7 Best Credit Union Mortgage Lenders of October 2025
Last updated on January 17, 2025
Written by
Lead Writer & Content StrategistEdited by
Head of Content, Home LoansFact Checked
Fact Checked
Written by
Lead Writer & Content StrategistEdited by
Head of Content, Home LoansFact Checked
Fact Checked
Many or all of the products on this page are from partners who compensate us when you click to or take an action on their website, but this does not influence our evaluations or ratings. Our opinions are our own.
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.
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.
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 October 2025
Have you or your spouse served in the military?
We’ve got more home loan options for you. Show me
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 itAndrews Federal Credit Union is on the smaller side, but offers big value through low rates and fast closings. Its online rate quote tool is exceptionally informative. Renovation loans aren’t available, and the lender tells us VA and FHA loans aren’t a priority.Pros
- Offers free, one-time “float down” if mortgage rates drop while your loan is in progress.
- Average time to close is 28 days, faster than the national average.
- Online rate tool is exceptionally user-friendly and detailed.
ConsRead full review- No renovation loans.
- VA and FHA loans aren’t a priority.
- U.S. branches limited to Maryland, Virginia, Washington, D.C. and New Jersey.
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 Credit Union, formerly known as Bethpage, is easy to join: Just deposit $5 in a savings account. However, its online mortgage rate quote is light on details, and average rates are on the higher side.Pros
- Nice selection of specialty mortgages.
- Offers conventional loans for manufactured homes.
- Well rated mobile app.
ConsRead full review- No renovation or construction loans.
- Online rate quote is light on detail and doesn’t let you customize.
- Average interest rates are on the higher side, according to the latest federal data.
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, dedicates a significant portion of its business to jumbo loans — useful for those navigating the state’s high home prices. However, VA and USDA loans aren’t available.Pros
- Maximizes first-time buyer assistance with in-house and statewide funds.
- Offers a closing cost discount when using their real estate agent network.
- Interest rate discounts available to some account holders.
ConsRead full review- Membership is mostly limited to California residents.
- No VA or USDA loans.
- HELOCs, but no home equity 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 Employees’ Credit Union in North Carolina is worth checking out for those in the Southeast who meet its narrow membership criteria — especially first-time home buyers eligible for generous grants and specialty loans. But it doesn’t offer government-backed mortgages.Pros
- Offers a zero-down mortgage without private mortgage insurance.
- Participates in multiple first-time buyer assistance programs.
- 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 October 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
