Best Foreign National Mortgage Lenders in 2026: How to Choose?

EricJan 29, 202613 min read

Buying property in the United States as a non-resident used to feel like hitting a brick wall. I've seen countless international investors give up because they didn't have a Social Security Number (SSN) or a U.S. credit score. But here is the good news for 2026: the market has evolved. You absolutely do not need a standard Fannie Mae loan to buy a home here.

If you are a foreign national looking for the right financing, your best path is often through Non-QM (Non-Qualified Mortgage) loan officers. These specialized lenders focus on your assets or the property's income potential rather than your U.S. credit history. Before you get lost in paperwork, let me guide you through the best lenders I've analyzed this year.

7 Top Foreign National Mortgage Lenders for Non-Residents

The following list isn't just a random assortment of banks. I have selected these eight lenders because they specifically excel in the "Foreign National" niche. They offer flexibility, understand international documentation, and provide competitive rates for non-residents.

Also Read: Mortgage Loans for Foreign Nationals: 9 Best Options & Requirements

America Mortgages -- Best for Global Expats & Comprehensive Coverage

NMLS: 1134041
States: All 50 States (Nationwide)

If you want a lender that speaks your language, literally and figuratively, America Mortgages is often the first stop I recommend. Unlike local banks that treat foreign loans as a side gig, this company focuses 100% on foreign nationals and U.S. expats. They operate similarly to a high-end mortgage broker, meaning they have access to a massive network of funding sources specifically designed for people without a U.S. footprint. They are comfortable lending to borrowers living in almost any country, and they don't require you to have U.S. credit.

Why Choose America Mortgages?

True Global Focus: Most lenders panic when they see income documents in a foreign language or currency. America Mortgages expects it. They have streamlined the process of verifying foreign income and credit, which saves you weeks of back-and-forth emails.
High Leverage Options: While many banks cap foreign national loans at 60% LTV (Loan-to-Value), America Mortgages often facilitates loans up to 75% LTV. This allows you to keep more of your cash liquid rather than tying it all up in the down payment.
Wide Property Eligibility: Whether you are buying a luxury vacation home in California or an investment property in Texas, their nationwide coverage means you don't have to switch lenders if you diversify your portfolio across different states.
Bridge Financing: They also offer bridge loans, which is a huge plus if you need to close quickly to beat a cash buyer and then refinance into a longer-term loan later.

ACC Mortgage -- Best for ITIN & Flexible Non-QM Solutions

NMLS: 2561
States: Licensed in roughly 40+ States (Verify specific state availability on their site)

ACC Mortgage is practically a veteran in the Non-QM space. They have been around since 1999, long before "Non-QM" was a buzzword. I find them particularly effective for borrowers who might have an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) but lack a Social Security Number. ACC takes a "common sense" underwriting approach. They look at the bigger picture of your financial health rather than ticking boxes on a rigid checklist. If you have a complex financial situation that a computer algorithm would reject, ACC is where a human underwriter actually reviews your file.

Why Choose ACC Mortgage?

The ITIN Experts: If you are a foreign national who has obtained an ITIN for tax purposes, ACC has some of the most robust programs for you. They understand this demographic better than almost anyone else in the industry.
Speed of Execution: One of the biggest complaints I hear about traditional banks is the 60-90 day closing timeline for foreigners. ACC operates with the speed of a private lender but with better rates. They can often close in under 30 days if your paperwork is organized.
Flexible Income Verification: They offer P&L (Profit and Loss) only programs and Bank Statement loans. This is crucial if you are a self-employed business owner in your home country and can't produce standard U.S.-style W-2 tax forms.
Reliability: In the volatile mortgage market, some lenders stop funding when the economy gets shaky. ACC has a track record of stability, meaning they are less likely to pull your funding at the last minute.

