Can I really get a mortgage with just an ITIN and no Social Security number?

Yes. No federal law requires an SSN to obtain a mortgage. An ITIN satisfies the lender's need to identify you and verify tax compliance. You must still prove income, assets, and creditworthiness, but the ITIN itself is a fully legal substitute for an SSN in the mortgage process.

What credit score do I need for an ITIN mortgage?

Most lenders start at a 600-620 FICO minimum. Some non-QM lenders will go as low as 580. If you have no U.S. credit score at all, many lenders accept alternative credit references such as 12 months of on-time rent, utility, phone, or car insurance payments in place of a traditional score.

How much down payment is required for an ITIN home loan?

Most programs require 10%-20% down. Some lenders ask for 15%-25% depending on your credit profile. A handful of specialized programs advertise as low as 3.5%-10%, though those often come with unique ownership structures or stricter documentation. A 20% down payment typically gets you the best rate and the smoothest approval.

Are ITIN mortgage rates higher than conventional rates?

Yes. ITIN mortgage rates are typically 1%-3% higher than conventional mortgage rates because lenders hold these non-QM loans on their own books and cannot sell them on the secondary market. Shopping at least three lenders can meaningfully reduce the rate you are quoted.

Do major banks like Chase or Wells Fargo offer ITIN mortgages?

No. The big retail banks generally do not offer ITIN mortgage programs. ITIN home loans are primarily offered by non-QM specialty lenders, community banks, credit unions serving immigrant communities, and CDFIs. A few larger-name lenders such as Guild Mortgage and New American Funding are notable exceptions.

What income documents do ITIN mortgage lenders accept?

Lenders typically accept two years of tax returns filed with your ITIN (Form 1040 with W-7), recent pay stubs for W-2 employees, or 12-24 months of personal or business bank statements for self-employed borrowers. Profit-and-loss statements and international tax returns are accepted by some lenders as well.

Will applying for a mortgage get me in trouble with immigration authorities?

No. ITIN mortgage lenders do not report loan applications to immigration enforcement agencies. The IRS issues ITINs for tax purposes, and mortgage lenders use them for the same reason. Your loan application is a private financial transaction protected under federal privacy laws.

How long does it take to close an ITIN mortgage?

A complete, well-organized file typically closes in 30-45 days, which is similar to a conventional mortgage timeline. The most common source of delay is missing documents, particularly for self-employed borrowers using bank statement income. Having all documents ready before you apply is the single best way to speed up the process.

Can I use gift funds for the ITIN mortgage down payment?

Many ITIN lenders allow gift funds from relatives to cover part or all of the down payment, but the source must be clearly documented. You will need a gift letter and a paper trail showing the transfer. Some investors or programs restrict gift funds, so confirm this with your specific lender before counting on it.

Can self-employed ITIN holders get a mortgage?

Yes. Self-employed ITIN borrowers can qualify using bank statement programs, where lenders calculate income from 12-24 months of bank deposits rather than tax returns. This is especially useful when tax returns show significant deductions that reduce qualifying income on paper. Lenders will still want two years of self-employment history in the same industry.

ITIN Mortgage Lenders That Actually Approve (2026 Guide)

Advertiser disclosure:ITIN Lending is an independent resource. Some links on this page are from partners who compensate us, which may affect which products we feature and where. This does not change our editorial guidance and is never a cost to you. See our full disclosure.

How we compiled this: Our editorial team reviewed publicly available program pages, lender disclosures, and rate information from over a dozen ITIN mortgage lenders and aggregator sources, then cross-referenced requirements across sources to produce one consolidated reference. No lender paid for placement. Last verified: July 5, 2026.

Getting a mortgage without a Social Security number feels impossible until you know where to look. The lenders who approve ITIN home loans don’t advertise on every billboard, and their requirements vary more than conventional lenders do. This guide names the actual lenders, their real requirements, and the numbers you need to walk in prepared.

