Quick Look at NBKC Bank
| Company Overview | |
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No matter where you go to check reviews, you’ll find NBKC Bank at, or near, the top of the lists of best mortgage lenders.
The highly rated bank started in Kansas City, hence the name National Bank of Kansas City (NBKC). Since its inception in 1999, NBKC Bank has expanded its online mortgage lending platform to the entire nation and has been met with enormous success.
Because of the high volume of mortgages it provides, along with its ability to lower overhead costs through centralized operations and advanced fintech, NBKC Bank is able to provide very low closing costs and fees.
NBKC has won multiple awards, including:
- 2022 Best Places to Work by Kansas City Business Journal
- 2020 Best Mortgage Lender for Online Loans by NerdWallet
- 2019 Best Places to Work Nationwide by Glassdoor
We highly recommend every potential customer consider NBKC Bank, especially for Costco members. We also encourage every customer to compare NBKC to the best mortgage lenders on TopMortgageLenders.com.
| Q&A | |
|---|---|
| Is NBKC a direct mortgage lender? | Yes, NBKC is a direct mortgage lender, which means that they give the loan to you.
This is different from a mortgage broker, who connects their customers to different lenders. |
| Does NBKC charge upfront fees? | NBKC does charge an origination fee between $675.00 and $750.00. Those with Costco memberships may receive up to a $400.00 discount. |
| Where is NBKC located? | NBKC is primarily an online bank, so they only have four brick-and-mortar locations: Kansas City, MO; Liberty, MO; Overland Park, KS; and Leawood, KS.
If you do not live near Kansas City, you can use one of their 37,000 ATMs across the U.S. |
| If it’s all online, how do I get help? | A section of NBKC’s website is called “Talk to a Human.” They recognize that as an online bank, they still need to provide a personal touch.
Customer reviews praise NBKC for their great customer service, so they are still able to successfully help and connect with their clients, even in an online setting. |
Do Customers Like NBKC Bank?
With over 420 customer reviews (as of November 2022), NBKC has earned a 4.9 out of 5 star ranking from previous customers on Best Company, a site that checks and verifies each customer. This verification ensures that fake reviews are found and screened.
Of those reviews, 98% gave NBKC 4 or 5 stars while only 1% gave them 1 star. Most positive NBKC reviews highlight two important aspects of NBKC Bank’s service: excellent loan officers and the awesome discounts reserved for Costco members.
NBKC Bank might have the best customer service in the entire mortgage industry. Customers rarely complain about the lender’s loan process, which is traditionally a stressful and daunting task for borrowers, especially first timers.
The fact that customers who are likely spending the most they’ve ever spent in their lives are thanking the company after receiving their loan means that NBKC Bank is doing something wonderful in customer service.
It seems that NBKC Bank has its qualified and helpful loan officers to thank for the majority of their positive reviews. Of course, the ease of the loan process plays a large role in the positive customer experience at NBKC, but low rates and fees are likely one of the biggest factors.
In reference to their loan officer, one 5-star review explains:
“She made the entire process very easy and without any stress. She actually lowered my stress! She even arranged for a lower interest rate that I didn’t even know was possible. All the financial detail she provided was true and correct and she always informed me immediately if there were any changes.”
Other positive reviews praise NBKC for:
- Frequent communication
- Great rates
- Efficient & smooth process
We have every confidence in NBKC Bank’s customer service quality.
NBKC Bank Mortgage Rates & Fees
Though the fees will depend on which type of loan you get, we do know that NBKC charges a $675 fee for origination, with up to $400 off for Costco members.
Of course, the low fees from NBKC are even better for those seeking a VA loan — the highly rated mortgage lender does not charge an origination fee for VA loans. Additionally, NBKC has received a 5/5 rating from NerdWallet for both low fees and its ability to get customers a low mortgage rate.
Because mortgage rates are constantly changing, NBKC offers a rate calculator. After answering a few questions about the home value, down payment, location, and credit score, you can instantly see your rate, APR, and principal & interest payment. If you see a rate that works for you, you can apply right there online.
Other NBKC calculators can help customers compare 15 year vs. 30 year mortgages and interest only vs. fixed rate mortgages.
NBKC Loan Types
NBKC offers the following loan types:
Conventional Loans
According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, “A conventional loan is any mortgage loan that is not insured or guaranteed by the government.” Loans that are not conventional include FHA (Federal Housing Administration) loans and VA (Department of Veterans Affairs) loans.
Refinance
If your current loan is not working out for you, NBKC can help you find a new one that is more suitable to your unique situation. They provide the following refinancing services:
- Mortgage Refinancing
- FHA Refinance
- FHA Streamline Refinance
VA Loans
VA loans are backed by the Department of Veterans Affairs, and only eligible veterans and military service members can qualify.
These loans can be helpful to those who qualify since they require no down payment, have no minimum credit score requirement, and do not include lender fees.
FHA Loans
FHA loans are insured by the Federal Housing Administration. NBKC recommends these loans to those who are first-time homeowners or can only afford a small down payment.
You can secure an FHA loan with a lower down payment and less impressive credit score than a conventional loan requires.
Unique Programs
NBKC offers two unique loan programs: New Construction and Pilot Program.
Those who are building their own home may want to look into NBKC’s New Construction loans.
Pilots may also qualify for the Pilot Program, which is dedicated to helping pilots become homeowners.
NBKC Mortgage Application Process
Because NBKC is primarily an online bank, their process is slightly different than securing a loan from the physical storefront of a different bank.
1. Apply
The application may be completed online or over the phone. After you submit the application, a loan officer will contact you directly.
2. Document Delivery
Per your preference, documents are delivered to you either electronically or through the mail. After you sign all mortgage documents, you will send them back to NBKC.
3. Appraisal & Title Work
An appraisal is issued by a licensed appraiser, and NBKC will contact all necessary parties to guarantee the title work is ordered.
4. Closing
An advisor will ensure you understand all final information. Once all documents are in, the mortgage loan will close at a local attorney’s office or title company.
NBKC Bank Mortgage Requirements
It will also be extremely helpful for you to get preapproved, which requires a set of financial documents in order to prove your financial preparedness for a loan.
Our Recommendation
Additionally, NBKC is one of the most popular and well-liked companies in the industry according to its own customers. The company rarely receives a negative review and when they do, they NBKC is quick to resolve the issue.