A Flexible Path to Your First Home
FHA loans are government-backed mortgages designed to make homeownership reachable for buyers with limited cash for a down payment or minor credit concerns. Put as little as 3.5% down.
Homeownership Built for Real Budgets
An FHA loan lowers the barriers that keep many buyers waiting. Here is how it works and who it helps most.
A Loan Designed to Open the Door
FHA loans are insured by the Federal Housing Administration, which lets lenders offer more flexible terms. That makes an FHA loan a strong option if you have limited cash for a down payment or a credit history with a few bumps.
- As low as 3.5% down
- Flexible credit requirements
- Government-backed through the FHA
- 15 or 30-year terms
Built for First-Time Buyers
FHA loans are popular with first-time buyers and anyone who has not built a large down payment or a long credit history. If a conventional loan feels out of reach today, an FHA loan may open the door.
- Great for first-time buyers
- Helpful with limited savings
- Works with minor credit concerns
- A stepping stone toward ownership
Clear Answers Before You Sign
FHA loans include mortgage insurance premiums that protect the lender and keep the program accessible. Your Home Loan Consultant will walk you through how it works and what it means for your monthly payment, and how it compares to a conventional loan with PMI.
- Mortgage insurance keeps FHA accessible
- Explained clearly by your consultant
- Compare FHA vs conventional with our team
- No surprises at closing
What Could Your Payment Look Like?
Try the numbers before you talk to anyone. These estimates are for education only - your Home Loan Consultant will walk you through the real thing.
Fixed-Rate Mortgage Calculator
Estimate a monthly payment on a conventional fixed-rate mortgage, including taxes and insurance.
VA Loan Calculator
Estimate a VA loan payment with zero down, including the VA funding fee financed into the loan.
These calculators are for education and illustration only. They are not a loan application, rate quote, offer, or commitment to lend, and results are estimates that exclude PMI where applicable. The fixed-rate calculator estimates an initial fixed payment only; it does not show how an adjustable-rate (ARM) payment can change or include FHA mortgage insurance premiums. Interest rates shown are editable examples, not ACU rates - see current rates and fees or talk with a Home Loan Consultant. VA funding fee percentages follow the published VA schedule (first use with less than 5 percent down: 2.15 percent; subsequent use: 3.3 percent; 1.5 percent with 5 to 9.99 percent down and 1.25 percent with 10 percent or more down); verify your fee and exemption status at va.gov. All loans subject to credit approval. NMLS #449181. Equal Housing Lender.
A Practical Way Into Your First Home
An FHA loan lowers the hurdles that keep many buyers renting, backed by a dedicated team that knows the program.
3.5% Down
Buy with as little as 3.5 percent down, so you need less cash to get to closing.
Flexible Credit
Flexible credit requirements make an FHA loan a fit even with a few bumps in your history.
Government-Backed
Insured by the Federal Housing Administration, which lets lenders offer more flexible terms.
First-Time-Buyer Friendly
A popular first step for buyers who have not built a large down payment or a long credit history.
15 or 30-Year Terms
Choose a shorter term for a faster payoff or a longer term for a lower monthly payment.
Local Guidance
A dedicated Home Loan Consultant guides you from your first question through the keys.
Three Steps to Your Front Door
You do not need to be a mortgage expert. You just need to take the first step, and our team handles the rest.
Estimate Your Payment
Use the calculator to see what a low-down-payment loan looks like.
Get Pre-Qualified
Apply online or call a dedicated loan officer to review your options.
Close With Confidence
Your dedicated team guides you to the keys.
“ACU made our home buying process smooth and stress-free. Their mortgage team went above and beyond, and we closed on time with zero surprises.”
What It Takes to Qualify
FHA loans are built for real budgets: smaller down payments, flexible credit guidelines, and help from family or sellers is allowed.
Minimum Down Payment
With a credit score of 580 or higher. Scores from 500 to 579 may qualify with 10% down.
Gift Funds Allowed
Your entire down payment can come from gift funds, and sellers can contribute up to 6% toward closing costs.
Upfront Mortgage Insurance
A one-time premium that can be financed into the loan, plus an annual premium of 0.45% to 1.05%.
DTI Guideline
The standard FHA benchmark, with flexibility for stronger profiles.
| FHA | Conventional | |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum down payment | 3.5% (580+ score); 10% at 500-579 | As low as 3% |
| Credit score guideline | 580, or 500 with 10% down | About 620 |
| Mortgage insurance | MIP for the life of the loan if under 10% down; 11 years if 10% or more | PMI, removable at 20% equity |
| 2026 loan limits | $541,287 most areas, up to $1,249,125 high-cost | $832,750 conforming |
| Best for | Lower scores, thinner credit, or smaller savings | Strong credit wanting removable PMI |
Figures shown are common industry guidelines and 2026 program limits, provided for education. Guidelines vary by program and change over time. Your ACU Home Loan Consultant will confirm exactly what applies to your loan.
FHA Loan FAQ
Answers to the questions members ask most about FHA loans.
Disclosures
FHA loans are subject to FHA eligibility requirements and credit approval. FHA loans require mortgage insurance premiums. Rates and terms subject to change without notice. Property insurance required. Calculator results are educational estimates that exclude mortgage insurance and are not a rate quote or commitment to lend. Membership required. America's Credit Union is a federally chartered credit union insured by the NCUA. NMLS #449181. Equal Housing Lender.
Homeownership May Be Closer Than You Think
An FHA loan can open the door with as little as 3.5% down. Estimate your payment, then talk with a dedicated loan officer.