You might think all Federal Housing Administration lenders are the same. But even when you’re looking for an FHA loan, it’s always smart to shop at least three lenders before taking out a mortgage. Mortgage rates, origination fees, appraisal fees and other costs to borrow can vary substantially between lenders, and you should look until you find a lender that meets your needs. Remember, the lender you choose will affect how fast you can close, how much you pay and, ultimately, whether you can buy the home you want.
» MORE: Monitor your credit score
When choosing an FHA lender — for purchase or refinance — consider which factors matter most to you: Some borrowers want the lowest possible monthly payment, some want a shorter term on their mortgage, and some want the lowest closing costs they can find.
NerdWallet has picked some of the best FHA lenders in a variety of categories so you can quickly determine which one is right for you.
» MORE: Five tips for finding the best FHA mortgage lenders
NerdWallet’s best lenders for FHA loans
at Quicken Loans
580
3.5%
Ideal for FHA borrowers who like online convenience. Quicken is the largest FHA lender in the nation and a mortgage-technology leader.
at Rocket Mortgage
580
3.5%
Ideal because it combines an app-easy experience to FHA loans. Rocket Mortgage boils down the government-lending process of FHA loans to an simple-to-complete smartphone app process.
at New American
580
3.5%
Ideal for home buyers and refinancers who want an FHA mortgage and need to be evaluated using nontraditional credit criteria.
at NerdWallet
580
3.5%
Ideal for borrowers who want FHA-insured mortgages because they don't have much for a down payment. Guaranteed Rate is willing to work with borrowers looking for small down payments, but who are otherwise well-qualified.
at PennyMac
580
3.5%
Ideal for those looking to refinance. PennyMac offers FHA Streamline Refinance and Cash-Out Refinance loans in addition to FHA purchase loans.
at NerdWallet
640
3.5%
Ideal for borrowers who appreciate an online experience. PNC's Home Insight Tracker lets you know exactly where your application stands at all times.
at NerdWallet
National
3.5%
Ideal for borrowers with nontraditional credit. FHA mortgages from CitiMortgage feature low down payment options and flexible financial requirements so it's easier for first-time borrowers to obtain a home loan.
at Flagstar
580
3.5%
Ideal for FHA borrowers who appreciate face-to-face service. Flagstar embraces FHA-backed mortgages, well suited for borrowers looking to qualify with rental payments, utility bills and other nontraditional credit sources.
at Navy Federal
National
3.5%
Ideal for military personnel and their families. FHA mortgages from Navy Federal Credit Union include alternative credit scoring so it's easier for first-time borrowers to obtain a home loan.
at Bank of America
600
3.5%
Ideal for borrowers who value a traditional bank with high-tech tools. Bank of America's Home Loan Navigator allows you to track the lending process online and upload paperwork digitally.
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Best lenders for FHA loans: summary
- Best for FHA refinance: Quicken Loans
- Best for online FHA mortgage experience: Rocket Mortgage
- Best for nontraditional credit histories: New American Funding
- Best for FHA refinance: Guaranteed Rate
- Best for online FHA mortgage experience: PennyMac
- Best for nontraditional credit histories: PNC Mortgage
- Best for first-time homebuyers: CitiMortgage
- Best for first-time homebuyers: Flagstar Bank
- Best for low down payment: Navy Federal Mortgage
- Best for low down payment: Bank of America
Best lenders for FHA loans: review
Lender | Best for | Highlights | Minimum credit score* | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Refinance | Offers loans in all 50 states | 580 (FHA) or 620 (conventional) | |
 | Online FHA mortgage experience | Largest online mortgage lender, with fully automated process | 580 (FHA) or 620 (conventional) | |
 | FHA for nontraditional credit histories | Flexibility in mortgage underwriting process, down payment assistance programs | 580 (FHA) or 620 (conventional) | |
 | Refinance | 900+ mortgage originators | 580 (FHA) or 620 (conventional) | |
 | Online FHA mortgage experience | Convenient online loan support, including electronic document submissions | 580 (FHA) or 620 (conventional) | |
FHA for nontraditional credit histories | Use of nontraditional credit history items such as rent payments | 640 (FHA) or 620 (conventional) | ||
 | FHA for first-time homebuyers | Programs for first-time homebuyers, no PMI options | Not disclosed | |
 | FHA for first-time homebuyers | Matching to programs for first-time homebuyers and income-limited households | 580 (FHA) or 620 (conventional) | |
 | FHA with low down payment | Prioritizes FHA loans, offers $1,000 mortgage rate match program | N/A | |
 | FHA with low down payment | Targets cash-strapped buyers by offering its own low-down-payment mortgage | 600 (FHA) or 620 (conventional) |
More from NerdWallet
Compare FHA mortgage rates
Calculate FHA mortgage payments
Review FHA loan requirements
* Minimum credit score on top loans; other loan types or factors may selectively influence minimum credit score standards NerdWallet’s selection of mortgage lenders for inclusion here was made based on our evaluation of the products and services that lenders offer to consumers who are actively shopping for the best mortgage. The six key areas we evaluated include the loan types and loan products offered, online capabilities, online mortgage rate information, customer service and the number of complaints filed with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau as a percentage of loans issued. We also awarded lenders up to one bonus star for a unique program or borrower focus that set them apart from other lenders. To ensure consistency, our ratings are reviewed by multiple people on the NerdWallet Mortgages team.
