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    3. VA IRRRL
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    VA IRRRL

    "The fastest VA rate reduction."

    The VA Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan (IRRRL) is the quickest way for veterans to lower their mortgage rate. No appraisal, no income verification, no credit underwriting package required.

    $0 out of pocket

    Min Down

    No minimum required

    Min Credit

    Based on current loan

    Max Loan

    Check My EligibilityTalk to a Specialist
    Last reviewed: January 2026 · CMS Mortgage Editorial Team

    Is This Loan Right for You?

    This Loan is Perfect If You...

    • Currently have a VA loan you want to refinance
    • Want to lower your interest rate
    • Have made on-time payments for last 12 months
    • Want the fastest, simplest refinance process
    • Don't need cash out from your equity

    This Might NOT Be Right If...

    • Don't currently have a VA loan
    • Need cash out (use VA Cash-Out instead)
    • Have missed recent mortgage payments
    • Want to remove someone from the loan (requires full refi)

    VA IRRRL Benefits

    Everything you need to know about your benefits

    No Appraisal Needed

    Skip the home appraisal entirely - saves time and money on the refinance process.

    No Income Verification

    No need to provide pay stubs, tax returns, or employment documentation.

    No Credit Package

    With on-time payment history, no credit underwriting is required.

    Lowest Funding Fee

    Just 0.5% funding fee - much lower than a purchase or cash-out refinance.

    Close in 2-3 Weeks

    Minimal documentation means faster processing and closing.

    No Out of Pocket

    Closing costs and funding fee can be rolled into the new loan.

    How It Works

    Your path to homeownership in just a few simple steps

    1

    Verify Eligibility

    Confirm you have an existing VA loan and meet the 210-day/6 payment requirement.

    Get Your Quote

    See your new rate and calculate monthly savings. No impact to credit.

    Simple Application

    Complete a streamlined application - no income docs or appraisal needed.

    Quick Processing

    We process your IRRRL quickly since most traditional requirements are waived.

    1

    Verify Eligibility

    Confirm you have an existing VA loan and meet the 210-day/6 payment requirement.

    Get Your Quote

    See your new rate and calculate monthly savings. No impact to credit.

    Simple Application

    Complete a streamlined application - no income docs or appraisal needed.

    Quick Processing

    We process your IRRRL quickly since most traditional requirements are waived.

    Close & Save

    Sign your closing documents and start enjoying your lower monthly payment.

    VA IRRRL Funding Fee

    The IRRRL funding fee is just 0.5% regardless of down payment or usage history - significantly lower than a purchase loan.

    Down PaymentFirst UseSubsequent Use
    Any amount0.5%0.5%

    Funding Fee Exemptions

    • Veterans receiving VA disability compensation
    • Surviving spouses of veterans who died in service
    • Purple Heart recipients who are still serving
    • Active duty service members with a Purple Heart
    0

    VA IRRRL vs VA Cash-Out Refinance

    FeatureVA IRRRL(This loan)VA Cash-Out
    PurposeLower rate onlyAccess equity + rate change
    AppraisalNot requiredRequired
    Income VerificationNot requiredRequired
    Credit UnderwritingMinimal*Full underwriting
    Funding Fee0.5%2.15% - 3.3%
    Processing Time2-3 weeks30-45 days
    Cash at ClosingNo (max $500)Yes - up to 100% LTV

    * Rates and terms subject to change. Contact us for current offers.

    FAQ

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about VA IRRRL

    Last updated: May 12, 2026

    What is a VA IRRRL?

    The VA Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan (IRRRL) is a streamlined refinance program exclusively for veterans with existing VA loans. It allows you to quickly lower your interest rate with minimal documentation - no appraisal, no income verification, and no credit underwriting package required (with good payment history).

    How is IRRRL different from a regular VA refinance?

    A regular VA refinance (like a cash-out refinance) requires full underwriting including appraisal, income verification, and credit analysis. An IRRRL skips most of these requirements, making it much faster and simpler. However, you cannot take cash out with an IRRRL beyond $500.

    What are the requirements for a VA IRRRL?

    You must: 1) Currently have a VA loan, 2) Have made at least 6 payments on your current loan, 3) Have waited at least 210 days since your first payment, 4) Have no 30-day late payments in the last 12 months, and 5) Show a 'net tangible benefit' from refinancing (lower payment or more stable rate).

    The IRRRL funding fee is only 0.5% of the loan amount - significantly lower than other VA loan types. This fee can be rolled into the new loan so you don't pay out of pocket. Veterans with VA disability compensation are exempt from the funding fee.
    Yes, typically. With on-time payment history on your current VA loan for the last 12 months, no credit underwriting package is required. The IRRRL focuses on your mortgage payment history rather than your overall credit profile.
    Because most traditional requirements are waived, an IRRRL can close in as little as 2-3 weeks. This is significantly faster than a traditional refinance which typically takes 30-45 days.
    While you cannot 'skip' payments, there is typically a gap between your last payment on the old loan and first payment on the new loan. This can provide temporary cash flow relief, though keep in mind the interest continues to accrue.
    No, an IRRRL cannot be used to remove a borrower from the loan. All original borrowers must remain on the new loan. To remove someone, you would need a full VA refinance with complete underwriting.
    Compare all loan types — Read our comprehensive mortgage guide
    Read the Compare GuideSee how VA IRRRL stacks up against other mortgage options
    Compare All Programs Side-by-SideDrop VA IRRRL next to up to 2 others and compare requirements line by line

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    We'll notify you instantly when rates drop to your target.

    Get Started with VA IRRRL See Today's Rates
    Top 50 National Brokerage•NMLS #212405

    Ready to Lower Your VA Rate?

    See if you qualify for a VA IRRRL and start saving in as little as 2 weeks.

    Check My EligibilityTalk to a Specialist

    Or call us directly: (757) 558-2603

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