First Federal Bank Mortgage Review 2026 

Written by  Kelly Dilworth

Written by  Kat Tretina

Edited by  Anna-Louise Jackson

+ 1 More

+ 2 More

Updated Jan 29, 2026

First Federal Bank mortgage overview

First Federal Bank Mortgage Lenders is an online-only Kansas-based mortgage lender with deep roots in community banking. It was formed in 2023 after the Florida-based mutual bank, First Federal, acquired the mortgage operations of South Dakota-based regional bank, BNC National. 

Serving customers nationwide, First Federal specializes in low-rate loans for active and former military service members and their families, including no down payment U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) mortgages for qualified borrowers and VA interest rate reduction refinance loans (IRRRL). Although VA loans are its specialty, First Federal also offers conventional loans, as well as mortgages backed by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

The company boasts strong customer reviews, with a rating of 4.75 out of 5 stars on Zillow. 

First Federal Bank mortgage rates and fees

Rates

First Federal Bank Mortgage Lenders doesn’t disclose its mortgage rates online. However, we analyzed data that was issued under the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA), and found that its rates are among the lowest on the market. Across all loan types approved in 2024, First Federal Bank’s rates averaged 0.08 percentage points below the average prime offer rate (APOR). This difference is known as the rate spread. Calculated by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), APOR is a useful indicator of the lowest rates lenders offer. 

First Federal’s mortgage rates have also become more competitive over time. In 2023, the average First Federal mortgage rate across all loan types was 0.22 percentage points above APOR.

Fees

First Federal Bank Lenders doesn’t publish its fees on its website either. Instead, you’ll need to submit information and speak with a loan officer to receive details about its rates and fees. 

Based on HMDA data, we found that the average origination fee across all First Federal home loan types was $2,861, which is more than $1,000 below the industry average. Total loan costs for a First Federal Bank mortgage are also competitive, coming in at $6,802 in 2024.

What types of mortgage loans does First Federal Bank offer?

First Federal Bank offers a variety of home loans including:

First Federal Bank mortgage qualifications

How to apply for a First Federal Bank mortgage

1. Choose your loan type

On the First Federal Bank Mortgage Lenders website, navigate to “Apply Now.” You’ll then be given the option to learn more about rates, programs and preapproval or begin the mortgage application process. First Federal Bank has a variety of mortgage options, including conventional loans and government-backed mortgages. Based on your credit, desired property and down payment amount, you may find that some mortgage options are a better fit than others. 

For example, people with less-than-perfect credit and less money available for a down payment may be good candidates for FHA loans, while those homebuyers with excellent credit and more money saved may be eligible for a jumbo loan.

2. Get prequalified

First Federal Bank doesn’t allow you to view your rates or loan options without undergoing a full credit check. To begin the process, you can submit a basic form with your personal details, and the company will connect you with a loan officer. Or you can contact a loan officer near you. 

You can meet with the loan officer over the phone or on a video call or communicate via text or over email. When you’re ready, the loan officer can help you submit your application for a preapproval letter –– an essential element of the home-buying process.

3. Submit a loan application

First Federal Bank allows homebuyers to fill out and submit an application online. To lock in a mortgage rate, you’ll be asked to upload documents and other supporting information to complete the application process.

Is it safe to get prequalified with First Federal Bank?

First Federal Bank is a well-established and reputable lender with a highly experienced staff, so you can submit your information with confidence.  However, First Federal Bank doesn’t have a prequalification option. The only way to view your rates is to submit your details and consent to a hard credit check, which can cause some temporary damage to your credit.

First Federal Bank’s customer service experience

You can contact First Federal Bank via phone or email, or you can schedule a video call with a loan officer. Its customer support team is available Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. Central. 

Unlike some lenders, First Federal Bank doesn’t offer an online chat feature, nor does it have a mobile app, so you can’t monitor your application progress or submit information with your smartphone. 

How does First Federal Bank compare to other lenders?

LendingTree’s rating	4/5 Read Our Review Back to our First Federal Bank summary	5/5 Read Our Review Read our First Federal Bank vs. Chase comparison	4.5/5 Read Our Review Read our First Federal Bank vs Alliant comparison
Minimum credit score	580 to 680	Not specified	Not specified
Minimum down payment	0% to 5%	0% to 3.5%	0% to 5%
Rate spread	-0.08%	0.11%	0.35%
Loan products and programs	Conventional FHA VA USDA Jumbo	Conventional FHA VA Jumbo  HELOC	Conventional FHA VA  USDA  Jumbo HELOC
Better for:	Borrowers looking for a lower-rate USDA, FHA or VA loan.	Borrowers looking for a wider range of loan options, as well as current customers who may qualify for a rate discount.	Borrowers who want a variety of options for low-down-payment loans, don’t mind an all-digital experience and are open to joining a credit union.
	Get Offers	Get Offers	Get Offers

First Federal Bank vs. Chase

First Federal offers more government-backed loan options than Chase, including specialty loans like an FHA 203(k) rehab mortgage and a VA IRRRL. In addition to low-cost FHA and VA loans, qualifying First Federal Bank mortgage applicants can also take advantage of USDA loans to buy a rural or suburban property with a low down payment. First Federal’s mortgage rates are also more competitive than those offered by Chase. 

However, borrowers who want a larger jumbo loan may find Chase to be a better fit; Chase allows homebuyers to take out loans as large as $9.5 million.

First Federal Bank vs. Alliant Credit Union

Unlike First Federal Bank, Alliant is a credit union, and it offers some financing options that First Federal doesn’t. For example, Alliant offers home equity lines of credit (HELOCs), which homeowners with equity can use to pay for home renovations, consolidate debt or finance other personal goals. On the downside, Alliant’s mortgage rates are also higher than those offered by First Federal Bank.

How LendingTree rated First Federal Bank

LendingTree’s mortgage lender rating is based on a five-point scoring system that factors in several features, including digital application processes, available loan products and the accessibility of product and lending information. 

LendingTree’s editorial team calculates each rating based on a review of information available on the lender’s website. Lenders receive a half-point on the “offers standard mortgage products” criterion if they offer only two of the three standard loan programs (conventional, FHA and VA). In some cases, additional information was provided by a lender representative.

First Federal Bank’s scorecard:

❌ Publishes rates online 

✅ Offers standard mortgage products 

✅ Includes detailed product info online 

✅ Shares resources about mortgage lending 

✅ Provides an online application