VA Loan Minimum Credit Score 2026 (Explained): Underwriting, Middle Score & Overlays

Before you pay collections, dispute accounts, or start credit repair, get a VA strategy first. Timing can backfire and delay approvals.

I’m Cathy Sabater, Mortgage Broker & VA Loan Specialist nmls 373470 Licensed in CA, TX, FL, NV, GA
Want a VA plan? Comment VA PLAN or reach out directly.

If you’re a veteran and you were told your credit score isn’t high enough for a VA loan—pause. In 2026, many VA denials are caused by lender overlays and misunderstandings of what VA underwriting actually looks at.

In this video, I break down:
✅ Why you have 3 credit scores Experian, Equifax, TransUnion
✅ Why mortgage lenders use the MIDDLE score
✅ The truth: the VA does not publish a minimum credit score
✅ What a lender overlay is and how it changes approvals
✅ How underwriting reviews collections, charge-offs, and late payments
✅ The 5 questions underwriters actually ask behavior - score



If you’re trying to decide whether to lock or float, buy now or wait, this will help you understand what’s really moving your rate so you’re not just guessing based on headlines.

Video Timestamp:
00: Intro
37: Question 1 - Denied VA Guidelines or Lender Overlay
1:01: Cover VA Loan Requirement
1:18: Credit Scores
1:56: Don't Damage Your Credit - Ask How
2:07: Sect 1 Three Credit Scores
2:32 Experian, Equifax & Transunion
3:01 Scenario App vs Lender
5:08 VA Myth - VA Does Not Publish Min Credit Score Requirement
5:30 VA Credit Rules
5:55: What is an Overlay?
7:41 Section 3 Five Questions you should ask yourself Qtn 1
8:38 Qtn 2 Housing History
9:33 Qtn 3 Residual Income
10:55 Qtn 4 Patterns
12:45 Section 4 Collections
14:11 Charge-offs
15:03 Late Payments
15:25 Scenario
15:56 Section 5 Manual Underwriting
17:22 Buyer Take Aways

📞 Cathy Sabater | Mortgage Broker & Proud Veteran | 619-846-2675
Helping you build wealth through real estate
🌎 Licensed in CA • TX • FL • NV • GA | nmls 373470

Company: Empire Home Loans | nmls #1839243. Equal Housing Opportunity Lender.

*Disclaimer:* Education only. Not a commitment to lend. Approval varies by borrower profile, lender overlays, and appraisal. Loan limits subject to change annually by FHFA.

📌 Ready to Talk About Your Numbers?
Get a personalized mortgage rate strategy based on your budget, timeline, and credit profile.

📅 Schedule a Free 15-Minute Strategy Call:
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00:00 Introduction
00:37 Question 1
01:01 Cover VA Loan Requirements
01:18 Credit Scores
01:56 Don't Damage Your Credit Get Prof'l Advise
02:07 Section 1 - Three Credit Scores
02:32 Experian Equifax Transunion
03:01 Scenario App vs Lender
05:30 VA Credit Rule
05:55 Waht is Overlay - Denial or Approval
07:41 Section 3 5 Questions Ask Yourself Qtn 1
08:38 Qtn 2 Housing History
09:33 Qtn 3 Residual Income
10:55 Qtn 4 Credit Patterns
12:45 Seciton 4 Collections
14:11 Charge Offes
15:03 Late Payments
15:24 Scenario
15:56 Section 5 Manual Underwriting
17:22 Take Aways