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First Federal Bank Mortgage Lenders Review 2026

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At a glance

First Federal Bank
NMLS: 408902
Editor's take

Formerly affiliated with BNC National Bank, the First Federal Bank Mortgage Lenders team specializes in VA loans, but can help you obtain a conventional, FHA or USDA mortgage as well. You might consider this lender for a mortgage if you are a veteran, active-duty or surviving spouse.

Bankrate Score
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4.0
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
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Bankrate Score

Customer Rating
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5.0
Rating: 5 stars out of 5

19 ratings

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Loans offered

Conventional, jumbo, FHA, VA, USDA, refinancing

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Min. credit score required

620 for conventional loans

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Nationwide availability

All U.S. states

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Min. down payment

3% for conventional loans

First Federal Bank Mortgage Lenders overview

Formerly known as BNC National Bank Mortgage Lenders, First Federal Bank Mortgage Lenders rebranded in 2023. The company is headquartered in Kansas but is licensed to lend nationwide. The bank has helped over 40,000 families buy homes, and it focuses on first-time buyers and VA loans.

Pros and cons of First Federal Bank

Pros

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    Specializes in VA loans

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    Can close refinances in just seven business days

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    Uses manual underwriting to work with borrowers who have less-established credit histories

Cons

  • Limited branch network

How Bankrate scored First Federal Bank Mortgage Lenders

Affordability: 4.9 stars

First Federal Bank Mortgage Lenders offers competitive interest rates, earning it high marks for affordability.

  • Interest rates: First Federal Bank Mortgage Lenders reported mortgage rates well below Bankrate's national average at the time of this writing.
  • Down payment: First-time buyers can put down just 3 percent on a conventional loan, but most other buyers will need 5 percent. VA loans and USDA loans require no down payment, however – as is the case with other lenders.
  • Fees: First Federal Bank Mortgage Lenders doesn’t charge lender fees on VA loans in most cases. For other loans, borrowers should expect to pay a lender fee of $1,195.

Availability: 5 stars

First Federal offers a wide selection of loan options and nationwide coverage.

  • Products offered: First Federal Bank Mortgage Lenders offers a variety of mortgage options, including conventional, FHA, VA, USDA, jumbo and adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) loans. You can also browse many mortgage refinance options.
  • Footprint: First Federal Bank Mortgage Lenders is licensed to originate mortgages nationwide.
  • Where to find: You can begin the mortgage application process with the lender online or in person at a branch.

To help you better understand what types of borrowers are interested in this lender, here’s more information about Bankrate users who submitted a form to this lender through our site:

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Bankrate consumer statistics

How do we get this data?
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First time homebuyer:
45% were first time homebuyers
Credit score:
91% reported having a credit score of 700 or higher
Down payment:
46% planned to put down less than 20%
Last updated January 29, 2025

Borrower experience: 4.5 stars

First Federal offers sample rates online, but you must submit contact information before receiving a personalized quote.

  • Application and preapproval process: First Federal Bank Mortgage Lenders offers a mobile-friendly online application process via its website. The lender also promises a nearly immediate response to applications submitted during business hours. Applications submitted outside business hours can expect a response the next business day. E-closing options will be available by the end of 2025.
  • Transparency: First Federal Bank Mortgage Lenders displays mortgage rates online, but they aren’t easy to find. Head to the bottom of the bank’s website for the “Quick Quote” tab, and you’ll get average rates for a borrower with excellent credit of 780. You can also submit your contact information for a personalized quote.
  • Customer service: You can contact the lender by phone, email, text message, online form or online chat. In addition, you can make an appointment to speak with a loan officer in person. Customer service representatives can be reached Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET at 913-647-7000. 
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How easy is it to contact First Federal Bank?

A Bankrate staffer called First Federal and was able to speak with a representative almost immediately, but before answering the question, the representative put them on hold and then hung up. 

Here’s what your experience with First Federal Bank Mortgage Lenders might look like:

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Images courtesy of First Federal Mortgage as of 3/20/2024. Note: Depending on method of contact, your individual credit profile and other circumstances, your experience might differ.

First Federal Bank Mortgage Lenders reputation

While First Federal Bank Mortgage Lenders is not accredited with the Better Business Bureau, the lender has received rave reviews from past customers on Bankrate. If you’re interested in exploring loan options with the lender, make sure you’re dealing with the Overland Park, Kansas-based company: There are loads of institutions with similar names around the country.

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Bankrate insight

Learn more about how to choose the right mortgage lender with these six tips.

Lender compare

Compare First Federal Bank Mortgage Lenders to other lenders

Mortgage rates and fees can vary widely across lenders. You can use the drop downs to explore beyond these lenders and find the best option for you.

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First Federal Bank

NMLS: 408902

4.0

Rating: 4 stars out of 5
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Bankrate Score
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Recent Customer Reviews

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Rating: 5 stars out of 5

5.0

19 reviews

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Garden State Home Loans

NMLS: 409701

5.0

Rating: 5 stars out of 5
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Bankrate Score
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Recent Customer Reviews

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Rating: 4.98 stars out of 5

5.0

287 reviews

First Federal Bank Mortgage Lenders customer ratings and reviews

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NMLS: 408902

5.0

Rating: 5 stars out of 5

19 ratings

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This lender has 0 recent reviews.

Knowledge
Rating: 4.9 stars out of 5
Level of service
Rating: 5 stars out of 5
Professionalism
Rating: 5 stars out of 5
Responsiveness
Rating: 5 stars out of 5
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100% of customers would recommend this lender.

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