Key takeaways
- First use, $0 down = 2.15% of the loan amount in 2026 — the most common scenario for Las Vegas VA buyers.
- A down payment lowers the fee: 1.5% at 5% down, 1.25% at 10% or more down.
- Subsequent use with under 5% down is 3.3% — using the benefit a second time costs more unless you put money down.
- It's waived entirely for veterans receiving service-connected disability compensation, Purple Heart recipients, and certain surviving spouses. Those same veterans may also qualify for VA disability housing grants to buy or adapt a home. If you are a surviving spouse, begin with the eligibility path built for surviving spouses in Nevada, since your status is confirmed on the Certificate of Eligibility before any exemption applies.
- The fee can be financed into the loan — you don't have to bring it in cash at closing.
The VA funding fee in 2026 is a one-time charge of 2.15% on a first-use, $0-down purchase -- about $10,277 on a $478,000 Las Vegas home. It drops to 1.5% at 5% down and 1.25% at 10% down. Veterans with a service-connected disability rating are typically exempt. The fee replaces monthly mortgage insurance, so you pay it once and never again.
- First use with $0 down is 2.15% of the loan amount in 2026 — the most common Las Vegas scenario.
- A down payment lowers it: 1.5% at 5% down, 1.25% at 10% or more.
- Subsequent use under 5% down is 3.3%; at 5%+ down it matches first use.
- It's $0 for service-connected-disabled veterans, Purple Heart recipients, and certain surviving spouses.
- The fee can be financed into the loan — no cash needed at closing.
Key terms in plain English
A few words on this page can sound technical. Here is the simple version before you go deeper.
- COE
- Certificate of Eligibility. This is the VA document that shows a lender you have VA home loan benefit eligibility to review.
- Entitlement
- The part of your VA benefit the government can guarantee. Full entitlement usually makes the VA loan-limit conversation simpler.
- Funding fee
- A VA program cost that may be financed into the loan unless the borrower qualifies for an exemption.
- VA appraisal
- A value and basic property-condition review. It is not the same as a full home inspection.
What is the VA funding fee?
The VA funding fee is a one-time charge the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs adds to most VA-backed purchase and refinance loans. It replaces the monthly mortgage insurance other loan types charge, and it keeps the VA loan program running at no cost to taxpayers. In 2026, a first-use purchase with no down payment is 2.15% of the loan amount — and many Nevada veterans pay nothing at all.
"The VA funding fee is a one-time payment that the Veteran, service member, or survivor pays on a VA-backed or VA direct home loan."U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs -- va.gov
Two things decide your exact percentage: whether this is your first time using the VA benefit or a subsequent use, and how much you put down. That's it — no credit-score tiers, no county adjustments. Below is the full 2026 schedule straight from VA.gov, then a real Las Vegas dollar example. Start with the VA loan requirements for Nevada and how $0 down works in 2026.
Most people arrive at this page wanting one of three things: the VA funding fee table for 2026, whether a funding fee waiver applies to them, or how to calculate the VA funding fee on their own loan amount. The table is directly below, the waiver (exemption) rules are covered under "Who is exempt," and the calculator further down does the math automatically for both a first time use and a subsequent use scenario.
VA funding fee chart: the full 2026 rate schedule
Looking for the 2025 chart? The statutory funding fee rates below are the ones in force for 2026 and are unchanged from the 2025 schedule, so a “2025 VA funding fee chart” and a 2026 one show the same percentages. What changes year to year is the loan amount they are applied to, not the rate table itself.
For VA purchase loans, the fee depends on your down payment and whether it's first or subsequent use of the benefit. These are the current published VA percentages for 2026.
| Down payment | First use | Subsequent use |
|---|---|---|
| Less than 5% (incl. $0 down) | 2.15% | 3.3% |
| 5% to less than 10% | 1.5% | 1.5% |
| 10% or more | 1.25% | 1.25% |
| Service-connected disability (and other exempt) | $0 | $0 |
Notice the pattern: at 5% down or more, first and subsequent use cost the same. The only place using the benefit again costs extra is the under-5%-down tier, where subsequent use jumps to 3.3%. Cash-out and IRRRL refinances use a different schedule — confirm your exact figure against your file.
Valley West takeIn Las Vegas, almost every VA buyer we work with is first use with $0 down, so 2.15% is the number that matters. The single biggest swing isn't the down payment — it's your exempt status. We've sat with veterans who didn't realize their disability rating waived the fee outright, turning a five-figure line item into $0. Before you budget for the fee, let us confirm your status from your Certificate of Eligibility first.
Not sure if your fee is waived?
