Best FHA Lenders of May 2025
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FHA loans are backed by the government through the Federal Housing Administration, but individual mortgage lenders set their own preapproval requirements. Our list of the best FHA lenders can help you shop around.
» MORE: Compare FHA mortgage rates
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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.
Our 2025 Best-Of Award Winner
NMLS#3030
Best FHA Lenders of May 2025
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Lender ▾ ▾ | NerdWallet Rating ▾ ▾ | Min. credit score ▾ ▾ | Min. down payment ▾ ▾ | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Rocket Mortgage, LLC: NMLS#3030 Top 3 most visited 🏆 See Offers at Rocket Mortgage, LLC | 580 | 3.5% | Top 3 most visited 🏆 See Offers at Rocket Mortgage, LLC | |
620 | 3.5% | |||
500 | 3.5% | See Offers at New American Funding | ||
580 | 3.5% | |||
 FourLeaf Federal Credit Union: NMLS#449104 See Offers at FourLeaf Federal Credit Union | 500 | 3.5% | See Offers at FourLeaf Federal Credit Union | |
N/A | 3.5% | See Offers at First Federal Bank | ||
 AmeriSave: NMLS#1168 Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | 580 | 3.5% | Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | |
 Flagstar: NMLS#417490 Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | 580 | 3.5% | Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | |
 PNC Bank: NMLS#446303 Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | 600 | 3.5% | Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | |
 Pennymac: NMLS#35953 Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | 580 | 3.5% | Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | |
 Network Capital: NMLS#11712 Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | 540 | 3.5% | Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | |
 Wells Fargo: NMLS#399801 Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | 640 | 3.5% | Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet |
Explore all of our lender picks by category
- Why we like itRocket Mortgage, the largest mortgage lender by volume, offers a seamless digital experience and fast closings.Pros
- Reported average time to close is 15 days faster than industry average.
- FHA loans make up more than 20% of Rocket Mortgage’s total loan volume.
- Borrowers can apply via mobile app.
ConsRead full review- Origination fees are on the higher end, according to the latest federal data.
- No construction or renovation loans.
- Physical branches are only available in Detroit, Cleveland, and Phoenix.
- Why we like itCommunity bank NBKC has a user-friendly website and low average rates.Pros
- Mortgage rates are on the low side compared to other lenders, according to the latest federal data.
- Offers a strong variety of loan types for purchase and refinance, including fixed- and adjustable-rate loans.
ConsRead full review- Mobile app focuses on online banking, not mortgages.
- You’ll need to share contact information to see customized mortgage rates.
- Why we like itNew American Funding offers a large menu of loan products, including FHA 203(k) loans, as well as programs like first-time home buyer assistance.Pros
- Offers a wide variety of purchase and refinance mortgages.
- Has unique buyer assistance programs.
ConsRead full review- Average origination fees are on the high side, according to the latest federal data.
- Personalized mortgage rates are not available on the website without providing contact information.
- Why we like itRate boasts a streamlined application process, with full underwriting in as little as one business day.Pros
- Fully underwritten mortgage approval in as little as one day for qualified borrowers.
- Generous selection of mortgages, including renovation loans.
ConsRead full review- Doesn't offer customer service chat with a live agent.
- Why we like itFourLeaf offers some specialty loans, like financing for co-ops and nonwarrantable condos, with the community-minded spirit of an easy-to-join credit union.Pros
- Low average FHA origination fees compared to other lenders.
- Specialty loans include financing for co-ops and nonwarrantable condos.
- Highly rated mobile app.
ConsRead full review- Doesn’t offer renovation or construction loans.
- Can’t get a preapproval online.
- Why we like itFirst Federal Bank Mortgage Lenders, an online-only lender, stands out for its focus on government loan lending and low average mortgage rates.Pros
- Almost a quarter of all loans last year were FHA loans.
- Average mortgage rates are on the lower side, according to the latest federal data.
