San Diego County Credit Union Mortgage Review 2023

What borrowers say about SDCCU mortgages

NerdWallet’s lender star ratings assess objective qualities, including rates, fees and loan offerings. NerdWallet assesses borrowers’ subjective experiences with lenders using customer satisfaction scores from J.D. Power and Zillow. San Diego County Credit Union didn’t have sufficient data from either source for NerdWallet to share.

SDCCU’s mortgage loan options

• 3 of 5 stars

San Diego County Credit Union offers a variety of purchase and refinance loan types, including jumbo loans and mortgages for second homes. The lender doesn't offer FHA, VA or USDA mortgages, or renovation or construction-to-permanent loans.

SDCCU offers fixed- and adjustable-rate mortgages, including an adjustable-rate mortgage with no closing costs.

» MORE: Different types of mortgage loans

SDCCU HELOC and home equity loan

The lender also offers a home equity line of credit, or HELOC, and home equity loans. These second mortgages are a way for homeowners to access existing home equity without refinancing or selling their home. Funds obtained with a second mortgage can be used for expenses such as home improvements, education costs or debt consolidation.

SDCCU offers HELOCs with variable rates and 10- or 15-year term home equity loans with fixed rates to members living in California.

» MORE: Best HELOC lenders

What it’s like to apply for a SDCCU mortgage

• 3.5 of 5 stars

San Diego County Credit Union allows members to apply for a mortgage and track the progress of a loan application online. Online chat is available, but a phone number for mortgage questions is hard to find. You can upload documents and e-sign required paperwork. If you prefer, you can apply over the phone or in person. SDCCU has a mobile app available for Apple and Android devices, but users give it low ratings.

Membership in the credit union is available to anyone who lives or works in Southern California, specifically Imperial, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara or Ventura counties. Members of the Financial Fitness Association, an organization that helps people develop money-management skills, can also join.

» MORE: How to apply for a mortgage

SDCCU’s mortgage rates and fees

• 4 of 5 stars

• SDCCU earns 3 of 5 stars for average origination fee.

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

NerdWallet analyzes federal data to compare mortgage lenders’ origination fees and offered mortgage rates. We measure annual averages across all loan types, as reported by the lenders. Compared with other lenders, SDCCU’s origination fees are typical and its interest rates are notably low.

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: How to get the best mortgage rate

SDCCU’s mortgage rate transparency

• 5 of 5 stars

SDCCU lets you see customized rates after answering a few brief questions through an online form. When we checked, the tool displayed the interest rate, annual percentage rate, discount point assumptions and an estimated monthly payment. You don't need to enter contact information.

» MORE: Compare current mortgage interest rates

Alternatives to a home loan from SDCCU

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

Golden 1 Credit Union is another option for California residents, and Bethpage Federal Credit Union serves customers in almost every state.

» MORE: Best credit union mortgage lenders

More from NerdWallet