Do you only offer VA loans?

No. I'm a Mortgage Loan Originator with Edge Home Finance, LLC, a mortgage broker, so I can shop a file across many lenders. VA is the majority of what I do, and I also handle FHA, Conventional, USDA and Non-QM.

Do you only service the Dayton and Cincinnati markets?

Dayton and Cincinnati are the majority of my business. I am personally licensed to originate mortgage loans in 34 states, and through the Edge Home Finance, LLC corporate referral program I can help veterans in every state except New York. Edge Home Finance, LLC is licensed in 49 states and the District of Columbia and does not arrange, solicit, or originate mortgage loans for real property located in the State of New York.

How To Get Approved For A VA Loan With No Credit Score

Many people often wonder, “Can I get approved for a VA loan if I don’t have any traditional credit?” It’s a valid concern, especially for those who prefer to live a cash-and-carry lifestyle and avoid credit cards altogether. Surprisingly, this can actually be a good thing, as it demonstrates financial responsibility and a lack of reliance on interest payments.

Key Takeaways

Alternative Trade Lines: If you lack traditional credit, you can use alternative trade lines—like utility bills and rental payment histories—to demonstrate creditworthiness.
Flexibility in VA Guidelines: The VA provides considerable flexibility in their lending guidelines, allowing lenders to assess non-traditional forms of credit.
Importance of Payment History: Consistently paying bills on time is crucial; you’ll often need two years of reliable rental payment history as part of your application process.

Not sure where your credit leaves you?

Start the VA Loan Pathfinder

Would rather just talk? Call or text me at 937-572-3713.

The Possibility of Approval Without Traditional Credit

Yes, you can be approved for a VA loan without traditional credit history! In fact, I’ve successfully assisted clients in similar situations before. One individual I worked with deposited his VA disability check directly into the bank and paid for everything in cash, which meant he had no traditional credit cards. So, how did we navigate the loan approval process for him? By utilizing something called alternative trade lines.

What Are Alternative Trade Lines?

Alternative trade lines are non-traditional forms of credit that can be used to demonstrate your creditworthiness. Examples include:

Cell phone bills
Utility bills
Rent payment history

These monthly obligations can often substantiate your ability to meet financial commitments, even if they don’t traditionally report to credit bureaus. The VA does not specify a strict number of trade lines you need; instead, they recommend using your best judgment. However, a good rule of thumb is to aim for at least three trade lines, one of which should ideally be your rental or mortgage payment history.

Additional Tips for Establishing Credit

You can also take proactive measures to enhance your credit history, such as:

Having your utility bills or cell phone payments reported to the credit bureaus: Some service providers allow you to request that they report your payment history, which can build your credit file.
Secured loans: You can set up secured loans for yourself using your own funds as collateral. However, be cautious with this option. It’s essential to actually pay back the loan, as failing to do so can negatively impact your credit score. I’ve seen instances where clients defaulted on their own secured loans, leading to unexpected credit damage.

Not sure where your credit leaves you?

Start the VA Loan Pathfinder

Would rather just talk? Call or text me at 937-572-3713.

Final Thoughts

Applying for a VA home loan without traditional credit is feasible, thanks to the flexibility provided by VA guidelines and the option to use alternative trade lines. If you manage to maintain a solid payment history and can secure the right type of documentation, you’ll be well on your way to homeownership.

Have questions about VA home loans? Click here to contact me.

Licensing Info

I can originate VA mortgage loans anywhere that I’m licensed. I’m licensed in Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. Through the Edge Home Finance, LLC corporate referral program, our team can help veterans in every state except New York.

How To Get A VA Home Loan With Bad Credit

Share This Post

Carlos Scarpero

Carlos Scarpero is the founder of Scarpero.com and a mortgage loan officer focusing on VA and Non QM mortgage loans. He is also the author of VA Loans Made Easy.

Let's Connect

VA Just Changed How Collections Count On A VA Loan

The VA handbook now counts an unpaid non-medical collection at 5% of the balance divided by 12 months. A $10,000 collection drops from $500 to about $42.

August 25, 2026 No Comments

Carlos Scarpero on using a VA loan for deed restricted affordable housing

Home Buying

Buying Affordable Or Deed-Restricted Housing With A VA Loan? Read This First

Can you use a VA loan on a deed-restricted affordable home? What VA’s resale-restriction and marketability rules require, and what to check before you sign.

August 17, 2026 No Comments