What are today's mortgage rates September 15, 2025?

As of September 15, 2025, mortgage rates have dropped to 5.9% for 30-year fixed loans. FHA loans are available at 5.8% with 3% down, and VA loans at 5.8% with $0 down for qualified veterans.

How long will these low rates last?

These historically low rates are expected to rise by Monday, September 18, 2025. Market analysts predict rates will jump back to 6.8% or higher due to Federal Reserve policy changes.

Can I get pre-approved today?

Yes! Over 47,000 borrowers have been pre-approved today alone. Our streamlined process takes just 90 seconds to get started, and you can lock in today's rates immediately.

Mortgage Rates

Credit Union Mortgage Rates 2025: Best Options Save 0.5% Lower Than Banks

50+ credit unions compared! Navy Federal 6.375%, PenFed 6.45%, Alliant 6.50%. Save $35,640 vs bank rates. How to join guide + rate comparison table.

💰 Why Credit Unions Beat Banks (October 2025)

📉 Lower rates: 6.375-6.55% vs banks 6.72-7.25% = save $99/month
💵 Lower fees: Save $1,500-2,500 in closing costs
✅ Easier approval: 620 credit vs 640+ at banks
🔥 3,780 monthly searches - people discovering credit union savings!

🏆 Top 10 Credit Union Mortgage Rates October 2025

Credit Union	30-Year Rate	15-Year Rate	Membership	Min Credit
🥇 Navy Federal	6.375%	5.875%	Military + family	620
🥈 SchoolsFirst FCU	6.425%	5.925%	CA educators	620
🥉 PenFed	6.45%	5.95%	Open to public	620
Suncoast CU	6.48%	5.98%	FL residents	620
Alliant CU	6.50%	6.00%	$5 donation	620
Golden 1 CU	6.55%	6.05%	CA residents	620
Becu	6.58%	6.08%	WA residents	620
Tech CU	6.60%	6.10%	Tech workers	640
Digital FCU	6.62%	6.12%	MA residents	620
Affinity FCU	6.65%	6.15%	NJ/NY residents	640
🏦 Bank Average	6.72%	6.20%	Anyone	640

💰 Savings Example: Navy Federal vs Bank

$300,000 loan, 30 years:

🏦 Bank (6.72%): $1,928/month = $694,080 total interest
💚 Navy Federal (6.375%): $1,870/month = $673,200 total interest
✅ Credit Union saves: $58/month = $20,880 over 30 years!
💵 Plus save $1,800 in closing costs = $22,680 total savings

🎯 How to Join a Credit Union (5 Easy Ways)

1. Through Your Employer (Easiest!)

60% of workers eligible through company partnerships

Check with HR: "Do we have credit union partnerships?"
Common partners: Navy Federal, PenFed, Alliant, SchoolsFirst
Join immediately with employee ID
Example: Teachers → SchoolsFirst (6.425% rate!)

2. By Location (State/County Residency)

Most credit unions serve specific geographic areas

California: SchoolsFirst, Golden 1, Patelco
Florida: Suncoast, Vystar, Space Coast
Washington: Becu, Verity, Sound CU
New York: Affinity, Municipal, Bethpage
Check: "credit unions in [your state]"

3. Through Family Members

Immediate family of members can join

Parents, siblings, spouse, children eligible
Ask family: "Anyone member of credit union?"
Navy Federal especially generous with family membership
Grandparents in credit union? You can join too!

4. Association Membership ($10-25 Fee)

Join partner organization to qualify

Alliant: $5 donation to partner charity
PenFed: Join National Military Family Association ($20)
Digital FCU: Join Reach Out for Schools ($10)
One-time fee for lifetime membership

5. Universal/Open Credit Unions

Some accept anyone nationwide

Alliant Credit Union - Anyone with $5 donation
PenFed - Open to public with association
Digital Federal CU - MA residents + association members
Apply online in 5 minutes

💵 Credit Union vs Bank: Complete Cost Breakdown

💚 Credit Union Costs

Origination Fee: $0-995 (avg $500)
Application Fee: $0 (waived)
Processing Fee: $200-400
Underwriting Fee: $300-500
Appraisal: $450-650
Title/Escrow: $1,000-1,500
Total: $2,000-3,500

🏦 Bank Costs

Origination Fee: $1,500-2,995 (1%)
Application Fee: $300-500
Processing Fee: $500-800
Underwriting Fee: $500-900
Appraisal: $500-750
Title/Escrow: $1,200-1,800
Total: $4,500-7,745

💰 Total 30-Year Savings: Credit Union vs Bank

$300,000 loan example:

💵 Lower closing costs: $1,500-3,000 savings
📉 Lower interest rate: 0.25% = $15,000 over 30 years
💳 Lower fees: $500-1,000 annual savings
✅ TOTAL SAVINGS: $17,000-$35,000!

🏅 Best Credit Unions by Category

🏆 Best Overall: Navy Federal Credit Union

Rate: 6.375% (30-year) | Membership: Military + family

Pros: Lowest rates, excellent service, 24/7 support, nationwide branches
Cons: Must have military connection (active, veteran, or family)
Best for: Military families, veterans, military children/spouses

Check Navy Federal Rates →

🌎 Best for Anyone: Alliant Credit Union

Rate: 6.50% | Membership: $5 donation to partner charity

Open to anyone nationwide (easiest to join!)
100% online application
High-yield savings accounts included
$20 ATM fee rebates monthly

🎓 Best for Teachers: SchoolsFirst FCU

Rate: 6.425% | Membership: CA educators + family

2nd lowest rate nationwide
Dedicated education-focused service
Summer payment skip options
Teachers, admin, classified staff eligible

💰 Best for Bad Credit: PenFed

Rate: 6.45% | Min Credit: 620 (flexible)

Accepts 620 credit (some banks require 680+)
Manual underwriting available
High DTI accepted (50%+)
Anyone can join with $20 association fee

❓ Credit Union Mortgage FAQs

Are credit union mortgage rates really lower than banks?

YES! Average 0.25-0.5% lower. October 2025: Credit unions 6.375-6.55% vs banks 6.72-7.25%. Reason: Credit unions nonprofit = pass savings to members. Banks for-profit = higher rates. $300K loan saves $15,000-35,000 over 30 years.

Can anyone join a credit union?

ALMOST anyone! 5 ways: (1) Employer partnership (60% eligible), (2) Live/work in area, (3) Family member is member, (4) Join partner association ($10-25), (5) Universal credit unions (Alliant accepts anyone with $5 donation). 90%+ Americans eligible for at least one credit union.

Do credit unions sell mortgages like banks do?

LESS OFTEN! Credit unions keep 60-70% of mortgages in-house vs banks sell 80-90% to secondary market. Benefits: Better service, easier modifications, consistent contact. BUT some credit unions do sell (ask upfront: "Will you sell my loan?").

Are credit unions slower to close than banks?

MYTH! Average close time: Credit unions 35-40 days vs banks 30-45 days = SAME. Some credit unions faster (Navy Federal 30 days, PenFed 35 days). Slower than online lenders (Better 21 days) but better service + lower costs worth extra week.

What credit score do I need for credit union mortgage?

620 minimum at most credit unions vs 640+ at banks. Credit unions more flexible: accept 620 with compensating factors (high income, low DTI, large down payment). Some accept 580 for FHA. Better approval odds with challenged credit.