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13 Best USDA Mortgage Lenders of February 2026
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13 Best USDA Mortgage Lenders of February 2026

Taylor Getler
Dawnielle Robinson-Walker
+1
Taylor Getler
+2
Written by 

Taylor Getler

,  Co-Written by 

Dawnielle Robinson-Walker

,  Edited by 

Jeanette Margle

Written by 

Taylor Getler

 and 
2 others
Last updated 02/03/2026
The U.S. Department of Agriculture offers zero-down-payment USDA loans to borrowers buying properties in eligible areas who meet certain income requirements. This is our list of the top-rated mortgage lenders that offer USDA loans.
 

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Best for rate shopping

Rate

NMLS#2611

NerdWallet rating

5.0

Home loans overall
Min. credit score

620

Min. down payment

0%

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Our take on Rate

The Nerdy headline

Good for: borrowers seeking a solid variety of loan types and a robust online experience.

What we like
  • Fully underwritten mortgage approval in as little as one day for qualified borrowers.
  • Generous selection of loans, including government-backed, interest-only, jumbo and renovation.
  • Advertises a HELOC that can be funded in as few as five business days.
What we don't like
  • Origination fees are on the high side, according to the latest federal data.
  • HELOC requires immediate, full withdrawal of funds.
Read our full review of Rate

Best for first-time home buyers

New American Funding

NMLS#6606

NerdWallet rating

4.5

Home loans overall
Min. credit score

640

Min. down payment

0%

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Our take on New American Funding

The Nerdy headline

Good for: First-time home buyers and other borrowers looking for a broad array of loan choices.

What we like
  • Offers a wide variety of purchase and refinance mortgages, as well as unique buyer assistance programs.
  • Its home equity line of credit can be used for a primary residence or second home.
What we don't like
  • Average origination fees are on the high side, according to the latest federal data.
  • Personalized mortgage rates are not available on the website without providing contact information.
Read our full review of New American Funding

Best for military borrowers

Veterans United

NMLS#1907

NerdWallet rating

4.5

Home loans overall
Min. credit score

620

Min. down payment

0%

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Our take on Veterans United

The Nerdy headline

Good for: Veterans, active-duty service members and reservists who prize customer service that is tailored to military borrowers.

What we like
  • 24/7 customer service line supports servicemembers stationed internationally.
  • Niche VA products, including refinances, EEMs and VA jumbo loans.
  • Maintains a network of real estate agents experienced with VA borrowers.
What we don't like
  • No HELOCs or home equity loans.
  • No renovation loans.
  • No live chat feature on website.
Read our full review of Veterans United

Best for first-time home buyers

PNC Bank

NMLS#446303

NerdWallet rating

5.0

Home loans overall
Min. credit score

640

Min. down payment

0%

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Our take on PNC Bank

The Nerdy headline

Good for: borrowers with low-to-moderate incomes or limited down payments.

What we like
  • Low-down-payment loan options include FHA, VA, USDA and PNC Community Loan.
  • Jumbo loans available with minimum down payments of 5%.
  • Customizable mortgage rates are posted online.
What we don't like
  • Average mortgage rates are on the high side, according to the latest federal data.
  • In-person service is not available in every state.
  • You’ll have to supply personal data or account info to get answers by phone.
Read our full review of PNC Bank

Best for Flagstar customers

Flagstar

NMLS#417490

NerdWallet rating

5.0

Home loans overall
Min. credit score

580

Min. down payment

0%

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Our take on Flagstar

The Nerdy headline

Good for: borrowers who want a wide range of mortgage choices and the ability to see customized rates online.

What we like
  • Conventional loan terms extend to 40 years, which is unusually flexible.
  • Offers options for high-balance mortgages.
  • Offers specialized mortgages for professionals, such as doctors and lawyers, starting their careers.
  • Reported average time to close (20-30 days) is faster than industry standard.
What we don't like
  • The lender’s mobile app is focused on banking, not mortgages.
  • Conventional fixed-rate mortgages require a 5% minimum down payment, higher than some competitors.
Read our full review of Flagstar

Best for first-time home buyers

Truist

NMLS#399803

NerdWallet rating

4.5

Home loans overall
Min. credit score

620

Min. down payment

0%

GET MY RATE

Our take on Truist

The Nerdy headline

Good for: first-time home buyers and low-income buyers interested in low-down-payment mortgage options.

