What credit score do I need for an ITIN mortgage?

Most ITIN mortgage lenders require a minimum credit score of 620 to 660. Some lenders accept alternative credit histories if you do not have a traditional credit score. Alternative credit includes 12 months of on-time rent payments, utility payments, cell phone payments, and insurance premiums. Building credit with a secured credit card for 6-12 months before applying improves your options.

How much down payment is required for an ITIN mortgage?

ITIN mortgages typically require 15% to 25% down payment. Quontic Bank requires 15% minimum for primary residences and 25% for investment properties. New American Funding requires 15% to 20% depending on the loan amount. Citadel Servicing requires 20% to 25%. Down payment funds can come from savings, gifts from family, or proceeds from selling assets.

What interest rates do ITIN mortgage lenders charge?

ITIN mortgage rates in 2026 range from 7.5% to 9.5% APR, which is 1% to 3% higher than conventional mortgage rates for SSN holders. Rates vary based on credit score, down payment amount, loan-to-value ratio, property type, and lender. Quontic generally offers the most competitive rates for ITIN borrowers with strong credit profiles.

What documents do I need for an ITIN mortgage application?

ITIN mortgage applications require: valid ITIN (CP565 or CP567 notice), 2 years of US tax returns (Form 1040-NR or 1040), 12 months of bank statements, proof of income (pay stubs, 1099s, or business financials), valid passport, proof of US address, and down payment verification. Some lenders also require a letter of explanation for any gaps in credit history.

Can ITIN holders buy a home in California?

Yes. California has the largest ITIN mortgage market in the US. Multiple lenders operate in California including Quontic Bank, New American Funding (headquartered in Tustin, CA), and several California-based credit unions. California also offers state programs like CalHFA that some ITIN holders may qualify for. See our California ITIN mortgage guide for details.

What is the difference between ITIN and conventional mortgages?

ITIN mortgages differ from conventional mortgages in 4 ways: higher interest rates (7.5%-9.5% vs 6%-7.5%), larger down payments (15%-25% vs 3%-20%), fewer lender options (3-5 major lenders vs hundreds), and additional documentation requirements (2 years tax returns, 12 months bank statements). ITIN mortgages are portfolio loans held by the lender, not sold to Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac.

Can I refinance an ITIN mortgage later?

Yes. You can refinance an ITIN mortgage with the same or different lender after building equity and credit history. If you later obtain an SSN, you can refinance into a conventional mortgage with potentially lower rates. Many ITIN borrowers refinance within 2-3 years as their credit profile improves and they qualify for better terms.

Do ITIN mortgage lenders report to credit bureaus?

Most ITIN mortgage lenders report to all 3 major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion). This means your on-time mortgage payments build your US credit history. After 12-24 months of on-time payments, your credit score typically improves by 50-100 points, which opens access to better financial products and potential refinancing at lower rates.

How long does the ITIN mortgage process take?

The ITIN mortgage process takes 30 to 60 days from application to closing. Pre-approval takes 1-3 days. Underwriting takes 2-4 weeks. Appraisal takes 1-2 weeks. Final approval and closing take 1-2 weeks. The process may take longer if you need additional documentation or if the property appraisal requires a second review.

Updated April 2026

ITIN Mortgage Guide 2026: Home Loans for ITIN Holders

Buying a home with an ITIN is possible in 2026. Over $2 billion in ITIN mortgages are originated annually in the United States. Three major lenders — Quontic Bank, New American Funding, and Citadel Servicing Corporation — specialize in ITIN home loans with rates from 7.5% to 9.5% APR and down payments of 15% to 25%. This hub covers everything ITIN holders need to know about the mortgage process: lender comparisons, current rates, documentation requirements, and state-specific programs including California ITIN mortgages.

How Do the Top 3 ITIN Mortgage Lenders Compare?

Three lenders dominate the ITIN mortgage market in 2026. This table shows their key terms at a glance.

Feature	Quontic Bank	New American Funding	Citadel Servicing
Interest rate	7.5% - 8.5% APR	7.75% - 9.0% APR	8.0% - 9.5% APR
Down payment	15% - 25%	15% - 20%	20% - 25%
Min credit score	620	620	No minimum
Max loan amount	$1.5M	$2M	$3M+
Loan types	Purchase, refi	Purchase, refi, HELOC	Purchase, refi, bank statement
States available	Nationwide	Nationwide	Nationwide
Best for	Best rates, traditional income	Bilingual service, flexibility	Self-employed, no credit score

For a detailed breakdown of each lender, see our ITIN mortgage lenders comparison.

