NASB Mortgage Review 2023

North American Savings Bank, or NASB, announced in January 2023 that it will stop offering home buyers conventional and government-backed loans. Borrowers with mortgage applications already in progress will not be affected, the lender says. Borrowers who make mortgage payments to NASB will continue to do so. 

Previously, NASB offered conventional and government-backed loans, including VA and FHA loans, for purchasing or refinancing a home. VA loans represented almost a quarter of NASB’s mortgage business in 2021, according to the most recently available federal data. 

What borrowers say about NASB mortgage

NerdWallet’s lender star ratings assess objective qualities, including rates, fees and loan offerings. To assess borrowers’ subjective experiences with lenders, NerdWallet has gathered customer satisfaction ratings from Zillow.

• NASB receives a customer rating of 4.96 out of 5 on Zillow, as of the date of publication. The score reflects more than 1,580 customer reviews.

NASB mortgage variety of loan types

• 4 of 5 stars

The lender offers jumbo loans for purchasing or refinancing a home.

NASB offers other nonconforming loans, which have higher loan limits and more flexible underwriting guidelines than most mortgages. One loan is tailored to self-employed borrowers, allowing them to show income through bank statements instead of tax returns or pay stubs.

There's also a special option for investors. The IRA non-recourse loan lets a borrower with a self-directed individual retirement account use money from the IRA to purchase an investment property. If the borrower defaults and the home is foreclosed, the IRA is protected from the creditor; only the house is collateral. Non-recourse loans are for investment purposes only — the property can't be the borrower's primary residence.

In addition, the lender has programs designed to help low- to moderate-income borrowers — especially those in Kansas and Missouri — buy a home.

NASB doesn't offer home equity loans or lines of credit.

» MORE: Best jumbo loan lenders

NASB mortgage ease of application

• 5 of 5 stars

You can apply for a mortgage through the NASB website. The digital application lets you upload documents, sign electronically and track the loan process online. The website also provides a directory of loan officers with their profiles and contact information.

In-person assistance is limited to the Kansas City, Missouri, area, where the lender is headquartered and has three loan offices.

NASB mortgage rates and fees

• 4.5 of 5 stars

• NASB mortgage earns 4 of 5 stars for average origination fee.

• NASB mortgage earns 5 of 5 stars for average mortgage interest rates.

Borrowers should consider the balance between lender fees and mortgage rates. While it's not always the case, paying upfront fees can lower your mortgage interest rate. Some lenders will charge higher upfront fees to lower their advertised interest rate and make it more attractive. Some lenders just charge higher upfront fees.

» MORE: "Should I buy discount points?" calculator

NASB mortgage rate transparency

• 1 of 5 stars

NASB does not display sample rates on its website. You’ll have to contact the lender for current mortgage and refinance rates.

Alternatives to NASB mortgage

Here are some comparable lenders we review that borrowers can consider. 

PNC Bank offers jumbo loans, and Pennymac offers options for first-time home buyers.

» MORE: Best lenders for first-time home buyers

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