Can a bank decline a loan after pre-approval?

Asked by: Ms. Telly Hoeger  |  Last update: May 10, 2025
Score: 5/5 (14 votes)

Getting preapproved for a mortgage doesn't guarantee a future clear-to-close decision from the underwriter. This type of approval is sometimes based on basic information you provide and usually requires deeper verification of all information reviewed. Also, not all preapprovals are the same.

Can my loan get denied after pre-approval?

Simply, if you're preapproved for a mortgage there is still a possibility you could be denied after. In fact, approximately 5,741 VA loans were preapproved but not accepted according to 2022 HMDA data.

Can a bank reject a loan after pre-approval?

Yes, your home loan application can still be declined, even if you have pre-approval. Applying for a home loan and being rejected, even after getting pre-approval, can come as a shock.

Can a pre-approved loan be rejected?

Pre-approved loan offers do not mean that your loan application will be approved for certain. Your loan request, although "pre-approved", can be rejected by the lender if your credit score is low or if you do not meet an eligibility requirement during the verification process.

Can a bank reject a loan after approval?

If one or more late payments or collections show up on a credit report after you've already been approved, your credit score could drop below the minimum required for your loan, and your loan could be denied.

Why Your Pre Approval Could be Declined,#mortgageadvisor

25 related questions found

Can a bank cancel a loan after approval?

Yes, it is possible to cancel a sanctioned loan before the funds are disbursed, but the process involves certain steps and considerations.

How often does an underwriter deny a loan after pre-approval?

You may be wondering how often underwriters denies loans? According to the mortgage data firm HSH.com, about 8% of mortgage applications are denied, though denial rates vary by location and loan type. For example, FHA loans have different requirements that may make getting the loan easier than other loan types.

Can banks take back pre-approval?

Some of the cases where a lender could potentially decide to revoke your mortgage pre-approval include: You lose your job or main source of income. The property you want to buy fails to meet the lender's requirements. You have been dishonest on your application.

Are you guaranteed a loan if you are pre-approved?

Both pre-qualified and pre-approved mean that a lender has reviewed your financial situation and determined that you meet at least some of their requirements to be approved for a loan. Getting a pre-qualification or pre-approval letter is generally not a guarantee that you will receive a loan from the lender.

Why did the bank decline my loan?

There are several reasons someone may have their loan application rejected, including bad credit, a large amount of debt or an unreliable source of income.

Can a lender back out after approval?

Mortgage approvals are at risk of last-minute reversals because most lenders not only verify your credit, income, and employment at the beginning of the process; they also typically re-verify those factors within a week of your closing date.

What can mess up a pre-approval?

So here are the six biggest mistakes to avoid once you have been pre-approved for a mortgage:
  • Late payments. Be sure that you remain current on any monthly bills. ...
  • Applying for new lines of credit. ...
  • Making large purchases. ...
  • Paying off and closing credit cards. ...
  • Co-signing loans for others. ...
  • Changing jobs.

Can a loan be denied after conditional approval?

Yes, your loan application may be denied after you receive a conditional approval, although that is usually unlikely.

Can a loan be denied after clear to close?

Clear-to-close buyers aren't usually denied after their loan is approved and they've signed the Closing Disclosure. But there are circumstances when a lender may decline an applicant at this stage. These rejections are usually caused by drastic changes to your financial situation.

What if my pre-approval isn t enough?

If the amount is too low, you might not be able to buy the home you want. To raise the loan preapproval amount, you might need to increase your income, lower your debt, improve your credit or do a mix of these factors.

What's next after a pre-approval letter?

Most people will go through these six steps: pre-approval, house shopping, mortgage application, loan processing, underwriting, and closing.

Why would a loan be denied after pre-approval?

A common reason a home loan might be denied is when a negative item on your credit sinks your score below a required benchmark. That's important because a lower credit score can affect the interest rate you're offered, which in turn can affect how affordable your monthly mortgage payment will be.

Does it hurt your credit score to see if you're pre-approved?

Checking for pre-approved credit card offers won't hurt your credit because typically, pre-approval involves a soft inquiry. Also known as a soft pull or soft credit check, a soft inquiry doesn't affect your credit scores. It's simply a way for lenders to determine whether you may qualify for their credit card offer.

What are final checks on a loan?

This means your lender will want to ensure nothing has changed before they release the funds to you at the completion stage. This final check is usually one of the last steps in the process and it takes place after contracts have been exchanged.

Does pre-approval guarantee a loan?

A pre-approval doesn't guarantee you'll ultimately be approved for the loan, partly because the process doesn't require a deep dive into your finances. Information not found during the pre-approval process could arise during the approval process and disqualify you from getting a loan.

Can you be declined for a pre-approved loan?

You'll either be pre-approved, presented with an eligibility rating, or declined for the loan depending on the results of the soft credit check. If you're turned down, it might still be possible to get a loan with a different lender with different eligibility criteria.

Can a loan be withdrawn after approval?

Yes, a loan can be withdrawn after approval. You will need to contact the lender and provide the reasons for loan withdrawal.

Can a loan officer override an underwriter?

An inquiry into your credit indicates that you may take on new debt, which will lower your credit score. But this will only drop your score slightly, and it is a necessary step of the mortgage approval process. Can a loan officer override an underwriter? No, a loan officer cannot influence the underwriter's decision.

Will I lose my deposit if I am denied a mortgage?

Can My Security Deposit Be Returned If My Mortgage Is Denied At Closing? If you have a contingency in place that includes an offer and purchase contract, you may be able to get your earnest money back. However, if you don't have it, you could lose it.

Should I be nervous about underwriting?

There's no reason for a borrower to worry or stress during the underwriting process if they get prequalified. They should keep in contact with their lender and try not to make any major changes that could have a negative impact on this critical process.