6 Best Credit Union Mortgage Lenders of July 2025
Credit union mortgages may come with advantages such as lower fees and interest rates. Here are some of the best credit unions for VA and FHA loan borrowers, first-time home buyers and those wanting to apply for a mortgage online.
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You may have heard good things about credit union mortgages. Credit unions are member-owned nonprofit organizations that use their profits to reduce costs and fees, and to offer higher savings rates.
Credit unions can excel at financial education and customer service with local branches, making them a good place to shop for a mortgage. And credit union mortgage rates may be more competitive than rates from banks or other lenders.
These credit unions rise to the top of the heap for first-time home buyers, VA and FHA loans, digital convenience and other factors.
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Why trust NerdWallet
- 50+ mortgage lenders reviewed and rated by our team of experts.
- 40+ years of combined experience covering mortgages and financial topics.
- Objective, comprehensive star rating system assessing 120+ categories and 5,000+ data points.
- Governed by NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.
6 Best Credit Union Mortgage Lenders of July 2025
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Lender | NerdWallet Rating | Min. down payment | National / regional | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 San Diego County Credit Union: NMLS#580585 Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | N/A | Regional | Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | |
 FourLeaf Federal Credit Union: NMLS#449104 Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | 3% | National | Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | |
 Alliant: NMLS#197185 Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | N/A | National | Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet |
- Why we like itGood for: Californians who are looking for a conventional or jumbo mortgage and want to shop rates online.Pros
- Offers purchase, refinance and jumbo mortgages, plus loans for second homes and home equity products.
- Provides customized rate and fee quotes without requiring contact information.
- Interest rates are notably low, according to the latest federal data.
ConsRead full review- No FHA, VA or USDA mortgages.
- Loans are available in California only.
- Mobile app has low ratings.
- Why we like itFourLeaf Federal Credit Union offers some specialty loans, like financing for co-ops and nonwarrantable condos, and a fully online application, but no online preapproval.Pros
- Specialty loans include financing for co-ops and nonwarrantable condos.
- Offers conventional loans for manufactured homes.
- Highly rated mobile app.
ConsRead full review- Interest rates are on the high side, according to the latest federal data.
- Doesn’t offer renovation, construction or USDA loans.
- Can’t get a preapproval online.
- Why we like itAlliant Credit Union offers some harder-to-find mortgage types and lets you customize interest rates online, but navigating their customer service options can be tricky as a non-member.Pros
- Mortgage borrowers do not need to become members of the credit union until they’ve reached 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.
ConsRead full review- Customer service can be difficult to access as a non-member and may require sharing personal information.
- Home equity loans are not available.
- Why we like itGolden 1, a California-based credit union, specializes in down payment and closing cost assistance in the Golden State, where its experience with jumbo loans will be a plus for buyers navigating the state’s high home prices.Pros
- Experienced with first-time home buyer assistance programs in California.
- Closing cost discount when you buy through a preferred real estate agent network.
- Interest rate discounts available to account holders.
ConsRead full review- Membership is mostly limited to California residents.
- Can’t customize rates online.
- No VA or USDA loans.
- Why we like itNavy Federal is known for VA lending, but it's the flexible VA-like loan options that truly stand out. While you don't have to be a current or former servicemember to take advantage of them, you will need a military connection to join the credit union.Pros
- Offers unique no-down-payment and no mortgage insurance loan options for military and civilian borrowers.
- 24/7 customer service supports borrowers stationed overseas.
- Has both home equity loans and lines of credit.
ConsRead full review- Borrowers must join the credit union before applying for a mortgage.
- Does not offer FHA, renovation or construction loans.
- We sometimes waited longer than 10 minutes before connecting with a customer service representative.
- Why we like itState Employee's Credit Union in North Carolina has some of the lowest average mortgage rates of lenders we review, as well as generous grants and specialty loans for first time home buyers who meet its membership criteria.Pros
- Offers a no-down-payment mortgage without private mortgage insurance.
- Participates in multiple first-time buyer assistance programs.
- Very low average mortgage rates, according to the latest federal data.
ConsRead full review- Credit union membership eligibility is limited.
- Loans only available in five states.
- Doesn’t offer government-backed mortgages.
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Last updated on August 1, 2023
Methodology
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 more than 50 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 4.5 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 2021 HMDA data for origination volume, origination fee, average interest rate and share-of-product data.
NerdWallet's Best Credit Union Mortgage Lenders of July 2025
- San Diego County Credit Union: Best for credit union lending
- FourLeaf Federal Credit Union: Best for FHA loans
- Alliant: Best for loan variety
- Golden 1 Credit Union: Best for online lending
- Navy Federal: Best for VA loans
- State Employees' Credit Union: Best for home equity lines of credit
