7 Best Credit Union Mortgage Lenders of September 2025
Last updated on January 17, 2025
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Fact Checked
Written by
Lead Writer & Content StrategistEdited by
Head of Content, Home LoansFact Checked
Fact Checked
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Credit unions can excel at financial education and customer service while offering competitive mortgage rates, making them a good place to shop for a mortgage. These credit unions rise to the top for VA, FHA and jumbo loans, and as local lenders for borrowers in certain regions.
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Why trust NerdWallet
Why trust NerdWallet
- 50+ mortgage lenders reviewed and rated by our team of experts.
- 40+ years of combined experience covering mortgages and financial topics.
- Objective, comprehensive star rating system assessing 120+ categories and 5,000+ data points.
- Governed by NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.
7 Best Credit Union Mortgage Lenders of September 2025
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Lender | NerdWallet Rating | Min. credit score | Min. down payment | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|
620 | 3% | |||
N/A | N/A | |||
620 | 3% | |||
N/A | 3% | |||
N/A | 5% |
Andrews Federal Credit Union: Best for rate shopping
Min. credit score
620
Min. down payment
3%
- Why we like itThe relatively small Andrews Federal Credit Union offers some mighty advantages, like showing detailed, personalized interest rates without requiring contact info and making it easy to get out of paying an origination fee.Pros
- Has a robust and user-friendly tool for customized mortgage rates.
- Easy to qualify for credit union membership.
- Offers HELOCs and home equity loans.
ConsRead full review- Physical branches in the U.S. are limited to Maryland, New Jersey, Virginia and Washington, D.C.
- Does not offer less common mortgage types, like renovation or construction home loans.
Alliant: Best for variety of loan types
Min. credit score
N/A
Min. down payment
N/A
- Why we like itAlliant Credit Union allows you to see a wide range of customized mortgage rates without sharing any personal information, though customer service is geared toward credit union members.Pros
- Mortgage borrowers do not need to become members of the credit union until reaching the closing process, so interested home buyers can apply without committing to membership.
- Sample rates are displayed upfront, and it's easy to get detailed, personalized rates without providing any personally identifying information.
- No application fee.
ConsRead full review- You can't apply for preapproval online.
- Website has minimal information about home loan offerings.
- Customer service is tough to navigate as a non-member.
FourLeaf Federal Credit Union: Best for variety of loan types
Min. credit score
620
Min. down payment
3%
- Why we like itFourLeaf Federal Credit Union offers some specialty loans, like financing for co-ops and nonwarrantable condos, and a fully online application, but no online preapproval.Pros
- Specialty loans include financing for co-ops and nonwarrantable condos.
- Offers conventional loans for manufactured homes.
- Highly rated mobile app.
ConsRead full review- Interest rates are on the high side, according to the latest federal data.
- Doesn’t offer renovation, construction or USDA loans.
- Can’t get a preapproval online.
Golden 1 Credit Union: Best for California borrowers
Min. credit score
N/A
Min. down payment
3%
- Why we like itGolden 1, a California-based credit union, specializes in down payment and closing cost assistance in the Golden State, where its experience with jumbo loans will be a plus for buyers navigating the state’s high home prices.Pros
- Experienced with first-time home buyer assistance programs in California.
- Closing cost discount when you buy through a preferred real estate agent network.
- Interest rate discounts available to account holders.
ConsRead full review- Membership is mostly limited to California residents.
- Can’t customize rates online.
- No VA or USDA loans.
Navy Federal: Best for military borrowers
Min. down payment
5%
National / regional
National
- Why we like itNavy Federal is known for VA lending, but its flexible VA-like loan options truly stand out. You'll need a military connection to join the credit union.Pros
- Offers unique no-down-payment and no-mortgage-insurance loan options for military and civilian members.
- 24/7 customer service supports borrowers stationed overseas.
- Has both home equity loans and lines of credit.
ConsRead full review- Borrowers must join the credit union before applying for a mortgage, and all borrowers on the loan must be members for the loan to close.
- Does not offer FHA, renovation or construction loans.
State Employees' Credit Union: Best for North Carolina borrowers
Min. credit score
N/A
Min. down payment
0%
- Why we like itState Employee's Credit Union in North Carolina has some of the lowest average mortgage rates of lenders we review, as well as generous grants and specialty loans for first time home buyers who meet its membership criteria.Pros
- Offers a no-down-payment mortgage without private mortgage insurance.
- Participates in multiple first-time buyer assistance programs.
- Very low average mortgage rates, according to the latest federal data.
ConsRead full review- Credit union membership eligibility is limited.
- Loans only available in five states.
- Doesn’t offer government-backed mortgages.
PenFed: Best for low rates
Min. credit score
620
Min. down payment
3%
- Why we like itPenFed Credit Union boasts lower-than-average rates, but loan offerings don't go beyond the basics and there are a few hoops to jump through.Pros
- Offers fully-underwritten preapproval with the option of a 60-day rate lock.
- Average mortgage rates are low compared with other lenders, according to the latest data.
- Originates significantly more VA loans than the average lender.
ConsRead full review- Getting customized mortgage rates requires providing contact information.
- Does not offer harder-to-find mortgages, such as construction, ITIN or USDA loans.
Pros and cons of borrowing from a credit union
When deciding whether to choose a credit union, bank or other lender for your mortgage, consider the benefits and drawbacks that credit unions may bring to your experience.
Pros
- Potentially lower rates and fees. Credit unions are not-for-profit organizations, and profits are reinvested in their members through reduced rates and fees.
- Perks. Some credit unions have corporate partnerships that offer discounts or special offers to members.
Cons
- Membership exclusions. Some credit unions (including several included on this list) only offer membership to applicants who live within a certain geographic area or work in specific professions.
- Limited products. Credit unions may not offer the range of products available at larger banks.
More from NerdWallet
Last updated on January 17, 2025
Methodology
The star ratings on this page reflect each lender's overall star ratings. Read more about how we determine those ratings.
The lenders on this page are chosen using this methodology:
NerdWallet reviewed more than 40 mortgage lenders, including the majority of the largest U.S. mortgage lenders by annual loan volume (measured among lenders with at least a 1% market share), lenders with significant online search volume and those that specialize in serving various audiences across the country.
For inclusion on this roundup, credit union lenders must score a 3.5 or above according to our overall methodology.
NerdWallet solicits information from reviewed lenders on a recurring basis throughout the year. All lender-provided information is verified through lender websites and interviews. We also utilized 2023 HMDA data for origination volume, origination fee, average interest rate and share-of-product data.
NerdWallet's Best Credit Union Mortgage Lenders of September 2025
- Andrews Federal Credit Union: Best for rate shopping
- Alliant: Best for variety of loan types
- FourLeaf Federal Credit Union: Best for variety of loan types
- Golden 1 Credit Union: Best for California borrowers
- Navy Federal: Best for military borrowers
- State Employees' Credit Union: Best for North Carolina borrowers
- PenFed: Best for low rates
