Skip to content
Best FHA Lenders of December 2025
Advertiser disclosure

Best FHA Lenders of December 2025

Abby Badach Doyle
Johanna Arnone
Abby Badach Doyle
+1
Written by 

Abby Badach Doyle

Edited by 

Johanna Arnone

Written by 

Abby Badach Doyle

 and 
Last updated 12/19/2025
FHA loans are backed by the government through the Federal Housing Administration, and can offer more flexibility to qualify with a lower credit score and down payment.
 

This service is free and will not affect your credit score.

Compare the best debt consolidation loans for you, in one place
Sort by:

Best for low average FHA rates and fees

NBKC

NMLS#409631

NerdWallet rating

4.5

FHA loans
Min. credit score

620

Min. down payment

4%

Our take on NBKC

The Nerdy headline

NBKC stands out for its attractive FHA interest rates and fees, and is primarily an online lender — though its app does not have mortgage features.

What we like
  • Big FHA lender, by loan volume.
  • Low average FHA origination fees compared to other lenders.
  • Big FHA lender, by loan volume.
What we don't like
  • FHA loans represent a small share of total home lending for NBKC.
  • Customer service is only accessible over the phone for many mortgage customers.
Read our full review of NBKC

Best for low or bad credit scores

Rate

NMLS#2611

NerdWallet rating

4.5

FHA loans
Min. credit score

580

Min. down payment

3.5%

Our take on Rate

The Nerdy headline

Rate is a major FHA lender with options for a variety of FHA loan borrowers and a streamlined application process, but average FHA fees are on the high side.

What we like
  • Major FHA lender, by loan volume.
  • Offers a strong variety of FHA loan types for purchase and refinance.
What we don't like
  • Average FHA origination fees are on the high side.
  • FHA loans represent a somewhat small share of total home lending for Rate.
Read our full review of Rate

Best for low average FHA rates

First Federal Bank

NMLS#408902

NerdWallet rating

4.5

FHA loans
Min. credit score

580

Min. down payment

0%

Our take on First Federal Bank

The Nerdy headline

First Federal Bank is a big FHA lender by loan volume. It stands out for low average FHA rates and its emphasis on government loans.

What we like
  • Big FHA lender, by loan volume.
  • Offers low FHA mortgage rates compared with other lenders.
  • Strong experience in FHA and VA lending.
What we don't like
  • No mobile app.
  • Does not offer renovation loans, but does offer construction loans.
Read our full review of First Federal Bank

Best for existing Flagstar customers

Flagstar

NMLS#417490

NerdWallet rating

5.0

FHA loans
Min. credit score

580

Min. down payment

3.5%

Our take on Flagstar

The Nerdy headline

Flagstar is a big FHA lender by loan volume, with low average FHA rates. But take note that Flagstar has reduced its mortgage business as part of corporate restructuring.

What we like
  • Big FHA lender, by loan volume.
  • Offers low FHA mortgage rates compared with other lenders.
  • Offers down payment assistance programs to borrowers in qualifying areas.
What we don't like
  • Branches are only available in nine states.
  • Sold its mortgage servicing business last year, meaning you’re likely to make payments with a different company.
Read our full review of Flagstar

Best for FHA loans overall

Pennymac

NMLS#35953

NerdWallet rating

5.0

FHA loans
Min. credit score

580

Min. down payment

3.5%

Our take on Pennymac

The Nerdy headline

Pennymac, known for government loans, has low average FHA rates. Best for FHA borrowers looking for low rates and an efficient digital experience.

What we like
  • FHA loans make up a large share of Pennymac's total home loans.
  • Major FHA lender, by loan volume.
  • Offers low FHA mortgage rates compared with other lenders.
What we don't like
  • Details about some FHA loan types are not listed online.
  • No construction or renovation loans.
Read our full review of Pennymac

Best for low-income borrowers

Wells Fargo

NMLS#399801

NerdWallet rating

4.5

FHA loans
Min. credit score

620

Min. down payment

3.5%

Our take on Wells Fargo

The Nerdy headline

Wells Fargo has significantly shrunk its mortgage business in the past two years, but it was still a major FHA loan originator last year. Average FHA rates are on the low side.

