in determining your eligibility.. if you have a low score, but it's within the acceptable range, you could still be denied.. For this reason, I suggest you contact a LOCAL mortgage broker and apply with them. Once they see your complete loan profile, they will be better equipped to advise you properly. Also, by applying with your LOCAL Broker, you have an advantage because he's familiar with local customs and works with many lenders with each one offering a different type of lending program. This is unlike the local bank which typically only has a few lending programs. The more lenders, the more lending options, and the more likely your scenario will be accepted.. Plus, the broker is experienced in seeking out the best loan terms for your particular scenario, and he has lower overhead which typically results in lower rates and fees than most of the larger lenders.. I'm a Broker here in Scottsdale AZ and I only lend in Arizona. If you or someone you know is looking for financing options, feel free to contact me or pass along my information. William J. Acres, Lender411's number ONE lender in Arizona. 480-287-5714 WilliamAcres.com NMLS# 226347

First of all, Credit Karma should be used solely as a tool to monitor changes in your credit situation, not your scores. The accuracy of your scores through credit karma as opposed to a credit pull by a mortgage broker can be substantial. Use CK as a guide only, not as a be all tell all of your credit health. The VA does not enforce credit score benchmarks, but insure the loans only. Lenders enforce their own credit standards (FICO) scores and these can vary from lender to lender. Additionally, the underwriter for the lender who is charged with reviewing the loan documents, truly must use a judgment call when faced with questionable credit history etc in the borrowers ability or the potential desire for each borrower to repay the debt.

I can do down to a mid FICO of 580. I agree with the other previous responses that Credit Karma or companies like them do not score as accurate as a tri-merged mortgage credit report.