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Compare Top FHA Lenders of April 2026FHA loans typically have lower down payment and more flexible credit score requirements, making them great for first-time buyers or those with fewer savings.
Excellent (760+)
California
Applied Filters: Excellent (760+), Loan amount: $100,000, State: California
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at Rocket Mortgage, LLCMin. credit score
580
Min. down payment
3.5%
Pros + Cons
ProsMajor FHA lender, by loan volume.Offers down payment and closing cost assistance.Borrowers can apply via mobile app.
ConsAverage FHA origination fees are on the high side.No physical branches.
NerdWallet's take
Why we like it: Rocket Mortgage was the largest lender, by volume, of FHA loans in 2024. Affordable borrowing options include a 1% down payment loan.
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at NBKCMin. credit score
620
Min. down payment
3.5%
Pros + Cons
ProsBig FHA lender, by loan volume.Low average FHA origination fees compared to other lenders.Big FHA lender, by loan volume.
ConsFHA loans represent a small share of total home lending for NBKC.Customer service is only accessible over the phone for many mortgage customers.
NerdWallet's take
Why we like it: 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.
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at New American FundingMin. credit score
N/A
Min. down payment
0%
Pros + Cons
ProsFHA loans make up a large share of New American's total home loans.Major FHA lender, by loan volume.Offers a strong variety of FHA loan types for purchase and refinance.
ConsFHA mortgage rates are on the high side.Average FHA origination fees are on the high side.Personalized mortgage rates are not available on the website without providing contact information.
NerdWallet's take
Why we like it: New American Funding is a major FHA lender, with a focus on this loan type, but its average FHA rates and fees are less competitive than some lenders.
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at RateMin. credit score
580
Min. down payment
3.5%
Pros + Cons
ProsMajor FHA lender, by loan volume.Offers a strong variety of FHA loan types for purchase and refinance.
ConsAverage FHA origination fees are on the high side.FHA loans represent a somewhat small share of total home lending for Rate.
NerdWallet's take
Why we like it: 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.
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at First Federal BankMin. credit score
580
Min. down payment
3.5%
Pros + Cons
ProsBig FHA lender, by loan volume.Offers low FHA mortgage rates compared with other lenders.Strong experience in FHA and VA lending.
ConsNo mobile app.Does not offer renovation loans, but does offer construction loans.
NerdWallet's take
Why we like it: 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.