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GetWaltz (Waltz) -- Best for Tech-Savvy Investors & Streamlined Process

NMLS: 2379730
States: Currently focused on key investment states (FL, TX, AZ, TN, etc. - Check current list)

Waltz is a game-changer for the modern investor. They are a Fintech company specifically built to solve the headache of remote investing for non-residents. I recommend Waltz if you want a "turnkey" experience. They don't just give you a loan. They streamline the entire ecosystem. From setting up a U.S. Limited Liability Company (LLC) to opening a bank account and securing the mortgage, they handle the friction points that usually drive foreigners crazy. Their process is digital-first, meaning you can handle almost everything from your smartphone in your home country.

Why Choose GetWaltz?

End-to-End Ecosystem: They solve the "chicken and egg" problem. (i.e., You need an LLC to buy, but you need a bank account for the LLC, but you need to be in the U.S. to open the account). Waltz allows you to open a U.S. business bank account remotely as part of their process.
Speed and Transparency: Their dashboard lets you track every step. You aren't left wondering if your loan officer received that PDF you sent three days ago.
DSCR Focused: Their underwriting is primarily based on the property's cash flow (DSCR), not your personal DTI (Debt-to-Income) ratio globally. If the house makes money, the loan makes sense.
Remote Notary Support: They facilitate remote online notarization (RON), so you likely won't have to fly to the U.S. or visit an embassy just to sign the closing documents.

First American Bank -- Best for Personalized Service in Specific Regions

NMLS: 416358
States: Strong presence in Florida, Illinois, and Wisconsin.

Do not confuse them with the title company of a similar name. First American Bank is a privately held bank that has carved out a fantastic niche serving foreign nationals, particularly in the Florida market. If you are looking to buy a vacation condo in Miami or Orlando, these guys know the terrain better than a national call center would. They offer a blend of traditional banking security with the flexibility usually found in niche lenders. I find them to be a great "middle ground" option, easier to deal with than a giant bank like HSBC, but with better rates than some hard money lenders.

Why Choose First American Bank?

Florida Real Estate Expertise: They understand the unique complexities of Florida condos, like condo-associations and non-warrantable condos, that often trip up other lenders.
Personalized Service: You are assigned a specific loan officer who guides you. You aren't just a ticket number. For a first-time foreign buyer, having a human explain the U.S. mortgage process is invaluable.
Portfolio Lender: They keep their loans on their own books (Portfolio loans). This means they make their own rules to an extent. If your deal makes sense but doesn't fit a perfect mold, they have the discretion to approve it.
Competitive Terms: While not as cheap as the biggest global banks, their rates are very competitive for the level of service and flexibility they provide.

Angel Oak Mortgage Solutions -- Best for Variety of Non-QM Programs

NMLS: 1160240
States: Nationwide (45+ States) Angel Oak is essentially the giant of the Non-QM world. They are often the ones setting the standards for the industry. It is important to note that Angel Oak Mortgage Solutions operates largely as a wholesale lender, meaning you typically access their products through a mortgage broker, though they have a retail arm (Angel Oak Home Loans) as well. They have a specific Foreign National Program that is robust and battle-tested. If you have a unique situation, like a very high loan amount or a complex asset structure, Angel Oak has probably seen it before and has a program for it.

Why Choose Angel Oak?

Program Variety: They don't just have one "foreign national" loan. They have options for different LTVs, different credit profiles, and different property types.
High Loan Limits: If you are looking to buy a luxury property, Angel Oak can fund amounts that exceed the limits of smaller lenders (Jumbo Non-QM loans).
Liquidity: Because they are the market leader, they have deep pockets. You don't have to worry about the lender running out of funds before your closing date.
Experience: They have funded billions in Non-QM loans. Their underwriters are experts at looking at foreign documentation and understanding how to qualify it under U.S. regulations.

Griffin Funding -- Best for DSCR Loans & Real Estate Investors

NMLS: 1120111
States: Licensed in 20+ States (Focus on major markets like CA, FL, TX, etc.)

If you are an investor purely focused on ROI (Return on Investment), Griffin Funding should be on your radar. They specialize in DSCR (Debt Service Coverage Ratio) loans. Here is what that means for you: Griffin doesn't care much about your personal income in your home country. They care about the U.S. property you are buying. Does the monthly rent cover the monthly mortgage payment? If the answer is "yes," you are 90% of the way to approval. This is the cleanest, easiest way for foreign nationals to build a rental portfolio in the U.S.

