The Truth About Credit Inquiries: VA IRRRL Guide | Dec 2025

Multiple Credit Inquiries: The 45-Day Shopping Window

December 2025

When veterans explore refinancing options through an IRRRL (Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan), one common concern I hear involves credit inquiries. "Won't shopping around hurt my credit score?" In my experience with VA lending, this misconception prevents many veterans from seeking better terms. Today, I want to clarify how the 45-day shopping window protects you when comparing IRRRL options.

What Most Veterans Don't Realize About Credit Inquiries

The credit bureaus understand that savvy borrowers compare options before making financial decisions. That's why they've created what I call the "rate-shopping grace period." When you apply for the same type of loan (like an IRRRL) within a 45-day window, multiple inquiries count as just ONE inquiry on your credit score.

This is insider knowledge I share with every veteran: you can and should compare multiple IRRRL offers without fearing credit score damage. The system is designed to encourage responsible comparison shopping.

How Credit Scoring Models Actually Work

After years in VA lending, I've learned that many veterans misunderstand how credit scoring models treat mortgage inquiries. The algorithms specifically identify mortgage-related inquiries and treat them differently from credit card or auto loan inquiries.

The key concept to understand is that mortgage inquiries made within 45 days are consolidated for scoring purposes. This means you can apply with several IRRRL lenders to find the best terms without accumulating multiple scoring penalties.

Why I Created EZ-IRRRL's Approach to Credit

Veterans often ask me about our credit inquiry process. I created EZ-IRRRL because I saw how traditional lenders were unnecessarily pulling multiple credit reports throughout the application process, sometimes outside the 45-day window.

Our automated system is designed to minimize credit impacts by: - Conducting one efficient credit pull at the optimal time - Eliminating redundant inquiries that traditional lenders often require - Streamlining the entire process to complete within the shopping window

Making the Most of Your Shopping Window

To maximize this protection, I recommend: - Concentrate your IRRRL shopping within a focused timeframe - Ask potential lenders when they'll pull your credit - Remember that NO income verification is required for IRRRLs - Understand that NO appraisal is needed, saving you hundreds - Recognize that NO debt-to-income requirements exist with VA IRRRLs

What separates our approach from traditional lenders is our commitment to passing origination cost savings directly to veterans through our streamlined 30-day automated process, specifically designed to respect your credit profile.

This is not an offer to lend. Rates subject to change. Get an official Loan Estimate before choosing a loan. EZ-IRRRL is not affiliated with the U.S. Government.