- Offers 15-, 20-, 25-, and 30-year repayment terms, which is unusually flexible.
ConsRead full review- No dedicated mobile app for mortgage borrowers.
- Some loans are geographically limited.
- Why we like itAmeriSave’s rate-buydown program, online tools, customer service and comparably low rates will appeal to first-time buyers.Pros
- A temporary buydown program lowers buyers’ interest rates in their first year.
- Offers low rates compared with other lenders, according to the latest federal data.
ConsRead full review- Average origination fees are on the high side compared to other lenders, according to the latest federal data.
- Mortgage rates are not published online.
- Doesn’t originate mortgages in the state of New York.
- Why we like itFlagstar Bank, recently acquired by Mr. Cooper, stands out for its range of accessible loans and programs, including no-down-payment loans, localized loans with flexible requirements and a number of down payment grant options.Pros
- Reported average time to close (20-30 days) is faster than industry standard.
- Offers down payment assistance to first-time home buyers.
ConsRead full review- The lender’s mobile app is focused on banking, not mortgages.
- Some loans and programs are restricted by area.
- Why we like itPNC Bank has a variety of appealing mortgage options, including programs for first-time home buyers. It’s simple to browse rates and apply online.Pros
- Offers multiple low-down-payment loan options.
- Customizable mortgage rates are posted online.
ConsRead full review- In-person service is not available in every state.
- You’ll have to supply personal data or account info to get answers by phone.
- Why we like itPennymac, known for its government loans, stands out for a refreshingly transparent digital experience. Competitive perks and cash back ease the cost of borrowing, too.Pros
- Easy to personalize a quote and apply online.
- Can lock in a rate before you’re under contract, earlier than most lenders.
- Perks include a 1% interest rate buydown and “refinance later” cash bonus.
ConsRead full review- Origination fees are on the higher end, according to the latest federal data.
- Online chat is available only in the logged-in experience.
- No renovation loans.
- Why we like itNetwork Capital offers a solid variety of FHA loans, including refinance and energy-efficient mortgages, and a low minimum credit score requirement.Pros
- Reported average time to close is 20 days, far below the industry average.
- Offers FHA energy-efficient mortgages.
- Also offers non-QM loans and ITIN loans, which have flexible qualifying guidelines.
ConsRead full review- The lender’s website offers limited loan details.
- Why we like itWhile Wells Fargo earns solid scores in our rankings, its consumer trust track record is rough. The lender focuses its mortgage lending on banking customers and borrowers in underserved communities.Pros
- Low average FHA interest rates compared to other lenders.
- Sample rates and details are shown for various loan products.
- Offers generous down payment and closing cost assistance programs for qualified borrowers.
ConsRead full review- Home loans business is broadly focused on existing bank customers.
- Scandals and government actions have damaged consumer trust in recent years.
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.
» MORE: FHA loan requirements
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.
» MORE: How to choose a mortgage lender
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.
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Fact-checked as of May 5, 2025
Last updated on May 5, 2025
Frequently asked questions
To apply, you'll work with a Federal Housing Administration-approved lender. Many banks, credit unions and mortgage lenders offer FHA loans.
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.
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.
Methodology
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 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. 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 2023 HMDA data for origination volume, origination fee, average interest rate and share-of-product data.
NerdWallet's Best FHA Lenders of May 2025
- Rocket Mortgage, LLC: Best for digital experience
- NBKC: Best for low average mortgage rates
- New American Funding: Best for fixer-uppers
- Rate: Best for fast preapproval
- FourLeaf Federal Credit Union: Best for credit union experience
- First Federal Bank: Best for low average mortgage rates
- AmeriSave: Best for manufactured home loans
- Flagstar: Best for credit challenged borrowers
- PNC Bank: Best for traditional lending experience
- Pennymac: Best for FHA loans overall
- Network Capital: Best for self-employed borrowers
- Wells Fargo: Best for refinance loans
