Alliant Credit Union Mortgage Review

Key Points:

• Alliant Credit Union offers mortgage programs with zero down payments.
• It offers specialized programs for first-time buyers, condo buyers, and those in medical professions.
• You can complete the entire mortgage process online or over the phone.
• You must be a member of Alliant Credit Union to be approved.

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When it comes to mortgage lenders, you have hundreds of options to choose from. Credit unions are one of these options.

Though you must meet certain membership requirements before you can apply, credit union home loans often come with lower interest rates and better customer service than other lenders out there. If you’re interested in a credit union mortgage loan, Alliant Credit Union is one to consider.

Use this Alliant Credit Union review to see whether an Alliant mortgage is a fit for you.

In this review:

• Alliant Mortgages: by the numbers
• Which mortgage loans does Alliant Credit Union offer?
• Pros & cons of Alliant Credit Union mortgages
• Eligibility & application requirements
• Alliant Credit Union alternatives

Alliant Mortgages: by the numbers

	Minimum credit score	Minimum down payment	Loan terms	Origination fee
Fixed-rate	Not disclosed	3%	15, 20, or 30 years	$995
Jumbo	Not disclosed	Not disclosed (see fixed-rate minimum for estimate)	Not disclosed	Not disclosed
Alliant Advantage	Not disclosed	0%	Varies by loan	Not disclosed
Refinance	580	3%	Depends on original mortgage type	Not disclosed
ARM	Not disclosed	3%	3/1, 5/1, 7/1, or 10/1	$995

Which mortgage loans does Alliant Credit Union offer?

Alliant Credit Union offers several mortgage loan options, including fixed-rate, adjustable-rate, jumbo, and refinance loans.

It does not participate in any government-backed first-time home buyer programs, such as FHA, VA, or USDA mortgages.

Here’s what Alliant offers:

• Fixed-rate loans
• Jumbo loans
• Adjustable-rate loans
• Alliant Advantage Mortgage loans
• Mortgage refinance loans
• Other mortgage loans

Fixed-rate loans

Alliant’s fixed-rate mortgage loans are a good option if you want consistent, predictable payments and are planning to stay in your home for the long haul. These come in terms of 15, 20, or 30 years. 

Jumbo loans

If you’re looking to purchase a high-priced property (one that goes beyond the conforming loan limits for your county), then Alliant’s jumbo loans can help you do it. These go up to $2 million.

Adjustable-rate loans

Alliant’s adjustable-rate mortgage loans (ARM) are a good choice if you don’t plan to stay in your home long. They offer low upfront interest rates (and monthly payments), and come in the following terms: 3/1, 5/1, 7/1, or 10/1.

Alliant Advantage Mortgage loans

If you’re a first-time home buyer, the Alliant Advantage Mortgage program (AAM) is worth considering. The program offers first-timers a zero-down, zero-mortgage insurance loan that can significantly reduce the upfront costs of buying a home. 

>> Read more: Best Mortgage Lenders for First-Time Home Buyers

Mortgage refinance loans

Alliant Credit Union mortgages can also be used to refinance your existing loan. With the Advantage Mortgage program, you need as little as 3% equity in your property to refinance, and no mortgage insurance is required.

If you’re looking to remove private mortgage insurance (PMI) or the FHA mortgage insurance premium (MIP) from your existing loan, this could be a good route to consider.

Alliant also offers cash-out refinancing, which allows you to tap your home equity to pay for repairs, improvements, and other expenses, or even to consolidate higher-interest debts. 

>> Read more: Cash-Out Refinance vs Home Equity Loan: Which Is Better?

Other mortgage loans

Alliant Credit Union offers two specialized mortgage loans: one for condo purchases, and another designed specifically for home buyers in medical professions.

If either of these loan types would apply to you, you can inquire about them when you request a quote on Alliant’s site.

Additionally, the Alliant Home Rewards program can give you a cash-back rebate of up to $13,000 if you use a participating real estate agent and loan officer to sell your home and purchase your new one.

Pros & cons of Alliant Credit Union mortgages

Eligibility & application requirements

First, Alliant Credit Union mortgages require you to be a member of the credit union itself. Members must fulfill one of these requirements:

• Be an employee of an Alliant partner company or member of a partner organization. (Ex. You can become a member of it’s partner charity, Foster Care to Success. Alliant will pay a $5 membership fee on your behalf.)
• Be the spouse or family member of an existing Alliant member.
• Live or work in an eligible Chicagoland community.

Mortgage applicants do not need to be a member before applying. You can become an Alliant member during the application process.

Beyond membership, you’ll also need to meet the requirements of the loan you apply for. Alliant doesn’t disclose its minimum credit score requirements, but you’ll likely need a score of 620 to 640 or higher to qualify for a loan.

If you have poor credit, a higher down payment could help offset the risk you present the lender. 

How to apply for an Alliant Credit Union mortgage

To apply, first become an Alliant Credit Union member. To do this, confirm your eligibility, and go through the online agreement and verification processes. 

Once you’re a member, the application process follows these steps:

1. Fill out Alliant’s online mortgage application.
2. You should receive a call from an Alliant loan officer shortly. They’ll go over your application and detail the documents you’ll need to provide.
3. The loan officer will send you loan disclosures, which show your estimated mortgage payment and the total costs you can expect come closing day.
4. Confirm your intent to proceed with the mortgage, and your loan file will move into underwriting. 
5. Alliant will order an appraisal of your property, verify your documentation, and move your loan through the approval process. You’ll receive updates weekly on your loan’s progress.
6. Finally, you’ll receive your closing appointment. That’s when you’ll sign your paperwork, wire your closing costs and down payment money, and receive your keys.

Other info you’ll need to apply

You’ll need a lot of documentation to apply for your mortgage. Though the required paperwork depends on your financial situation, loan program, and employment, you can expect to provide:

• Copies of your most recent paystubs, tax returns, and W-2s
• A copy of your driver’s license
• Copies of your most recent bank statements (including those for your business if you’re self-employed)
• Employment verification
• Statements for any retirement or investment accounts

You will also need information about the property, and you’ll need to agree to a credit check. This will help Alliant gauge your current debts, as well as your credit and bill-payment history.

Alliant Credit Union alternatives

Choosing the right mortgage lender is critical as a home buyer. Your lender (and the payment that comes with it) will stay with you for decades. 

Consider getting quotes from a mix of the best mortgage lenders, including credit unions, banks, and digital mortgage companies, and compare their rates, fees, and terms before deciding which is the best fit.

And remember that customer service matters, too. 

How we rated Alliant Credit Union mortgages

Alliant Credit Union earned a score of 4.42 out of 5.00. LendEDU ranks mortgage lenders based on the weighted average of 12 data points, including:

4.42 Alliant Credit Union Mortgage