What Is the ITIN Mortgage Market in 2026?

The ITIN mortgage market has grown significantly over the past decade. An estimated 4.4 million ITIN holders live in the US, and approximately 800,000 are potential homebuyers. The Urban Institute estimates that ITIN mortgage lending reached $2.2 billion in originations in 2025, with California, Texas, New York, Florida, and Illinois representing the top 5 markets.

ITIN mortgages are classified as non-QM (non-qualified mortgage) loans. This means they do not conform to Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac guidelines and are held on the lender's books (portfolio loans) or sold to private investors. The non-QM classification is why rates are higher than conventional mortgages, but it also means lenders have more flexibility in underwriting.

For complete market analysis, see our ITIN mortgage guide and current ITIN mortgage rates.

What Are the Requirements for an ITIN Mortgage?

ITIN mortgage requirements are stricter than conventional mortgages in 4 key areas. Meeting all requirements before applying saves time and increases your approval chances.

Valid ITIN: Your ITIN must be current (not expired). If expired, you need to renew your ITIN before applying for a mortgage. The IRS processes renewals in 7-11 weeks.
Credit history: Most lenders require a minimum 620 credit score. If you do not have a US credit score, build one with a secured credit card for 6-12 months. Some lenders accept alternative credit (rent, utilities).
Income documentation: 2 years of US tax returns (Form 1040-NR or 1040), 12 months of bank statements, and proof of current income (pay stubs, 1099s, or profit-and-loss statements for self-employed). See full requirements guide.
Down payment: 15% to 25% of the purchase price saved in a US bank account. Funds must be seasoned (in your account for 60+ days). Gift funds from family may be allowed with a gift letter.

What ITIN Mortgage Options Exist in California?

California leads the nation in ITIN mortgage originations. Multiple lenders, credit unions, and state programs serve California ITIN borrowers. The median home price in California is approximately $750,000, meaning a 20% down payment is approximately $150,000.

New American Funding is headquartered in Tustin, California, and offers bilingual (English/Spanish) loan officers for ITIN borrowers. Several California credit unions also offer ITIN mortgage products with rates that may be 0.25% to 0.5% lower than national lenders.

For California-specific programs, lenders, and rates, see our ITIN Mortgage California guide.

What Mortgage Resources Are Available for ITIN Holders?

Explore all of our ITIN mortgage content:

ITIN Mortgage Guide — Complete home buying walkthrough
ITIN Mortgage Lenders — All lenders that accept ITINs
ITIN Mortgage Rates — Current rates and factors
ITIN Mortgage Requirements — Documents and qualifications
ITIN Mortgage California — California-specific programs
ITIN Mortgage Lenders Compared — Side-by-side lender comparison
ITIN for Real Estate Investors — Investment property guide
FIRPTA ITIN Guide — Foreign real estate tax withholding

How Should ITIN Holders Prepare for a Mortgage Application?

Preparing 12 to 18 months before applying gives you the best chance of approval at the lowest rate. Follow these 5 steps:

Open a US bank account. See our ITIN banking hub for options. Lenders want to see 12+ months of banking history.
Get a secured credit card. A secured credit card with a $200-$500 deposit builds your credit score over 6-12 months.
File 2 years of tax returns. Lenders require 2 consecutive years of US tax returns. See our tax hub for filing guides.
Save for down payment. Aim for 20% to get the best rates. Keep funds in your US bank account for 60+ days before applying.
Get pre-approved. Contact 2-3 ITIN mortgage lenders for pre-approval to compare rates and terms before house hunting.

ITIN Mortgage: Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Several lenders offer ITIN mortgages in 2026 including Quontic Bank, New American Funding, and Citadel Servicing Corporation. These lenders accept ITINs in place of SSNs for home purchase and refinance loans. Rates typically range from 7.5% to 9.5% APR with 15% to 25% down payment requirements. Over $2 billion in ITIN mortgages are originated annually in the US.

Need an ITIN for your mortgage application? Apply through itin.so starting at $297 with CAA certification.

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