At a glance: verified ITIN mortgage lenders (2026)

Lender	Type	Min. Down	Min. Credit Score	States Available	Best For
Guild Mortgage	National non-bank lender	10% (ITIN program)	620	49 states (not NY)	First-time buyers, broad loan menu
New American Funding	National non-bank lender	10%-15%	620	Nationwide	Underserved communities, Spanish speakers
BuildBuyRefi (BBR)	Online non-QM lender	10.01%	640	All 50 states	Purchase + construction, no PMI
Angel Oak Loan Solutions	Non-QM wholesale lender	20% (ITIN program)	620	All states except AK, CT, NY, VT	Self-employed, investor properties
A&D Mortgage	Non-QM wholesale lender	10%-25%	620-660 (non-QM)	All states except AK, HI	Fast closings, non-QM calculator
Carrington Mortgage	National non-bank lender	10%-20%	Flexible	Nationwide	Borrowers with heavier debt loads
ACC Mortgage	Non-QM portfolio lender	15%-20%	Flexible	40+ states	Non-traditional income docs
IDB Global Federal Credit Union	Credit union	20%	No U.S. score needed	Membership-based (DC area / G4 visa)	No-score path, international credit
Dream Home Financing	Non-QM broker	3.5%-20%	600+	Nationwide	Low-down-payment programs
First Financial Bank	Community bank	Program-specific	Varies	Texas assessment areas	TX community lending

Editorial pick: Guild Mortgage is the strongest starting point for most ITIN buyers. It’s licensed in 49 states, accepts alternative credit data through its Complete Rate program, and has Spanish-speaking loan officers in many markets. For self-employed borrowers or investors, Angel Oak Loan Solutions and BuildBuyRefi offer more specialized non-QM structures.

Why can’t I just go to a big bank like Chase or Wells Fargo?

A question we hear often:

You cannot just walk into any big bank, like Chase or Wells Fargo, and expect them to offer ITIN mortgages. You need specialized lenders. The reason comes down to how mortgages are funded and sold. ITIN loans tend to have higher mortgage interest rates than conventional home loans because lenders consider ITIN loans to be higher risk. In addition to not being able to pull a credit history for the borrower, lenders typically need to keep ITIN mortgages on their own books, because these nonconforming loans are not government-backed and generally cannot be resold.

Big banks depend on selling most of their loans to Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac on the secondary market. Most traditional loans, like those backed by Fannie Mae or FHA, have strict requirements regarding residency status and SSN. Because ITIN holders do not fit these “qualified mortgage” boxes, ITIN loans fall under a category called Non-QM loans. That means only lenders willing to hold loans in their own portfolio or sell to non-QM investors will underwrite them.

The good news: while you will not find ITIN home loans at many mortgage companies with big brand names, you can find them at smaller financial institutions. Credit unions, community development financial institutions (CDFIs), and small, independent banks tend to issue the majority of ITIN mortgages. A handful of larger names have entered the space too, which we cover below.

Which named lenders actually offer ITIN mortgage programs?

Below is what each major player publicly offers and requires, based on their own program disclosures:

Guild Mortgage

Guild offers interest-only mortgages, ITIN loans, bank statement loans and non-warrantable condo loans as part of its non-QM menu. Homebuyers without a Social Security number can apply for a conventional mortgage with a 620 credit score using their Individual Tax Identification number. Guild is also notable for its Complete Rate program, which uses alternative creditworthiness reporting, including rental payment history, which gives borrowers with no traditional credit score a chance at receiving a better interest rate. Guild is available in all states except New York.

New American Funding

New American Funding offers a large menu of loan products, as well as programs like first-time home buyer assistance. It offers a wide variety of purchase and refinance mortgages, as well as unique buyer assistance programs. NAF shows up on NerdWallet’s best ITIN lender lists specifically for its work in underserved communities. The minimum credit score for most NAF programs is 620, and the lender has Spanish-speaking staff, which matters if you’re navigating this process in your second language.

BuildBuyRefi (BBR)

ITIN purchase loans through BuildBuyRefi finance owner-occupied primary residences with as little as approximately 10.01% down on loan amounts up to $500,000. The program is structured as a 5/1 or 7/1 adjustable-rate mortgage amortized over 30 years. Minimum loan amount is $75,000. One real advantage here: no private mortgage insurance is required at any LTV tier. BBR also offers an ITIN one-time close construction loan, which is rare in this market. Their ITIN One-Time Close Construction Loan finances the ground-up build of a single-family primary residence up to 85% loan-to-value, available in all 50 states.

Angel Oak Loan Solutions

Angel Oak is a specialized non-QM wholesale lender. For ITIN mortgage loans, Angel Oak requires 20% down, and lends in all U.S. states except Alaska, Connecticut, New York, and Vermont. Self-employed borrowers can use bank statement income, and the lender also offers DSCR loans for investors who want to qualify using rental income rather than personal income.

A&D Mortgage

A&D Mortgage offers Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) loans for foreign nationals, immigrants and other borrowers without a Social Security number. It is also one of the few lenders with an online calculator for non-QM loan terms. As a wholesale lender, borrowers must work through a mortgage broker. Minimum credit scores for non-QM loans range from 620 to 660, with down payments of 10% to 25% for non-QM programs. A&D Mortgage lends in all U.S. states except Alaska and Hawaii.

