Is it common to get denied after pre-approval?

Asked by: Effie Armstrong  |  Last update: October 26, 2025
Score: 4.9/5 (47 votes)

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.

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.

Do pre-approved loans get 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 I be denied my credit card after pre-approval?

FYI, pre-approvals and prequals are no indication of approval. You can still be denied after receiving a pre-approval.

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.

What to do next if your application for a mortgage loan is denied

32 related questions found

Why am I getting denied for credit cards with good credit?

Common reasons for credit card denial despite good credit

They want to ensure that, at the very least, you can afford to make your minimum monthly payment. It is therefore possible for you to have a 700+ credit score but be denied a new credit card because your current credit is already high relative to your income.

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 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 are the cons of pre-approved loan?

Pre-approved personal loans offer quick access to funds with minimal documentation, based on your creditworthiness and banking relationship. Benefits include fast disbursement, attractive interest rates, and convenience, but drawbacks may involve limited flexibility and potential for over-borrowing.

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.

What if the underwriter says no?

There are many reasons why an underwriter may deny your mortgage loan, such as a low income, an unsatisfactory credit history or a recent change in employment. If an underwriter denies your mortgage loan, try going to a smaller lender or addressing the issues that caused the denial in the first place.

How fast can an underwriter approve a loan?

Approval or denial: 1 to 3 days

If the underwriter determines that your overall risk profile is acceptable, you'll receive a letter of commitment detailing the terms and conditions of the loan. You'll also receive a closing disclosure within three business days of closing on your mortgage loan.

Can a loan fall through 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.

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.

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 I 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.

Can I buy a house worth more than my pre-approval?

You can make an offer on a house that goes beyond what your preapproval letter will cover, but you will be expected to make up the difference out of pocket. If you can't increase the size of your down payment, then you can't make an offer that goes beyond your preapproval.

What is the income to debt ratio for a mortgage?

As a general guideline, 43% is the highest DTI ratio a borrower can have and still get qualified for a mortgage. Ideally, lenders prefer a debt-to-income ratio lower than 36%, with no more than 28%–35% of that debt going toward servicing a mortgage. 1 The maximum DTI ratio varies from lender to lender.

Can you still be denied a credit card if you re pre-approved?

Because the lender may need more financial information, you still have to apply to get approved for the credit card offer. Even after credit card pre-approval, your application might be denied.

Do they run your credit again after pre-approval?

Generally, preapproved offers, such as those from credit card issuers, don't directly impact your credit score. But once you accept the preapproval, the lender will likely review your credit history as part of a more thorough final approval process, which will result in a hard inquiry.

How many hard inquiries are too many?

There's no such thing as “too many” hard credit inquiries, but multiple applications for new credit accounts within a short time frame may point to a risky borrower. Rate shopping for a particular loan, however, may be treated as a single inquiry and have minimal impact on your creditworthiness.

Can you have a 700 credit score and still get denied?

Having a good credit score is just one factor in the approval process. Lenders consider various factors like income, existing debt, and credit history. If your income is insufficient or if you have a history of late payments or high debt, you may still be rejected despite a good score.

How many points is a hard inquiry?

A hard credit inquiry could lower your credit score by as much as 10 points, though in many cases, the damage probably won't be that significant. As FICO explains, “For most people, one additional credit inquiry will take less than five points off their FICO Scores.”

How many credit cards are too many?

Owning more than two or three credit cards can become unmanageable for many people. However, your credit needs and financial situation are unique, so there's no hard and fast rule about how many credit cards are too many. The important thing is to make sure that you use your credit cards responsibly.