Skip to content
7 Best Credit Union Mortgage Lenders of February 2026
Advertiser disclosure

7 Best Credit Union Mortgage Lenders of February 2026

Kate Wood
Jeanette Margle
Kate Wood
+1
Written by 

Kate Wood

Edited by 

Jeanette Margle

Written by 

Kate Wood

 and 
Last updated 12/16/2025
Credit unions can excel at financial education and customer service while offering competitive mortgage rates, making them a good place to shop for a mortgage. These credit unions rise to the top for different types of borrowers.
 

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 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 fast closings. Its online rate quote tool is exceptionally informative. Renovation loans aren’t available, and the lender tells us VA and FHA loans aren’t a priority.

What we like
  • Offers free, one-time “float down” if mortgage rates drop while your loan is in progress.
  • Average time to close is 28 days, faster than the national average.
  • Online rate tool is exceptionally user-friendly and detailed.
What we don't like
  • No renovation loans.
  • VA and FHA loans aren’t a priority.
  • U.S. branches limited to Maryland, Virginia, Washington, D.C. and New Jersey.
Read our full review of Andrews Federal Credit Union

Best for inclusive membership requirements

Alliant

NMLS#197185

NerdWallet rating

4.5

Home loans overall
Min. credit score

640

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 any personal information, though customer service is geared toward credit union members.

What we like
  • Mortgage borrowers do not need to become members of the credit union until reaching the closing process, so interested home buyers can apply without committing to membership.
  • Sample rates are displayed upfront, and it's easy to get detailed, personalized rates without providing any personally identifying information.
  • No application fee.
What we don't like
  • You can't apply for preapproval online.
  • Website has minimal information about home loan offerings.
  • Customer service is tough to navigate as a non-member.
Read our full review of Alliant

Best for variety of loan types

FourLeaf Federal Credit Union

NMLS#449104

NerdWallet rating

4.5

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. However, its online mortgage rate quote is light on details, and average rates are on the higher side.

What we like
  • Nice selection of specialty mortgages.
  • Offers conventional loans for manufactured homes.
  • 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 California borrowers

Golden 1 Credit Union

NMLS#669333

NerdWallet rating

4.5

Home loans overall
Min. credit score

N/A

Min. down payment

3%

Our take on Golden 1 Credit Union

The Nerdy headline

Golden 1, a California-based credit union, dedicates a significant portion of its business to jumbo loans — useful for those navigating the state’s high home prices. However, VA and USDA loans aren’t available.

What we like
  • Maximizes first-time buyer assistance with in-house and statewide funds.
  • Offers a closing cost discount when using their real estate agent network.
  • Interest rate discounts available to some account holders.
What we don't like
  • Membership is mostly limited to California residents.
  • No VA or USDA loans.
  • HELOCs, but no home equity loans.
Read our full review of Golden 1 Credit Union

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, 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 low average interest rates

PenFed

NMLS#401822

NerdWallet rating

4.0

Home loans overall
Min. credit score

620

Min. down payment

3%

Our take on PenFed

The Nerdy headline

PenFed Credit Union stands out for its lower-than-average mortgage rates, but its loan lineup is limited. Getting a custom rate requires sharing contact information, and membership is mandatory — though anyone can join.

What we like
  • Offers fully-underwritten preapproval with the option of a 60-day rate lock.
  • Average mortgage rates are low compared with other lenders, according to the latest data.
  • Originates more VA loans than the average lender.
What we don't like
  • Getting customized mortgage rates requires providing contact information.
  • Does not offer harder-to-find mortgages, such as construction, ITIN or USDA loans.
  • Average origination fees are on the high side, according to the latest data.
Read our full review of PenFed
The star ratings on this page reflect each lender's overall star ratings. Read more about how we determine those ratings.
The lenders on this page are chosen using this 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.
For inclusion on this roundup, credit union lenders must score a 4 or above according to our overall methodology.
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.
Video thumbnail

Pros and cons of borrowing from a credit union

When deciding whether to choose a credit union, bank or other lender for your mortgage, consider the benefits and drawbacks that credit unions may bring to your experience.
Pros
  • Potentially lower rates and fees. Credit unions are not-for-profit organizations, and profits are reinvested in their members through reduced rates and fees. 
  • Perks. Some credit unions have corporate partnerships that offer discounts or special offers to members. 
Cons
  • Membership exclusions. Some credit unions (including several included on this list) only offer membership to applicants who live within a certain geographic area or work in specific professions.
  • Limited products. Credit unions may not offer the range of products available at larger banks. 
More from NerdWallet