Why Choose Griffin Funding?

The DSCR Specialists: They have refined the DSCR process to a science. They offer ratios as low as 0.75 or 1.0, meaning they have flexibility even if the property doesn't cash flow perfectly on day one.
Investment Focus: They understand the mindset of an investor. They offer "Interest Only" options, which keeps your monthly payment low and maximizes your cash flow during the first 10 years of the loan.
Efficiency: Because they don't need to translate your foreign tax returns or verify your employment history abroad, the underwriting process is significantly faster.
Asset-Based Lending: They are great at using your liquid assets to help qualify you if the rental income alone isn't quite enough.

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LendSure -- Best for Unique Properties & Short-Term Rentals

NMLS: 1326437
States: Nationwide

LendSure positions itself as a lender that finds solutions where others find problems. I specifically recommend them for foreign nationals looking to buy Short-Term Rentals (Airbnb/VRBO) or Condotels (Condo-Hotels). Many lenders hate Condotels because they are considered "risky" commercial-residential hybrids. LendSure loves them. Their "Common Sense" underwriting is perfect for borrowers who have a strong financial profile but are buying a property type that traditional banks reject.

Why Choose LendSure?

Condotel Financing: This is a huge niche. If you are buying a unit in a resort building that has a front desk and daily cleaning (common in Miami or Vegas), most lenders will deny you. LendSure has a specific program for this.
Short-Term Rental Income: They allow you to use projected Airbnb income to qualify for the loan (via AirDNA data), rather than requiring a long-term lease agreement. This is crucial for vacation rental investors.
Exception Process: LendSure is known for making exceptions. If you have a high credit score (or international equivalent) and a good down payment, they will work hard to make the deal happen even if it's slightly outside the box.
Pre-Qualification Speed: They offer quick pre-qualifications so you can make offers on properties with confidence.

What to Consider Before Applying for a Foreign National Mortgage

Before you pick a lender, you need to set your expectations correctly. A Foreign National Mortgage is not the same as a standard U.S. mortgage. Here are the key differences I tell all my clients to prepare for:

Down Payments are Higher: Forget about 3% or 5% down. As a non-resident, you are considered a "higher risk" borrower. Expect to put down at least 25% to 30% of the purchase price. Some strong programs might allow 20%, but 30% opens the door to better interest rates.
Interest Rates: You will pay a premium. Generally, foreign national loans carry an interest rate that is 1% to 2% higher than what a U.S. citizen would pay. Think of this as the cost of doing business without a U.S. credit history.
Reserves (Cash in Bank): Lenders want to see that you haven't spent your last dime on the down payment. You will typically need to show 6 to 12 months of mortgage payments (principal, interest, taxes, insurance) remaining in a liquid bank account after closing. This money can usually stay in your foreign account, but it must be verified.
The Power of DSCR: I cannot stress this enough. Ask for a DSCR loan if you are buying an investment property. It removes the headache of translating tax returns and verifying employment. If the rent covers the mortgage, you qualify. It is the path of least resistance.
Property Types: Be careful with Co-ops (Cooperatives) in places like New York. Most foreign national lenders won't touch them. Stick to Condos, Townhomes, or Single Family Homes.

Final Word

Choosing the "best" lender really depends on your specific strategy.

If you want a fast, tech-driven experience for an investment property, GetWaltz or Griffin Funding are excellent choices.
For those buying tricky properties like Condotels, go with LendSure.

The U.S. market is open for business, but the financing landscape is fragmented. Prices and guidelines change weekly. My best advice? Don't just apply to the first lender you see. You need to compare rates and terms side-by-side.

To make this easier, I recommend using Bluerate.ai. It's a fantastic platform that helps you compare current rates from these specific lenders, connect directly with specialized loan officers who understand foreign borrower profiles, and manage the origination process. It saves you the hassle of explaining your situation ten different times to ten different banks. Start your comparison there, and happy house hunting!

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