Start a no-pressure VA review and we'll pull your Certificate of Eligibility, confirm your exact funding-fee percentage or exemption, and map your $0-down path here in Las Vegas. Soft credit check to start — no impact to your score. Figures are illustrative — not a quote, offer, or commitment to lend.
Check my VA eligibilityVA funding fee calculator
Estimate your one-time VA funding fee — most buyers roll it into the loan.
Illustrative estimate only — not a quote, offer, or commitment to lend. 2026 VA purchase funding-fee rates per VA.gov: first use 2.15% / 1.5% / 1.25% and subsequent use 3.3% / 1.5% / 1.25% by down payment (under 5% / 5–9.99% / 10%+); $0 if exempt. Calculated on the base loan (price minus down payment). Confirm your exemption with the VA.
What the fee looks like on a Las Vegas home
To make it concrete, here's the funding fee at three down-payment tiers on an illustrative $478,000 Las Vegas home (near the 2026 Clark County median), bought on first use.
| Scenario ($478,000 home · first use) | Fee rate | Funding fee |
|---|---|---|
| $0 down (loan ≈ $478,000) | 2.15% | ≈ $10,277 |
| 5% down (loan ≈ $454,100) | 1.5% | ≈ $6,812 |
| 10% down (loan ≈ $430,200) | 1.25% | ≈ $5,378 |
| Service-connected disability exemption | $0 | $0 |
The fee is calculated on the loan amount, not the purchase price, so a down payment shrinks both the loan and the fee. On a $0-down first-use loan of about $478,000, the 2.15% fee comes to roughly $10,277 — and that amount can be financed into the loan rather than paid in cash at closing. If you qualify for an exemption, the entire line disappears. Your true numbers depend on your final loan amount, occupancy, and VA determination. Want to model it yourself? Use the VA loan calculator.
Who is exempt from the VA funding fee?
A large share of Nevada veterans pay no funding fee at all. The VA confirms exempt status from your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) — the VA document that proves your home-loan benefit. You generally qualify if any of the following apply.
- Receiving disability compensation — you're receiving VA compensation for a service-connected disability, the single most common reason a Nevada veteran's fee is waived.
- Eligible for compensation but offset — you're eligible for disability compensation but receive retirement or active-duty pay instead; you still qualify for the waiver.
- Surviving spouse (DIC) — you're a surviving spouse receiving Dependency and Indemnity Compensation on a qualifying veteran's behalf.
- Proposed or memorandum rating — you hold a proposed or memorandum rating dated before your loan closes, confirming eligibility from a pre-discharge claim.
- Active-duty Purple Heart — you're an active-duty service member with evidence of a Purple Heart received on or before your loan closing date.
Notice how many of those tests turn on a date before your loan closes. That is deliberate — and it is also why a rating that arrives later is a separate question with its own answer. If you already closed, already paid the fee, and only then received a disability award, you are not simply out of luck: read how a VA funding fee refund works after a retroactive rating, which covers the effective-date test and how to make the request.
Nevada bonusDisabled Nevada veterans may also claim a state property-tax exemption under NRS 361.0905 — a separate benefit on top of the waived fee, administered by the Clark County Assessor. For exemption tiers, how to file, and the full Clark County property tax picture for Nevada veterans, see our dedicated guide.
Exemption eligibility is determined by the VA from your Certificate of Eligibility and supporting documentation; categories above summarize current VA guidance and are not a determination of your status. Figures are illustrative — not a quote, offer, or commitment to lend. Valley West Mortgage NMLS #65506. Equal Housing Opportunity. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or any government agency.
Finance the fee, or pay it at closing?
Unlike a down payment, the funding fee doesn't have to come out of pocket. You choose how to handle it.
Financing it rolls the fee into your loan balance, so you pay it off gradually over the life of the mortgage. That keeps cash in your pocket on closing day — important for many Las Vegas buyers managing a move or a PCS (a permanent change of station — military orders to a new base). The trade-off is a slightly higher loan balance and monthly payment, plus a little interest on the financed amount over time.
Paying it upfront means writing a larger check at closing but keeping your loan balance — and your monthly payment — as low as possible. There's no single right answer; it depends on your cash on hand and how long you plan to stay in the home. If your fee is waived, this decision is moot.
Valley West takeMost of our Las Vegas first-use buyers finance the fee — the goal of the VA benefit is to get into the home with cash intact, and a $0-down buyer rarely has a spare five figures sitting around. On a $478,000 example loan, financing the ~$10,277 fee adds only a modest amount to the monthly payment. We'll show you both ways side by side before you decide — no pressure either direction.
Either way, the fee is a one-time cost. There's no recurring monthly mortgage insurance on a VA loan, which is a meaningful edge over FHA and low-down conventional financing in 2026.