IDB Global Federal Credit Union

Borrowers without a U.S. Social Security Number but with an ITIN, such as overseas members or U.S. residents on G4 or other work visas, qualify. The credit union is worth noting for its no-U.S.-credit-score path: no U.S. credit score is needed, as they may use rent history, utility bills, or international credit reports if required. IDB Global FCU does not charge prepayment penalties.

What are the ITIN mortgage rates I should actually expect?

This one comes up a lot:

ITIN mortgage rates are generally 1%-3% higher than standard loans. The reason? Lenders take on a bit more risk since ITIN borrowers often do not have long U.S. credit histories. In concrete terms: if a conventional 30-year fixed rate in mid-2026 is around 7%, an ITIN borrower with a solid profile might be quoted 8%-9%. Someone with a thinner credit file or smaller down payment could see 9.5% or higher.

ITIN mortgage rates are typically 1%-3% higher than conventional mortgage rates. The exact rate depends on your down payment, credit profile, loan amount, and the specific lender. Shopping multiple ITIN lenders and working with a knowledgeable broker can help you find the most competitive rate available.

The factors that move your rate the most are:

Down payment size: A 20%-25% down payment consistently earns a lower rate than 10%-15%.
Credit score or alternative credit depth: Scores above 700, or 4+ verified alternative tradelines, put you in the better rate tiers.
Loan amount: Smaller loans close to or under $200,000 sometimes carry higher rates because fixed lender costs are spread across a smaller balance.
Lender type: Credit unions and CDFIs sometimes price lower than non-QM wholesale investors, though their membership requirements can limit access.

Because rates for ITIN loans can be higher, shopping around is not just optional. It is a financial necessity. Getting quotes from at least three lenders before locking a rate is the single highest-leverage action an ITIN borrower can take.

What down payment do lenders actually require?

Down Payment	Who Typically Offers It	What to Watch
3.5%-10%	A few specialty programs (Dream Home Financing, BuildBuyRefi starting at 10.01%)	May carry unique deed/ownership structures or ARM-only terms
10%-15%	Guild Mortgage, A&D Mortgage, BuildBuyRefi, Carrington	Standard for strong-credit ITIN borrowers
15%-20%	Most non-QM lenders, ACC Mortgage	Widely available; better rate tiers
20%-25%	IDB Global FCU, Angel Oak, some California programs	Cleanest approval path, lowest rates available

Most ITIN mortgages require a down payment between 10% and 20% of the property’s value. This is higher than the 3% to 5% often available with conventional loans. The higher requirement exists because the higher down payment helps lenders offering ITIN mortgages offset risk since there is no government backing.

Many ITIN programs allow gift funds from relatives or approved donors to help cover the down payment and closing costs, subject to lender guidelines. Always confirm the gift fund policy with your specific lender before counting those funds in your plan.

Do I need a U.S. credit score, or can I qualify with alternative credit?

Readers frequently ask:

This is one of the most misunderstood parts of the ITIN mortgage process. Most lenders prefer a U.S. credit score, but a meaningful number accept what the industry calls alternative tradelines. ITIN lenders use a manual underwriting process. Instead of just pulling a FICO score from a computer, a human underwriter looks at your full financial picture to assess risk.

At least 3 to 4 alternative credit references with 12 months of on-time payment history are typically required. Debt-to-income ratios are usually capped at 43%-50% depending on the lender. Acceptable alternative references include:

A history of on-time rent payments verified by your landlord, utility payment history from electric, gas, water, or phone companies, car insurance payment history, and other recurring payment obligations.

For borrowers who do have a U.S. credit score, most ITIN mortgage programs require a minimum credit score of around 620. Some lenders accept alternative credit documentation for borrowers without traditional credit histories. Higher credit scores typically qualify for lower down payments and better ITIN mortgage rates.

If you’re still building your U.S. credit profile, our guide on how to build credit with an ITIN walks through the fastest strategies, including credit builder loans and secured cards.

What income documents do ITIN lenders accept?

Income documentation depends on your employment situation and the loan program. W-2 employees with ITIN-filed tax returns typically have the most straightforward path. Self-employed borrowers can choose between qualifying with tax returns or using a bank statement program, depending on which presents their income more accurately.

