VA Funding Fee Calculator — Know Your Exact Fee
Calculate your exact VA funding fee based on down payment, first or subsequent use, and exemption status. Free calculator with the current VA fee table.
The VA funding fee ranges from 1.25% to 3.3% of your loan amount depending on your down payment and whether this is your first or subsequent VA loan. Veterans with service-connected disabilities are fully exempt. Use the calculator below to see your exact fee.
VA Funding Fee Calculator
0.0% of purchase price
Your VA Funding Fee
$7,525
2.15% of $350,000 loan
Fee by Down Payment Tier (First Use)
Estimate for educational purposes only. Your lender will confirm the exact funding fee based on your Certificate of Eligibility.
How Is the VA Funding Fee Calculated?
The VA funding fee is based on three factors: your down payment percentage, whether this is your first or subsequent use of the VA loan benefit, and whether you have a service-connected disability. The fee is applied as a percentage of the loan amount (not the purchase price).
What Are the Current VA Funding Fee Rates?
| Down Payment | First Use | Subsequent Use |
|---|---|---|
| $0 down (less than 5%) | 2.15% | 3.3% |
| 5% or more | 1.5% | 1.5% |
| 10% or more | 1.25% | 1.25% |
Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Rates are current as of 2026. Veterans with service-connected disabilities are exempt from all funding fee tiers.
Do National Guard and Reserve Members Pay a Higher Fee?
Historically, National Guard and Reserve members paid an additional 0.15% on their first-use funding fee. This surcharge was eliminated in recent years, so Guard and Reserve members now pay the same rates as regular military veterans listed in the table above.
Who Qualifies for the VA Funding Fee Exemption?
You are exempt from the VA funding fee if any of the following apply:
- You receive VA compensation for a service-connected disability
- You are rated eligible for VA compensation but receive retirement or active-duty pay instead
- You are a surviving spouse receiving Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
- You are an active-duty service member who received a Purple Heart
If you believe you may qualify for an exemption, your VA-approved lender can verify your status through the VA system during the loan process.
Should You Pay the Funding Fee Upfront or Finance It?
Most borrowers finance the funding fee into their loan. This avoids an additional out-of-pocket cost at closing but increases your total loan balance. If you have the cash available and want the lowest possible monthly payment, paying it upfront is the better financial choice — but only if it doesn't drain your savings. To see how the funding fee affects your monthly payment, plug your numbers into our VA mortgage calculator. Want to know how much home you can afford? Try the VA affordability calculator.
Questions About Your VA Funding Fee?
Barrett Henry (MRP) can help you understand your options and connect you with VA-friendly lenders.
I'm Barrett Henry — a Military Relocation Professional (MRP) and Broker Associate with REMAX Collective. I work with veteran and military homebuyers across Tampa Bay, and my job is to make sure you understand every dollar involved in your VA purchase. For the official funding fee schedule and exemption rules, visit the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Related VA Loan Tools and Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the VA funding fee for 2026?
For 2026, the VA funding fee for first-time use with $0 down is 2.15% of the loan amount. With 5% or more down, it drops to 1.5%. With 10% or more down, it drops to 1.25%. Subsequent-use borrowers with $0 down pay 3.3%, while the 5%+ and 10%+ tiers remain at 1.5% and 1.25%.
Who is exempt from the VA funding fee?
Veterans receiving VA disability compensation, veterans rated eligible for compensation but receiving retirement or active-duty pay instead, surviving spouses receiving Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), and active-duty Purple Heart recipients are all exempt from the VA funding fee.
Can I finance the VA funding fee into my loan?
Yes. Most borrowers choose to roll the VA funding fee into their loan balance rather than paying it upfront at closing. This means you don't need extra cash at closing for the fee, but it does increase your total loan amount and monthly payment slightly.
Do National Guard and Reserve members pay a higher funding fee?
Historically, National Guard and Reserve members paid a slightly higher funding fee (an additional 0.15% for first use). However, this difference was eliminated in recent years. Guard and Reserve members now pay the same funding fee rates as regular military veterans.
How much can I save if I'm exempt from the funding fee?
On a $350,000 home with $0 down, the first-use funding fee would be $7,525 (2.15%). If you're exempt, that entire amount is waived — saving you thousands at closing or reducing your total loan by that amount. Over a 30-year loan, this could save over $15,000 in principal and interest combined.