Learn more: VA Home Loans Las Vegas guide — the full picture of the benefit
Learn more: How to request your Certificate of Eligibility in Nevada
Funding fee vs. monthly PMI
Borrowers often assume the funding fee is just VA's version of mortgage insurance. It isn't — and the difference can save you real money over time.
| Feature | VA funding fee | Conventional / FHA mortgage insurance |
|---|---|---|
| How often | One time | Every month |
| Can be financed | Yes | Upfront FHA portion only |
| Waived for disabled veterans | Yes | No |
| Ends when you build equity | Already one-time | Conventional PMI can be removed; FHA often for the life of the loan |
A VA buyer pays the funding fee once (if at all) and never carries monthly mortgage insurance. A comparable FHA or low-down conventional buyer pays an insurance premium every month — which, over a few years in a Las Vegas home, frequently adds up to more than a single VA funding fee. That's a core reason the VA loan stays the strongest option for eligible buyers. See how it stacks up against $0-down financing in 2026.
Does the VA funding fee apply to an IRRRL refinance?
Yes -- an IRRRL (Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan) carries a VA funding fee of 0.5% of the loan amount in 2026, regardless of down payment or whether it is first or subsequent use.
The IRRRL is a streamlined VA refinance designed to lower your interest rate with minimal paperwork and no appraisal in most cases. Because it is a refinance rather than a purchase, the fee is substantially lower than what you paid when you originally bought the home. On a $400,000 outstanding balance, for example, the 0.5% fee is $2,000 -- compared to $8,600 at the original 2.15% purchase rate. That difference makes an IRRRL one of the most cost-effective moves an eligible Nevada veteran can make when rates drop.
Even at 0.5%, the fee still has to earn its keep -- the IRRRL recoupment math shows how quickly your monthly savings need to repay it before the streamline makes sense.
| Loan type | First use | Subsequent use | IRRRL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purchase / $0 down | 2.15% | 3.3% | N/A |
| IRRRL refinance | N/A | N/A | 0.5% |
| Cash-out refinance | 2.15% | 3.3% | N/A |
If you are exempt from the funding fee due to a service-connected disability, that exemption applies to the IRRRL as well -- you pay $0. Confirm your status from your Certificate of Eligibility before closing. Ready to run the numbers on a refinance? Start a VA review and we'll confirm your rate and funding-fee status.
Learn more: How the IRRRL compares to the VA purchase loan
What does the funding fee look like with reduced entitlement?
If you have a current VA loan on another property, you are using reduced entitlement -- and the funding fee for a subsequent-use purchase with under 5% down is 3.3%, about $12,600 more on a $382,000 loan than a first-use buyer.
Full entitlement means the VA guarantees your entire loan with no cap on the amount. Reduced entitlement means some of your entitlement is tied up in an existing VA loan. Since the Blue Water Navy Veterans Benefits Act took effect on January 1, 2020, the VA no longer caps the loan amount for veterans with full entitlement -- but with reduced entitlement a down payment may be required equal to 25% of the amount above your available entitlement. That down payment requirement, combined with the higher 3.3% funding fee, is why many Nevada veterans who already own a VA home choose to sell it and restore entitlement before buying again.
Local scenario: A Nellis AFB buyer who already owns a VA home in North Las Vegas and has not yet sold it has reduced entitlement. On a second purchase of $480,000 in Henderson, the 3.3% funding fee is about $15,840 -- versus $10,277 for a first-use buyer. Selling the first home and restoring entitlement before closing would drop the fee to 2.15%.
Valley West takeReduced entitlement is one of the most under-explained VA topics we see. Veterans sometimes discover the 3.3% rate on closing day. We review your entitlement position early in the process -- before you make an offer -- so there are no surprises. If you are juggling two properties, we can model the cost difference of restoring entitlement first versus carrying both loans. Subject to underwriting and VA eligibility determination.
Learn more: VA loan requirements in Nevada — the full entitlement and eligibility rules
Learn more: Nellis AFB home buying guide — the local market in detail
The bottom line
In 2026 the VA funding fee is 2.15% on a first-use, $0-down purchase, less with a down payment, and $0 for many disabled veterans and surviving spouses — financeable either way. The single most valuable step is confirming your exempt status from your Certificate of Eligibility before you plan your cash to close. Figures shown are illustrative only — not a quote, offer, or commitment to lend. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or any government agency.
Your next step
Know your exact fee before you budget your closing.
Ten minutes with a local Las Vegas team gets you your real funding-fee number — not an internet average. Here's how it works:
- Soft credit review. We check where you stand — it won't affect your score.