Here is how income documentation breaks down by borrower type:

Borrower Type	Primary Income Docs Accepted
W-2 employee	Last 2 years of tax returns (Form 1040 filed with W-7) + 30 days of pay stubs
Self-employed	Last 2 years of tax returns OR 12-24 months of bank statements
Mixed income	Combination of 1099s, bank statements, and profit-and-loss statements
Foreign income	Some lenders (e.g., IDB Global FCU) accept last 2 years of tax returns from country of origin

Lenders generally want to see 2 years of steady employment in the same line of work. If you changed jobs, it should be within the same industry.

For self-employed ITIN borrowers, the bank statement route often produces a higher qualifying income than tax returns, which frequently show large deductions. Some lenders offer bank statement loans where they calculate income based on 12-24 months of deposits into your business account, rather than tax returns.

One thing every ITIN borrower must confirm before applying: your ITIN must be current and not expired. Lenders will reject applications tied to expired or inactive ITINs. Always renew your ITIN before applying. If your ITIN needs renewing, see our step-by-step ITIN renewal guide.

How do ITIN mortgages work in Texas, California, and Florida specifically?

These three states account for a disproportionate share of ITIN mortgage originations because of their large immigrant communities. ITIN loans are most prevalent in areas with high immigrant or Latino populations like California, Florida, New York, Texas, Oklahoma, and Illinois.

Texas: Texas is another state where ITIN loans are very common. Community banks and credit unions are particularly active here. Resource One Credit Union (R1CU) in the Dallas area serves anyone who lives or works in Mesquite, Garland, Irving, Cedar Hill, and Dallas County in Texas and accepts ITIN for all loan products. Red River Credit Union (RRCU) in northeast Texas also accepts ITIN membership and offers Spanish-speaking staff. First Financial Bank operates an Affordable Home Mortgage Program available in the bank’s designated assessment areas in Texas. For state-specific lender options, also see our full breakdown of ITIN loans in Texas.

California: ITIN loans are available in California where there are many ITIN cardholders who wish to purchase a home. The down payment requirements in California for an ITIN loan are slightly different. Many California lenders require a 20% minimum because of higher home prices and stricter investor overlays. Nationally licensed non-QM lenders such as Guild Mortgage, BuildBuyRefi, and Angel Oak Loan Solutions all operate in California and typically offer more flexibility than local portfolio lenders in high-cost counties.

Florida: ITIN mortgage programs remain available in 2026 and have expanded in Florida to offer more competitive rates and flexible products than before. Most ITIN mortgage loans in Florida require a minimum credit score between 620 and 660, though some lenders may accept alternative forms of credit verification if you have limited U.S. credit history. National lenders like A&D Mortgage, ACC Mortgage, and New American Funding are active in Florida’s non-QM market.

What makes an ITIN mortgage application get denied or delayed?

A question we hear often:

Several issues can make ITIN mortgage approval more difficult. These include an expired ITIN, inconsistent identity records, limited credit history, undocumented income, large unexplained deposits, high monthly debts, insufficient savings, or unclear residency documentation.

Most of what slows down closings is preventable. While every ITIN loan provider may tweak the checklist slightly, one thing never changes: accuracy matters. Inconsistent information or missing documents is the fastest way to slow down or lose approval for your ITIN home loan.

Here are the five most common avoidable problems, and how to fix them before you apply:

Expired ITIN. Renew through IRS Form W-7 at least 60 days before you plan to apply. Processing times at IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers can run several weeks.
Large unexplained bank deposits. Lenders look for a clear paper trail showing where the money came from. Large, unexplained deposits often raise questions and can delay approval. Document any transfers before applying.
Missing tax years. Incomplete tax returns, missing W-2s, 1099s, or Form 1040 attachments can make your financial history look inconsistent. Double-check every page before submission.
Applying with the wrong lender. Approval can be harder if you apply for a loan program that does not accept ITIN borrowers. Call ahead to confirm a lender has an active ITIN program before submitting a full application.
Insufficient reserves. Beyond the down payment and closing costs, many ITIN lenders require 2-6 months of mortgage payments held in a verifiable account. Asset documentation confirms that you have funds for the down payment and closing costs, along with reserves to cover several months of mortgage payments if required.

How long does the ITIN mortgage process actually take?

You can get approved for an ITIN loan in 24 hours. However, it can take 3-4 weeks to close your loan. More realistically, plan for 30-45 days from a complete application to closing if your documentation is well organized. Manual underwriting, which most ITIN loans require, adds review time compared to the automated underwriting systems used for conventional loans.

Underwriting review is the most detailed phase of the process. The underwriter evaluates income calculations, asset sourcing, credit documentation, and the property appraisal. Requests for additional documentation or clarification are common, particularly for bank statement programs or self-employment income. Prompt responses at this stage help keep the file moving.

