Lenders can deny a USDA refinance for a variety of reasons. For example, if your new loan payments aren’t reduced by at least $50 per month, you wouldn’t meet the threshold for USDA’s Streamlined-Assist Refinance program. Lenders might also deny your refinance if you haven’t had the existing USDA loan for at least 12 months. And keep in mind that some USDA refinance programs require a new review of your credit and debt-to-income ratio. If your credit score falls below 640, or if your debt-to-income ratio exceeds 41 percent, the lender might deny your application.