VA Credit & Underwriting
A lender saying “VA requires a 620” is usually describing that lender's overlay—not VA's published minimum.
No VA universal minimum score
VA publicly states that it does not require a minimum credit score. Participating lenders may impose their own minimums.
Satisfactory credit still matters
No universal score does not mean credit is ignored. The lender must evaluate whether the borrower has demonstrated a satisfactory willingness and ability to repay.
Automated vs. manual underwriting
VA loans may be evaluated through approved automated-underwriting systems or manual underwriting, with lender responsibility for verifying the information and meeting VA requirements.
VA rule or lender overlay?
If a lender says this scenario cannot be done, identify the exact VA rule, AUS/underwriting result, or lender overlay before treating the answer as universal. See the VA decline framework →
Official VA baseline
VA Home Loans · VA Pamphlet 26-7 Lender's Handbook
VA sets the guaranty program rules, while private lenders underwrite and may impose overlays that are stricter than VA's baseline.