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VA Guide

What Is the VA Funding Fee?

The VA funding fee is a one-time charge that helps keep the program running for future veterans — not monthly mortgage insurance. It is often financed into the loan, and many disability-rated veterans pay $0.

How the VA Funding Fee Works

A one-time fee that funds the VA loan program — not monthly mortgage insurance.

One-time, not monthly

The funding fee is charged once at closing. It is not PMI or FHA MIP — there is no ongoing monthly mortgage insurance on a VA loan.

Often financed into the loan

Most borrowers roll the fee into the loan amount so cash to close stays lower. You can also pay it upfront if you prefer a smaller balance.

Rate depends on use & down payment

First vs subsequent use and how much you put down change the percentage. IRRRL streamline refinances are typically 0.5%.

Disability can waive it

Veterans with qualifying service-connected disability ratings — and some surviving spouses — may be fully exempt. Check your COE early.

Shown on your Loan Estimate

We price the fee into every scenario so you see the true loan amount and payment before you write an offer.

Typical Purchase & Refinance Ranges

These ranges match the funding-fee tiers we use on our VA payment calculator. Exact percentages depend on first vs subsequent use, down payment, and loan type — and can change with VA updates.

Ryan and Steve run your numbers on the live calculator so you see fee dollars, total loan amount, and payment side by side.

Quick Benchmarks

Purchase, first use, $0 downAbout 2.3%
Purchase, subsequent, $0 downAbout 3.6%
5%+ down (purchase)About 1.65%
10%+ down (purchase)About 1.4%
IRRRL (streamline)0.5%
Cash-out refinanceAbout 2.3%–3.6%

Funding Fee vs Mortgage Insurance

FHA and many conventional low-down loans charge monthly MI for years. VA replaces that with a one-time funding fee — and many disability-rated veterans pay $0.

  • No monthly MI on VA — payment stays principal, interest, taxes, and insurance
  • Fee can be financed so less cash is needed at closing
  • Exemption can erase the fee entirely for qualifying veterans
  • Subsequent-use rates are higher — we model that before you reuse entitlement

Next Steps

  • Pull or request your COE to confirm first vs subsequent use
  • Check disability / exemption status before locking a scenario
  • Run the funding fee calculator on our VA Loans page
  • Compare financed fee vs paying cash at closing
Open VA funding fee calculator →

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the VA funding fee?

It is a one-time fee paid to the VA that helps keep the loan program available for future veterans. It is not monthly mortgage insurance. For purchases it typically ranges from about 1.4% to 3.6% depending on down payment and first vs subsequent use.

Can I finance the funding fee?

Yes — most borrowers roll it into the loan amount. You can also pay it in cash at closing if you want a lower loan balance.

Do I pay the fee every month?

No. Unlike FHA MIP or conventional PMI, the VA funding fee is charged once. Your monthly payment does not include mortgage insurance on a VA loan.

Who does not pay the funding fee?

Veterans with qualifying service-connected disability compensation, certain Purple Heart recipients, and many eligible surviving spouses are exempt. Your COE is the best place to confirm.

Price Your Funding Fee

We will confirm first vs subsequent use, exemption status, and whether financing the fee or paying cash fits your plan — then lock a clear payment picture.