- COE + fee status. We pull your Certificate of Eligibility and confirm whether your fee is 2.15%, lower, or waived entirely.
- Your $0-down path. Real payment math with the fee financed in, for your price range.
Subject to credit, income, property, and underwriting approval. Not a commitment to lend. Valley West Mortgage · NMLS #65506 · Equal Housing Opportunity. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the VA or any government agency.
Funding-fee FAQ
What is the VA funding fee in 2026?
The VA funding fee is a one-time charge that helps keep the VA loan program running. For a first-use purchase with no down payment, it is 2.15% of the loan amount in 2026. It drops to 1.5% with at least 5% down and 1.25% with at least 10% down. Subsequent-use buyers with less than 5% down pay 3.3%. The fee can be financed into the loan, and many veterans are exempt entirely.
Who is exempt from the VA funding fee?
You generally pay no VA funding fee if you receive VA compensation for a service-connected disability, are eligible for that compensation but receive retirement or active-duty pay instead, receive Dependency and Indemnity Compensation as a surviving spouse, hold a proposed or memorandum rating before closing, or are an active-duty member with evidence of a Purple Heart received on or before closing. The VA confirms exempt status from your Certificate of Eligibility.
Can you finance the VA funding fee into the loan?
Yes. The VA funding fee can be added to your loan amount and paid off over the life of the mortgage instead of in cash at closing. Financing it raises your loan balance and monthly payment slightly, but it keeps cash in your pocket on closing day. You can also pay it upfront if you prefer.
How much is the VA funding fee on a Las Vegas home?
On a 478,000 dollar Las Vegas home bought with no down payment on first use, the 2.15% funding fee is about 10,277 dollars in 2026. That amount can be financed into the loan rather than paid in cash. This is an illustrative example confirmed from your Certificate of Eligibility — not a quote, offer, or commitment to lend.
Does the VA funding fee change for a second VA loan?
Yes. Subsequent use of the VA benefit carries a higher fee when you put little or nothing down: 3.3% with less than 5% down, versus 2.15% on first use. At 5% or more down the fee is 1.5%, and at 10% or more it is 1.25% — the same as first use at those tiers. A larger down payment is the main way to lower a subsequent-use fee.
Is the VA funding fee the same as PMI?
No. The VA funding fee is a one-time charge, while private mortgage insurance (PMI) is a recurring monthly cost on many low-down conventional and FHA loans. VA loans never carry monthly mortgage insurance. Over several years, paying one VA funding fee often costs less than years of monthly PMI.
Do disabled veterans in Nevada pay the VA funding fee?
Veterans receiving VA compensation for a service-connected disability are generally exempt from the VA funding fee anywhere, including Nevada. Disabled veterans in Nevada may also qualify for a state property-tax exemption under NRS 361.0905, which is a separate benefit. Confirm both with your Certificate of Eligibility and the Clark County Assessor.
What is the VA funding fee for an IRRRL refinance?
An IRRRL (Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan) carries a VA funding fee of 0.5% of the loan amount in 2026 -- substantially lower than the purchase-loan fee. Veterans exempt from the funding fee due to service-connected disability pay $0 on the IRRRL as well. Source: VA.gov 2026 fee schedule.
How does the funding fee change if I already have a VA loan?
Using the VA benefit while you still have an active VA loan on another property is called subsequent use with reduced entitlement. The funding fee for a new purchase with under 5% down is 3.3% in 2026 -- compared to 2.15% for a first-use buyer. At 5% or more down the rate drops to 1.5% regardless of prior use. Selling the first home and restoring full entitlement before closing resets the fee to first-use rates.
Read current Google reviews: Valley West Mortgage on Google
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs — VA funding fee and closing costs (2026 fee schedule; first-use and subsequent-use rates and exemptions).
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs — VA-backed home loans overview.
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau — Owning a Home: closing costs and loan comparison.
- Nevada Revised Statutes — NRS 361.0905, disabled-veteran property-tax exemption (Clark County Assessor administers).
Related VA buyer guides
FAQ hub
Nevada VA loan FAQ
Quick answers on eligibility, COE, entitlement, appraisal, concessions, and refinance.
Compare
VA vs FHA in Nevada
$0 down vs 3.5% down — which loan fits your Las Vegas purchase.
Start here · pillar
VA loan requirements
Eligibility, entitlement, and the full path to a VA loan in Nevada.
$0 down
VA no-down-payment guide
How full entitlement unlocks $0 down with no monthly PMI in 2026.
Get ready
VA Certificate of Eligibility
The three ways to request your COE in Nevada — and how it confirms your fee status.
Ready when you are
Start your application
One application, your COE pulled, and your exact funding-fee status confirmed.