The VA funding fee is a one-time fee that helps keep the VA loan program running for future veterans. How much you pay depends on your down payment, whether it's your first VA loan, and the loan purpose — and many veterans are exempt entirely. This calculator shows your fee in dollars and as a percentage in seconds.
What the VA funding fee is
Because VA loans require no down payment and no mortgage insurance, the funding fee is how the program stays self-sustaining without costing taxpayers. It's charged once, at closing, and can be financed into your loan rather than paid in cash.
How much the funding fee costs
For a purchase with no down payment, the fee is about 2.15% of the loan on a first use and 3.3% on subsequent uses. Putting 5% down drops it to roughly 1.5%, and 10% or more drops it to about 1.25%. A VA streamline refinance (IRRRL) is just 0.5%.
Who is exempt
Veterans receiving VA compensation for a service-connected disability, Purple Heart recipients on active duty, and eligible surviving spouses are exempt from the funding fee entirely. If that's you, check the exempt box to see a $0 fee — a savings of thousands of dollars.
First use vs. subsequent use
Your first time using the VA benefit carries a lower fee than later uses. If you've used a VA loan before and haven't fully restored your entitlement, the subsequent-use fee applies. Mark the box to see how it changes your number.
Want your exact numbers? Use the free eligibility check at the top of this page and a licensed specialist will run them for you — no credit pull.