What we like
  • Offers a suite of online mortgage application tools and loan tracking.
  • Mortgage rates are lower than industry average, according to the latest federal data.
  • Sample rates are available on the website.
What we don't like
  • Customized rates aren't available online without starting an application.
  • For borrowers who prefer to apply in person, branches are limited mostly to the South and East.
Read our full review of Truist

Best for rate shopping

Andrews Federal Credit Union

NMLS#410421

NerdWallet rating

4.5

Home loans overall
Min. credit score

N/A

Min. down payment

0%

GET MY RATE

Our take on Andrews Federal Credit Union

The Nerdy headline

Good for: First-time home buyers and military borrowers seeking competitive interest rates.

What we like
  • Has a robust and user-friendly tool for customized mortgage rates.
  • Easy to qualify for credit union membership.
  • Offers HELOCs and home equity loans.
What we don't like
  • Physical branches in the U.S. are limited to Maryland, New Jersey, Virginia and Washington, D.C.
  • Does not offer less common mortgage types, like renovation or construction home loans.
Read our full review of Andrews Federal Credit Union

Best for low average interest rates

First Federal Bank

NMLS#408902

NerdWallet rating

4.5

Home loans overall
Min. credit score

640

Min. down payment

N/A

GET MY RATE

Our take on First Federal Bank

The Nerdy headline

Good for: borrowers who want a range of choices, including government-backed options and jumbo loans for investment and multifamily properties.

What we like
  • Originated a high volume of government loans, according to the latest federal data.
  • Average mortgage rates are on the lower side, according to the latest federal data.
  • Offers 15-, 20-, 25-, and 30-year repayment terms, which is unusually flexible.
What we don't like
  • No dedicated mobile app for mortgage borrowers.
  • Some loans (including home equity products) are geographically limited.
Read our full review of First Federal Bank

Best for fast closing potential

Northpointe

NMLS#447490

NerdWallet rating

4.5

Home loans overall
Min. credit score

620

Min. down payment

0%

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Our take on Northpointe

The Nerdy headline

Good for: those seeking an abundance of loan offerings, including programs for borrowers with credit challenges.

What we like
  • Closing may be available within 15 business days.
  • Offers loans and programs aimed at making homeownership more accessible.
  • Offers mortgages for investment properties, including jumbo loans.
What we don't like
  • Average mortgage origination fees are on the high side, according to the latest data.
  • Bank’s mobile app isn’t useful for mortgage borrowers.
Read our full review of Northpointe

Best for low average interest rates

Pennymac

NMLS#35953

NerdWallet rating

4.5

Home loans overall
Min. credit score

640

Min. down payment

0%

GET MY RATE

Our take on Pennymac

The Nerdy headline

Good for: borrowers seeking a government-backed mortgage and the ability to rate-shop online.

What we like
  • Easy to personalize a quote and apply online.
  • Can lock in a rate before you’re under contract, earlier than most lenders.
  • Perks include a 1% interest rate buydown and “refinance later” cash bonus.
What we don't like
  • Origination fees are on the higher end, according to the latest federal data.
  • Online chat is available only in the logged-in experience.
  • No home equity lines of credit or renovation loans.
Read our full review of Pennymac

Best for rates shopping

U.S. Bank

NMLS#402761

NerdWallet rating

5.0

Home loans overall
Min. credit score

N/A

Min. down payment

0%

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Our take on U.S. Bank

The Nerdy headline

U.S. Bank gets high marks for its loan offerings and online customer conveniences — and has competitive fees and mortgage rates.

What we like
  • Offers up to $17,500 in down payment and closing cost assistance.
  • Wide variety of mortgage types.
  • Experienced with construction-to-permanent and renovation loans.
What we don't like
  • Assistance programs limited to select cities and states.
  • Online rate tool doesn’t customize by credit score.
Read our full review of U.S. Bank

Best for rate shopping

Carrington

NMLS#2600

NerdWallet rating

3.5

Home loans overall
Min. credit score

550

Min. down payment

0%

GET MY RATE

Our take on Carrington

The Nerdy headline

Good for: first-time home buyers or credit-challenged borrowers interested in government loan products.

What we like
  • Offers multiple low-down-payment loan programs.
  • May consider alternative credit data, such as bank statements.
  • You can view customized rates for purchasing a home and apply online.
What we don't like
  • Doesn't offer home equity lines of credit.
  • Lender fees are on the high side, according to the latest federal data.
Read our full review of Carrington

Best for fast closing potential

AmeriSave

NMLS#1168

NerdWallet rating

3.0

Home loans overall
Min. credit score

600

Min. down payment

3%

GET MY RATE

Our take on AmeriSave

The Nerdy headline

Good for: borrowers seeking government loans, which are known for offering credit flexibility and low- or no-down-payment benefits.

