The Facts
The funding fee schedule set in 2023 carries into 2026 without change. Purchase and construction loans: first use 2.15% under 5% down, 1.50% at 5–10%, 1.25% at 10% or more; subsequent use 3.30% under 5% down, with the same reduced tiers above that. Cash-out refinance: 2.15% first use, 3.30% after. The IRRRL streamline stays flat at 0.50%.
What It Means For You
The fee is charged on the loan amount and can be financed. Exemption still saves the most money of any line item: a 10%+ service-connected rating, DIC surviving spouses, and active-duty Purple Heart recipients pay $0 — commonly a $4,300–$10,000 difference.