What we like
  • Big FHA lender, by loan volume.
  • Offers low FHA mortgage rates compared with other lenders.
What we don't like
  • FHA loans represent a small share of total home lending for Wells Fargo.
  • Prospective borrowers may be put off by the lender’s past legal issues.
Read our full review of Wells Fargo

Best for fast closings

Better

NMLS#330511

NerdWallet rating

4.5

FHA loans
Min. credit score

580

Min. down payment

3.5%

Our take on Better

The Nerdy headline

Better stands out for its attractive FHA interest rates and wide range of mortgage types, including for condos and manufactured homes.

What we like
  • Offers low FHA mortgage rates compared with other lenders.
  • Sample online rates are customizable by location.
What we don't like
  • FHA loans represent a small share of total home lending for Better.
  • We struggled to contact customer service.
Read our full review of Better

Best for credit scores in the 500’s

Carrington

NMLS#2600

NerdWallet rating

5.0

FHA loans
Min. credit score

500

Min. down payment

3.5%

Our take on Carrington

The Nerdy headline

Carrington is a big FHA lender by loan volume, and average FHA rates are low, though average FHA fees are on the high side.

What we like
  • FHA loans make up a large share of Carrington's total home loans.
  • Offers low FHA mortgage rates compared with other lenders.
What we don't like
  • Average FHA origination fees are on the high side.
  • Branches are only available in nine states.
Read our full review of Carrington

Best for fast closings

Northpointe

NMLS#447490

NerdWallet rating

4.5

FHA loans
Min. credit score

620

Min. down payment

3.6%

Our take on Northpointe

The Nerdy headline

Northpointe is a major FHA lender, by loan volume. In addition to government-backed loans, Northpointe Bank’s mortgage portfolio includes loans for borrowers with credit challenges.

What we like
  • Big FHA lender, by loan volume.
  • Offers loans and programs aimed at making homeownership more accessible.
What we don't like
  • FHA loans represent a somewhat small share of total home lending for Northpointe.
  • Bank’s mobile app isn’t useful for mortgage borrowers.
Read our full review of Northpointe

Best for customer perks and discounts

SoFi

NMLS#696891

NerdWallet rating

4.5

Home loans overall
Min. credit score

600

Min. down payment

3.5%

Our take on SoFi

The Nerdy headline

SoFi, a big FHA lender, by loan volume, offers perks for existing customers, including a discount on closing costs. Borrowers looking for FHA loans may need to reach out directly for details.

What we like
  • Big FHA lender, by loan volume.
  • Offers low FHA mortgage rates compared with other lenders.
What we don't like
  • FHA loans represent a somewhat small share of total home lending for SoFi.
  • Sample mortgage interest rates are shown for conventional purchase and refinance loans, but not for other loan types.
Read our full review of SoFi

Best for in-person service

Truist

NMLS#399803

NerdWallet rating

4.5

FHA loans
Min. credit score

620

Min. down payment

3.5%

Our take on Truist

The Nerdy headline

Truist is a big FHA lender, with low average FHA rates. Pre-approval and customer care happen mostly offline, and for details on FHA loans, you'll need to talk to a person.

What we like
  • Big FHA lender, by loan volume.
  • Offers low FHA mortgage rates compared with other lenders.
  • Generous grants for qualifying home buyers in select locations.
What we don't like
  • FHA loans represent a small share of total home lending for Truist.
  • Getting custom rates and applying for mortgage preapproval both require human contact.
  • Customer care leans heavily on phone and in-person service.
Read our full review of Truist

Best for credit union experience

PenFed

NMLS#401822

Min. credit score

N/A

Min. down payment

N/A

Our take on PenFed

The Nerdy headline

PenFed Credit Union is a major FHA lender, with low average FHA rates. Getting a custom rate requires sharing contact information, and membership is mandatory — though anyone can join.