What we like
  • Good variety of loan types and products.
  • Mobile-friendly application process.
  • Offers low rates compared with other lenders, according to the latest federal data.
What we don't like
  • Doesn’t originate mortgages in the state of New York.
  • Average origination fees are on the high side, according to the latest federal data.
  • Doesn’t offer home equity loans.
Read our full review of AmeriSave

How we chose the USDA mortgage lenders

Our team of mortgage experts follows an objective, consumer-first methodology to assess USDA 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.

4

Categories assessed

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

120+

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. Read more about how we determine those ratings.
Interest rates and fees

30%

Lenders score higher for offering lower interest rates and fees.

Rate transparency

25%

We score lenders on whether sample (or customizable) mortgage rates are posted online.

Variety of home loans offered

25%

We evaluate the variety of mortgage options a lender offers. A lender must offer USDA loans to be eligible for this list.

Customer experience

20%

Lenders are evaluated on customer experience, including ways to apply and get in touch with customer service.

5.0

Overall score

The star ratings on this page reflect each lender's rating for home loans overall. We scored the category and chose lenders for this page using the following 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 in this roundup, lenders must offer USDA loans and earn 4.5 stars or above for home loans overall, according to NerdWallet experts.
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 the most recent available HMDA data for origination volume, origination fee, average interest rate and share-of-product data.

What's a USDA loan?

If you’re buying a home in a rural area (or even a suburb), a USDA loan may be an option. The U.S. Department of Agriculture offers zero-down-payment USDA loans to borrowers buying properties in eligible areas who meet certain income requirements.
In addition to having no down payment requirements, USDA loans also typically have lower interest rates than conventional loans — making them an attractive option, particularly for first-time homebuyers.

What's the difference between a USDA guaranteed loan and a USDA direct loan?

The U.S. Department of Agriculture offers two main types of USDA mortgages — guaranteed loans and direct loans.
USDA guaranteed loans are mortgages that are backed by the USDA, meaning if you were to default on the loan, the agency would repay your lender. This helps lenders make low- or no-down-payment loans to borrowers who may have lower credit scores or limited income.
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You'll work with a USDA-approved lender to get a USDA guaranteed loan. In addition to the lenders listed here, a list of all approved lenders organized by state is available on the USDA website.
USDA direct loans come straight from the USDA rather than a mortgage lender. These home loans are for borrowers who are otherwise unable to qualify for home loans and whose household incomes are below the low-income threshold in the areas where they're buying.
To find out if you are eligible for a USDA direct loan, contact your state's USDA Rural Development Office.

Basic requirements for USDA guaranteed loans

Both you and the property you want to buy must meet several qualifications to be eligible for a USDA guaranteed home loan.
USDA mortgages are meant for low- and moderate-income borrowers, so your household income must be below 115% of the area's median household income. The income threshold is adjusted depending on how many people are in your household. Check the USDA's website to see if your income qualifies.
Since the USDA's home loan programs are focused on revitalizing rural America, the property you're buying must be in a designated area. You can use the address lookup tool on the USDA's website to see whether the home you're interested in will qualify.
» MORE: Learn more about USDA loan requirements
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Frequently asked questions

  • Can any lender do a USDA loan?

    Not all lenders offer USDA financing. The USDA maintains a list of approved lenders, which includes online lenders and banks with branches nationwide, as well as small-town banks and credit unions. Apply for preapproval with more than one lender to get the best USDA loan rate.

  • Who qualifies for a USDA loan?

    To qualify for a USDA-guaranteed loan, the property must be located in an eligible area. USDA loans also have maximum income limits based on where you live and how many people are in your household. If your income is too low for a USDA guaranteed loan, you may be able to qualify for a USDA direct loan.

  • Is it hard to get a USDA guaranteed loan?

    USDA guaranteed loans don’t require a minimum down payment, but other requirements are highly specific. You must be unable to qualify for a conventional loan without private mortgage insurance. Your projected mortgage payment cannot be more than 29% of your gross monthly income. And though the USDA does not have a minimum credit score requirement, lenders may set their own guidelines.

  • How can I get approved for a USDA loan?

    To get approved for a USDA guaranteed loan, reach out to a USDA-approved lender and provide information about your income, assets and debts. Only U.S. citizens or permanent residents are eligible for USDA loans, so you may need to provide proof of that status as well.