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National Rate Trends

Best VA Mortgage Rates Today March 2026 | As Low As 5.50%

Today's VA mortgage rate mortgage market includes offers such as First Bank Ketchikan, AKFirst Bank Ketchikan, AK103 N Nordic Dr, Craig, AK 99801A+5.0 ★Texas Ratio: 2.24% offering Alaska Housing 30 Year Fixed Rate Veterans Mortgage Program at 5.50%.

The VA mortgage rate mortgage is the most popular home loan in the United States, prized for its predictable monthly payment and long amortization period that keeps monthly costs manageable. Whether you are a first-time homebuyer or refinancing an existing loan, comparing rates across lenders is the single most effective way to save — even a 0.25% rate difference on a $400,000 loan saves over $20,000 in total interest over 30 years. We empower borrowers with transparent financial health metrics — including A–F Safety Grades, verified Star Ratings, and Texas Ratios — so you can choose a stable institution with confidence.

VA Mortgage Rate Mortgage Rates reflect actual verified offers from lenders actively lending to borrowers nationally. Your final approved rate will depend on your credit profile, loan-to-value ratio, and daily market movements. Last Updated and Verified: March 18, 2026

Compare VA Mortgage Rates Nationwide

State:
Source: Verified Mortgage Rate Data provided by MonitorBankRates.com
Lender
Product
Term
Rate
APR
Profile
First Bank Ketchikan, AK
Institution Rating:
A+5.0 ★Texas Ratio: 2.24%
103 N Nordic Dr, Craig, AK 99801
Alaska Housing 30 Year Fixed Rate Veterans Mortgage Program
5.50%
5.59%
Rate5.50%
APR5.59%
Points0.000
UpdatedMar 18, 2026
Address103 N Nordic Dr, Craig, AK 99801
Details

No additional details available.

The VA mortgage rate mortgage rates displayed are verified and sourced directly from the official websites of the listed financial institutions. Your final approved rate will depend on your specific credit history, credit score, loan amount, and down payment. Rates are subject to change without notice.

Banks and Credit Unions: If you need to update your rate data or request removal from MonitorBankRates.com, please contact us here.

Methodology & Data Sources

Direct-Sourced & Verified Rate Data: Every VA mortgage rate mortgage rate on this page is sourced directly from the official website of the lending institution — no estimates, no national survey averages. Our proprietary rate aggregation technology, combined with a dedicated team of rate analysts, verifies and updates listings daily to ensure accuracy.

Nationwide Lender Coverage: Our database monitors over 8,500 banks and credit unions across all 50 states, capturing a diverse mix of community credit unions, regional banks, and national online lenders. This breadth ensures you see competitive rates that many national rate surveys miss.

Time-Stamped for Full Transparency: Because VA mortgage rate mortgage rates can shift multiple times per week in response to 10-year Treasury movements and Federal Reserve policy changes, every rate entry carries its own specific "last updated" date. You always know exactly how fresh the data is.

Proprietary Lender Safety Ratings: Rate alone is only part of the picture. MonitorBankRates evaluates the financial stability of every listed institution using regulatory FDIC and NCUA data. Our composite Health Grades (A+ to F), Star Ratings, and Texas Ratio calculations give you a clear view of lender stability so you can borrow with confidence from a financially sound institution.

Frequently Asked Questions About VA Mortgage Rate Mortgage Rates

What is a VA loan?

A VA loan is a mortgage guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, available to eligible active-duty service members, veterans, and surviving spouses. Because the VA guarantees a portion of the loan against default, participating lenders can offer VA borrowers better terms than conventional loans — including no down payment, no private mortgage insurance (PMI), and competitively low interest rates. VA loans are often the best mortgage available to those who qualify.

Who is eligible for a VA loan?

VA loan eligibility is available to active-duty service members with at least 90 consecutive days of service during wartime or 181 days during peacetime, National Guard and Reserve members with six or more years of service or 90 days of active-duty service, and surviving spouses of service members who died in the line of duty or from a service-connected disability. Eligibility is established through a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) obtained through the VA or your lender.

Do VA loans require a down payment?

No. One of the most significant VA loan benefits is the ability to purchase a home with zero down payment, with no loan limit for eligible borrowers with full entitlement (as of 2020). This allows qualified veterans to buy a home without years of saving for a down payment. A down payment may still be required if you have reduced entitlement from a prior VA loan, or if the purchase price exceeds the county VA loan limit.

What is the VA funding fee?

The VA funding fee is a one-time fee paid to the Department of Veterans Affairs that helps sustain the VA loan program. For first-time users with no down payment, the fee is 2.15% of the loan amount (2.30% for National Guard and Reserve members). It drops to 1.65% with a 5%+ down payment. The fee can be financed into the loan. Certain borrowers are exempt, including veterans receiving VA disability compensation and surviving spouses of veterans who died in service or from a service-connected disability.

Do VA loans require mortgage insurance?

No. VA loans do not require private mortgage insurance (PMI) or any form of monthly mortgage insurance premium, regardless of the down payment amount. This is a major financial advantage over FHA loans (which require MIP for the life of the loan) and conventional loans with less than 20% down (which require PMI). The VA funding fee is a one-time upfront cost, not an ongoing monthly charge.

What credit score do I need for a VA loan?

The VA itself does not set a minimum credit score, but most lenders require a score of 620 or higher. Some lenders will approve VA loans with scores as low as 580, though you may face higher rates or additional requirements. Because the VA guarantee reduces lender risk, VA loans are generally more forgiving of imperfect credit than conventional mortgages. Shopping multiple VA-approved lenders is important since credit requirements vary.

What is a VA IRRRL (Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan)?

The VA IRRRL, also called a VA Streamline Refinance, allows existing VA loan holders to refinance to a lower interest rate with minimal paperwork and no appraisal or income verification in most cases. To qualify, you must already have a VA loan, and the refinance must result in a lower interest rate (or move from an adjustable to a fixed rate). The IRRRL is one of the simplest refinance options available and typically closes faster than a standard refinance.

How does a VA loan compare to a conventional or FHA loan?

For eligible borrowers, VA loans typically offer the best overall terms. Compared to conventional loans, VA loans allow zero down payment with no PMI, often have lower interest rates, and are more flexible on credit. Compared to FHA loans, VA loans have no ongoing mortgage insurance, making them significantly less expensive over time. The main trade-off is that VA loans require military service eligibility and charge a funding fee — though the fee is often offset quickly by the savings from no PMI.

How are VA mortgage rates determined?

VA mortgage rates are influenced by the same broad market forces as other mortgage types — particularly 10-year U.S. Treasury yields, Federal Reserve policy, and investor demand for mortgage-backed securities. Because VA loans carry a federal guarantee, lenders typically price them at or below conventional rates. Individual quotes depend on your credit score, loan amount, loan term, and the specific lender's cost of capital. Comparing quotes from multiple VA-approved lenders can yield meaningful savings.

What are today's best VA mortgage rates?

  • First Bank Ketchikan, AK: 5.50% (Alaska Housing 30 Year Fixed Rate Veterans Mortgage Program)
VA Mortgage Rate rates reflect actual verified offers from lenders actively lending to borrowers nationally. Your final approved rate will depend on your credit profile, loan-to-value ratio, and daily market movements. Last Updated: March 18, 2026