11 Best Conventional Mortgage Lenders of 2026
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11 Best Conventional Mortgage Lenders of 2026

Dawnielle Robinson-Walker
Johanna Arnone
Dawnielle Robinson-Walker
+1
Written by 

Dawnielle Robinson-Walker

Edited by 

Johanna Arnone

Written by 

Dawnielle Robinson-Walker

 and 
Last updated 06/07/2026
For home buyers with strong credit, solid income and at least a 3% down payment, a conventional mortgage may be the perfect fit. Check out NerdWallet’s highest-rated conventional mortgage lenders.
 

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What is a conventional mortgage?

A conventional loan is a type of mortgage that isn’t backed by a government agency, such as the FHA or VA. Most conventional loans must meet loan limits and other requirements set by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the Federal Housing Finance Administration (FHFA). Conventional loans that exceed the conforming loan limits are referred to as jumbo loans.
You'll typically need a credit score of at least 620 to qualify for one, and they can require a down payment as low as 3%. Because nearly every mortgage lender offers conventional loans, they tend to have a lot of flexibility in terms and rates. To get the best conventional mortgage rates, aim to have a credit score of at least 780 and a debt-to-income ratio below 36%.
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Best for Mid-Atlantic borrowers

Andrews Federal Credit Union

NMLS#410421

NerdWallet rating

5.0

Home loans overall
Min. credit score

620

Min. down payment

3%

Our take on Andrews Federal Credit Union

The Nerdy headline

Andrews Federal Credit Union is on the smaller side, but offers big value through low rates and good customer support. Its online rate quote tool is exceptionally informative. Renovation loans aren’t available.

What we like
  • Offers free, one-time “float down” if mortgage rates drop while your loan is in progress.
  • Online rate tool is exceptionally user-friendly and detailed.
What we don't like
  • No renovation loans.
  • U.S. branches limited to Maryland, Virginia, Washington, D.C. and New Jersey.
Read our full review of Andrews Federal Credit Union

Best for first time home buyer

PNC Bank

NMLS#446303

NerdWallet rating

5.0

Home loans overall
Min. credit score

620

Min. down payment

3%

Our take on PNC Bank

The Nerdy headline

PNC Bank offers a wide selection of loans and refinance options, with a streamlined digital experience and comprehensive rates tool.

What we like
  • Solid variety of mortgage types, both standard and harder-to-find.
  • Online rate quotes are informative and easy to customize.
  • Offers down payment grants and no-PMI loans for low-income borrowers.
What we don't like
  • Mobile app has limited mortgage features.
  • In-person service not available in all states.
  • Construction loans are only available in AL, AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, NJ, NM, NC, OH, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA and WA.
Read our full review of PNC Bank

Best for existing Flagstar customers

Flagstar

NMLS#417490

NerdWallet rating

5.0

Home loans overall
Min. credit score

600

Min. down payment

3%

Our take on Flagstar

The Nerdy headline

Flagstar Bank stands out for having a wide variety of home loan options, including harder-to-find products. But take note that Flagstar has reduced its mortgage business as part of corporate restructuring. Executives have indicated that the lender will rebuild its home lending operations by focusing on the needs of banking clients.

What we like
  • Offers down payment assistance programs to borrowers in qualifying areas.
  • Reported average time to close is 25 days, faster than the national average.
  • Conventional loan terms extend to 40 years, which is unusually flexible.
What we don't like
  • You can't apply for preapproval or prequalification online.
  • Customer service options are limited.
Read our full review of Flagstar

Best for military borrowers

Navy Federal

NMLS#399807

NerdWallet rating

5.0

Home loans overall
Min. credit score

N/A

Min. down payment

5%

Our take on Navy Federal

The Nerdy headline

Navy 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.

What we like
  • 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.
What we don't like
  • 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.
Read our full review of Navy Federal

Best for North Carolina borrowers

State Employees' Credit Union

NMLS#430055

NerdWallet rating

5.0

Home loans overall
Min. credit score

N/A

Min. down payment

0%

Our take on State Employees' Credit Union

The Nerdy headline

State 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.

What we like
  • Offers a zero-down mortgage without private mortgage insurance.
  • Participates in multiple first-time buyer assistance programs.
  • Low average mortgage rates and fees, according to the latest federal data.
What we don't like
  • Credit union membership eligibility is limited.
  • Loans only available in five states.
  • Doesn’t offer government-backed mortgages.
Read our full review of State Employees' Credit Union

Best for borrowers with credit challenges

First Federal Bank

NMLS#408902

NerdWallet rating

5.0

Home loans overall
Min. credit score

620

Min. down payment

3%

Our take on First Federal Bank

The Nerdy headline

First Federal Bank stands out for its competitive APRs and its emphasis on government loans. Most likely to appeal to borrowers shopping for low rates and fees.

What we like
  • Strong experience in FHA and VA lending.
  • APRs tend to be competitive, according to the latest federal data.
  • Minimum credit score requirement of 580 for some loans, which is lower than some competitors.
What we don't like
  • Home equity lending is not a priority.
  • Does not offer renovation loans, but does offer construction loans.
Read our full review of First Federal Bank

Best for overall mortgage experience

Truist

NMLS#399803

NerdWallet rating

5.0

Home loans overall
Min. credit score

620

Min. down payment

3%

Our take on Truist

The Nerdy headline

If you prefer people to tech, Truist might be a good fit for you. Preapproval and customer care happen mostly offline, and for details on less-common loan types or custom rates you'll need to talk to a person.