Once the underwriter issues a conditional approval, clearing conditions quickly is what separates 30-day closings from 60-day closings. Keep your phone and email accessible and respond to document requests the same day.

What types of properties can I buy with an ITIN mortgage?

ITIN mortgage loans can be used to finance various property types, including primary residences, vacation homes, and investment properties. The requirements vary significantly by property type, though:

Primary residence: The most accessible option. Lowest down payment minimums (10%-15% at most lenders), best rates, and the widest range of programs.
Second home / vacation home: Typically requires 20% down. Investment property and second home ARM loans include a maximum 80% loan-to-value.
Investment / rental property: Higher down payment and stricter documentation. Some ITIN lenders also offer DSCR loans (debt service coverage ratio) that qualify you using the property’s rental income rather than your personal income, which can be useful for investors.
New construction: BuildBuyRefi is among the few lenders offering a one-time close ITIN construction loan. Most national lenders do not offer an ITIN construction loan at any LTV. BBR does.

You can use an ITIN loan to purchase, refinance, or cash out equity from your home. For more on refinancing an existing ITIN mortgage, see our guide on how to refinance a mortgage with an ITIN.

Should I use a mortgage broker or go directly to a lender?

Readers frequently ask:

For ITIN mortgages specifically, working with an experienced mortgage broker is often the smarter path. Here is why: mortgage brokers with experience in ITIN lending can be invaluable resources, as they have access to multiple lenders and can match you with the best program for your situation.

Home buyers with an ITIN number have difficulty finding a lender because conventional Fannie Mae guidelines do not permit applicants with an ITIN number. Most ITIN lenders are wholesale lenders who only work through a broker network. They create their own requirements for ITIN loans.

This means some of the most competitive ITIN mortgage programs, including options from A&D Mortgage and Angel Oak Loan Solutions, are only accessible through licensed brokers. A good broker already knows which investors have active ITIN programs, what their overlays are, and who is pricing competitively this week. That knowledge is worth the broker fee for most ITIN borrowers, because the rate difference between lenders can be 0.5%-1.5%. On a $300,000 loan over 30 years, that gap translates to tens of thousands of dollars.

Housing counseling agencies approved by HUD often maintain lists of ITIN-friendly lenders in your area and can provide free guidance. HUD-approved agencies are a good starting point if you want independent guidance before you engage with a lender or broker.

What other loans can I access once I have an ITIN?

A mortgage is often the largest ITIN loan, but it is far from the only one. ITIN holders can also access personal loans, auto loans, business loans, credit cards, and HELOCs and home equity loans after building equity. Each of these products has its own lender set and qualification criteria, which we cover in dedicated guides across this site.

Building credit while repaying your ITIN mortgage is one of the most direct ways to eventually access conventional products. By making regular mortgage payments, individuals with ITINs can establish and build their credit history within the U.S., improving their financial profile. According to the CFPB, payment history is the single largest factor in most credit scoring models, so a mortgage paid on time every month for 12-24 months can substantially strengthen a thin credit file.

Summary: how to pick the right ITIN mortgage lender

The right lender depends on four things: your state, your down payment, how you earn your income, and whether you have a U.S. credit score. Use the following decision logic:

Have a 620+ credit score and 15%-20% down, buying a primary home: Start with Guild Mortgage or New American Funding. Both are nationally licensed, accept ITIN, and have Spanish-speaking support.
Self-employed with bank statement income: Angel Oak Loan Solutions or A&D Mortgage (via a broker). Both have solid bank statement programs alongside ITIN options.
Want construction or a low-PMI ARM structure: BuildBuyRefi is the only national lender publicly advertising an ITIN construction loan in all 50 states.
No U.S. credit score at all: IDB Global Federal Credit Union accepts international credit reports and alternative tradelines. Some CDFIs and community banks in TX, CA, and FL have similar no-score paths.
Texas, California, or Florida with a credit union option: Check local membership-based credit unions first. They typically offer lower fees and more personalized underwriting than national non-QM lenders.

Interest rates are usually higher than conventional mortgages, which makes lender comparison and preparation more important than with standard loan programs. Because ITIN mortgage terms are not standardized across lenders, borrowers who compare options and understand requirements upfront are more likely to secure better pricing and avoid avoidable delays.

No lender can guarantee approval before reviewing your full file. What you can control is arriving at the application with current documents, a verified ITIN, and at least two or three lender quotes to compare. That preparation is what separates ITIN borrowers who close in 30 days from those who spend months in limbo.