Best FHA Loan Lenders of September 2025

• Author: Jennifer Kloss
• Posted: 2025-09-10

FHA loans help many people buy their first homes because they are easier to qualify for than many other loans. They usually require lower credit scores and have smaller down payments.

Here are some of the best FHA lenders for September 2025.
 

Top FHA Lenders

1. PNC Bank

• Where available: All 50 states and Washington, D.C.
• Minimum credit score required: 600
• Minimum down payment: 3.5%
• Debt-to-income ratio: Up to 45%
• Highlights:
  • Offers grants of $10,000 or more to help with closing costs (amount depends on location)
  • Rate calculator available to estimate your potential interest rate
  • Offers both fixed-rate and adjustable-rate FHA loans
  • Highly rated for customer satisfaction
• Things to consider:
  • Their required credit score is a bit higher than some other FHA lenders.

2. Rocket Mortgage

• Where available: All 50 states and Washington, D.C.
• Minimum credit score: 580
• Minimum down payment: 3.5%
• Debt-to-income ratio: 43%
• Highlights:
  • "RentRewards" program gives you a closing costs credit equal to 10% of the rent you've paid
  • Helpful rent-vs.-buy calculator
  • Well known for good customer service
• Things to consider:
  • Applicants using manual underwriting may need a higher credit score (640). Loan costs can be higher than average.

3. Chase Bank

• Where available: All 50 states and Washington, D.C.
• Minimum credit score: 620
• Minimum down payment: 3.5%
• Debt-to-income ratio: 45%
• Highlights:
  • On-time closing guarantee (close within three weeks or get $5,000)
  • Lots of educational content and online tools for buyers
  • Good online features and resources
• Things to consider:
  • Some lenders have lower credit score requirements.

4. Pennymac

• Where available: All 50 states and Washington, D.C.
• Minimum credit score: 580
• Minimum down payment: 3.5%
• Debt-to-income ratio: 45%
• Highlights:
  • If mortgage rates drop within three years, you may get a $2,000 credit to refinance
  • Offers 15-year, 20-year, and 30-year FHA loans
  • Offers both FHA Streamline and cash-out refinancing
• Things to consider:
  • Higher overall loan costs and lower customer satisfaction ratings.

5. U.S. Bank

• Where available: All 50 states and Washington, D.C.
• Minimum credit score: 640
• Minimum down payment: 3.5%
• Debt-to-income ratio: 43%
• Highlights:
  • Offers a below-market mortgage rate for the first year for eligible borrowers
  • Easy online prequalification (takes about five minutes, no impact on credit score)
  • Many online features to help you learn about FHA loans
• Things to consider:
  • Requires higher credit scores than many other FHA lenders.

6. Rate (formerly Guaranteed Rate)

• Where available: All 50 states and Washington, D.C.
• Minimum credit score: 550
• Minimum down payment: 3.5%
• Debt-to-income ratio: 46%
• Highlights:
  • Offers a range of home-buying services (insurance, title, home search, etc.)
  • Educational resources for new buyers and credit building
• Things to consider:
  • Your rate may be higher with a lower credit score. Customer service ratings are lower than average.

 

Who Offers the Lowest FHA Rates?

Local banks or credit unions with fewer customers often offer the lowest mortgage rates. From the big lenders listed above, Pennymac had the lowest rates in 2024, but their fees were higher.

Note: FHA loans usually come with extra costs, such as mortgage insurance premiums, which can last for the life of the loan. Some lenders also add fees (like origination fees).
 

FHA Loan Qualifications

 

• Credit Score: Usually 580 for a 3.5% down payment. If your score is as low as 500, you’ll need a 10% down payment.
• Income: There’s no set minimum or maximum income, but you must have steady employment and income.
• Other Requirements:
  • Not be delinquent on federal debts
  • Debt-to-income ratio usually must be below 57% (varies by lender)
  • You don’t have to be a U.S. citizen but must have legal resident status and a Social Security number.

 

How to Get an FHA Loan

 

1. Compare lenders for low rates and helpful service.
2. Use a mortgage calculator to check what you can afford.
3. Check your credit score before applying.
4. Explore loan types to make sure FHA is your best option.
5. Decide on your down payment—putting down more can help lower other costs.
6. Compare loan offers from different lenders, focusing on the APR and fees.
7. Choose the best offer and get preapproved.

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Read more: Down Payment Assistance Available in September 2025