What we like
  • Offers a wide range of mortgage options focused on affordability.
  • Convenient online application.
  • Generous grants for qualifying home buyers in select locations.
What we don't like
  • Getting custom rates and applying for mortgage preapproval both require human contact.
  • Customer care leans heavily on phone and in-person service.
  • HELOCs are not available in most states, though home loans are available everywhere in the U.S. except Alaska, Arizona and Hawaii.
Read our full review of Truist

Best for competitive APRs

Alliant

NMLS#197185

NerdWallet rating

5.0

Home loans overall
Min. credit score

620

Min. down payment

3%

Our take on Alliant

The Nerdy headline

Alliant Credit Union allows you to see a wide range of customized mortgage rates without sharing your contact information, and offers competitive loan products for first-time home buyers.

What we like
  • Offers a competitive combination of low rates and fees.
  • Mortgage borrowers do not need to become members of the credit union until reaching the closing process.
  • Sample rates are displayed upfront, and it's easy to get detailed, personalized rates without providing any personally identifying information.
What we don't like
  • Mobile banking app doesn't offer mortgage features.
Read our full review of Alliant

Best for customer service

Chase

NMLS#399798

NerdWallet rating

5.0

Home loans overall
Min. credit score

620

Min. down payment

3%

Our take on Chase

The Nerdy headline

Chase mortgage has an above-average reputation for consumer satisfaction, and offers a number of programs that can make home buying more affordable and accessible.

What we like
  • Offers a wide range of loan types, including options with low down payment requirements.
  • Home buyer grants up to $5,000 may apply for qualified borrowers.
  • Receives above-average ratings for customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power and Zillow.
What we don't like
  • Borrowers must create an account or speak with a home loan expert before completing an online application.
  • Parts of the prequal and preapproval process cannot be done solely online.
Read our full review of Chase

Best for loan variety

FourLeaf Federal Credit Union

NMLS#449104

NerdWallet rating

5.0

Home loans overall
Min. credit score

620

Min. down payment

3%

Our take on FourLeaf Federal Credit Union

The Nerdy headline

FourLeaf Credit Union, formerly known as Bethpage, is easy to join: Just deposit $5 in a savings account. Its online rates tool lets you estimate monthly payments, but customization is limited.

What we like
  • Nice selection of specialty mortgages.
  • Well rated mobile app.
What we don't like
  • 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.
Read our full review of FourLeaf Federal Credit Union

Best for existing customers

Wells Fargo

NMLS#399801

NerdWallet rating

5.0

Home loans overall
Min. credit score

620

Min. down payment

3%

Our take on Wells Fargo

The Nerdy headline

Wells Fargo has significantly shrunk its mortgage business in recent years, but still offers a range of government-backed and speciality loans, as well as assistance for first-time home buyers.

What we like
  • Borrowers can see customized mortgage rate estimates online.
  • Offers relatively low interest rates and fees, according to the latest federal data.
  • Discounts may be available for existing Wells Fargo customers.
What we don't like
  • Does not offer home equity loans or HELOCs.
  • Borrowers need at least $250,000 in assets with the bank to qualify for a rate discount.
  • Prospective borrowers may be put off by the lender’s past legal issues.
Read our full review of Wells Fargo

How we chose the best conventional loan lenders

Our team of mortgage experts follows an objective, consumer-first methodology to assess conventional purchase and refinance loan lenders and pick the best.

40+

Lenders reviewed

We review 40 lenders, including major banks, credit unions, and online lenders operating across multiple states.

11

Categories assessed

Each lender is evaluated across four weighted categories covering rates and fees, types of home loans offered, rate transparency and customer experience.

11,000+

Data points analyzed

Our team tracks and reassesses hundreds of data points annually for reviewed lenders, ensuring up-to-date, accurate comparisons.

Star rating categories

We evaluate the following categories and carefully weigh how each factor impacts your experience.
We review more than 40 lenders and score them using a weighted system that prioritizes affordability and a smooth borrowing experience. Lenders earn higher scores for offering lower borrowing costs, making loans widely available, clearly displaying rate information and supporting borrowers from application through closing.
We use a mix of lender-provided information, publicly available data and our own research and analysis to evaluate each lender. Recent regulatory actions may affect a lender’s score.
For inclusion in this roundup, lenders must offer conventional purchase and refinance loans and achieve a high NerdWallet rating for home loans overall.

Qualifying for a conventional mortgage

Qualifying for a conventional loan is generally harder than qualifying for FHA loans and other government home loans. In addition to a solid income and money for a down payment, you'll likely need a strong credit history.
More from NerdWallet

Frequently asked questions

  • How much down payment is needed for a conventional mortgage?

    Some lenders offer conventional mortgages with a down payment of as little as 3%. You’ll typically need to put down at least 20% to avoid private mortgage insurance, however.
  • What credit score is required for a conventional mortgage?

    The credit score needed to buy a house with a conventional loan varies by lender, but 620 is typically the minimum. You’ll need a score of around 740 to get the best rates. For lenders that offer flexibility for lower scores, check out our list of best home loans for bad credit.
  • What's the difference between conventional and FHA mortgages?

    Unlike conventional mortgages, FHA loans are guaranteed by the Federal Housing Administration. FHA mortgages have more relaxed income and credit score requirements than conventional mortgages, but they require at least a 3.5% down payment and mandatory mortgage insurance that can last for the life of the loan. Compare FHA vs. conventional home loans to see which one fits your needs.
  • What should I look for in a conventional mortgage lender?

    The best conventional mortgage lenders offer the right combination of competitive rates, attractive loan terms and low closing costs. Finding a lender that excels at customer service and your preferred style of communication is also essential.