What we like
  • Big FHA lender, by loan volume.
  • Offers low FHA mortgage rates compared with other lenders.
  • Offers fully-underwritten preapproval with the option of a 60-day rate lock.
What we don't like
  • FHA loans represent a small share of total home lending for PenFed.
  • Getting customized mortgage rates requires providing contact information.
Read our full review of PenFed
The star ratings on this page reflect each lender's performance in NerdWallet’s FHA loans category. We scored the category and chose lenders for this page using the following methodology:
NerdWallet reviewed 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. We rated them on criteria including rate transparency, loan types offered, ease of application and more.
Some of the providers are NerdWallet partners, but this did not influence our selections.
All reviewed mortgage lenders that offer FHA loans were evaluated based on (1) the portion of their business dedicated to FHA lending, (2) their average FHA loan origination fees and mortgage rates, (3) the range of FHA loans offered, (4) their rate transparency and (5) the ease of their online application. The highest scoring lenders appear on this page.
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 2024 HMDA data for origination volume, origination fee, average interest rate and share-of-product data.

FHA loan preapproval: What you need

To get preapproved for an FHA loan, you need to meet the lender’s requirements. If you qualify, many lenders — including those on our list — make it easy to get preapproved online. Just like any mortgage preapproval, you’ll need to provide details about your employment and finances.
Some lenders may offer a bit more flexibility. But in general, you'll need to meet these requirements to qualify for an FHA loan:
  • A credit score between 500 and 579 with a 10% down payment.
  • A credit score of at least 580 for the lowest FHA down payment of 3.5%.
  • A debt-to-income ratio of 50% or lower.
Having easier requirements means that FHA loans come with some additional costs. You’ll need to pay FHA closing costs, which include an upfront payment of 2%-6% of the loan amount. FHA mortgage insurance is also required, with both an upfront fee and monthly payments. If your down payment is less than 10%, you'll have to pay FHA mortgage insurance for the life of the loan.
🤓

Nerdy Tip

You might need a higher credit score than the minimum requirements to get an FHA loan. That’s because FHA-approved lenders set their own standards, which can be stricter. If you have credit challenges, take a look at our list of the best home loans for bad credit to explore more options.

Where to get an FHA loan

To find the lowest interest rate and save money on your loan, try to get preapproved by at least three lenders. You can start with the lenders we list here. If you're looking for an FHA lender near you, check out the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's searchable list of approved FHA lenders.
Video thumbnail

Are FHA loans only for first-time home buyers?

You do not need to be a first-time home buyer to use an FHA loan. Lower minimum credit score and down payment requirements make FHA loans attractive to first-time home buyers, but current homeowners are eligible, too.

Can you get an FHA loan if you have student loans?

You can get an FHA loan if you have student loan debt, as long as you meet FHA debt-to-income requirements. If your payments are currently deferred or in forbearance, your lender will consider your "monthly obligation" to be 0.5% of your total student loan balance.
More from NerdWallet

Frequently asked questions

  • Where do I get an FHA loan?

    To apply, you'll work with a Federal Housing Administration-approved lender. Many banks, credit unions and mortgage lenders offer FHA loans.
  • How do I get preapproved for an FHA loan?

    FHA loan preapproval is similar to other mortgage types, though you have to work with an FHA-approved lender. To get preapproved, you'll need to provide financial information like your employment history, bank statements and any current loan payments. Applying for mortgage preapproval with multiple lenders lets you compare interest rates, fees and loan terms to find the best deal.
  • How do I choose an FHA lender?

    FHA mortgage rates and fees vary by lender, so it's a good idea to compare at least three FHA lenders to find the best deal. While the FHA sets minimum qualifications, lenders can require higher credit scores or lower debt-to-income ratios. Using an FHA mortgage calculator can help you estimate your monthly payments.