NBKC Bank mortgage review 2024

National Bank of Kansas City, or NBKC Bank, is an online lender that offers mortgages to borrowers nationwide. It also has physical branches in Missouri and Kansas for those who prefer an in-person lending experience.

With NBKC Bank, eligible borrowers can apply for several types of home loans, such as conventional, FHA, VA, and specialty loans. Some of these come with low down payment requirements and are accessible to lower- to moderate-income borrowers and first-time homebuyers.

If you’re looking for a new mortgage from a lender with exceptional customer service, an easy-to-navigate website, and a variety of home loans, NBKC Bank has a lot to offer.

Best for: Customer service

NBKC Bank excels in its customer service. While the lender only has four brick-and-mortar locations — all of which are in Kansas and Missouri — both the in-person and online customer experience are highly rated.

On Trustpilot, NBKC Bank has 4.8/5 stars and reviews are largely positive. Many former and current customers praise the lender for its transparency, rate accuracy, straightforward lending process, and exceptional customer service.

NBKC mortgage reviews on Better Business Bureau (BBB) are also positive. There, the lender has 4.65/5 stars and an A+ rating. NBKC Bank is also BBB-accredited.

Methodology

To determine the best mortgage companies, Fox Money evaluated lenders based on several different categories: rates and fees, reputation, eligibility, efficiency, customer experience, and discounts and perks. We also looked at the types of loans offered by each lender for research purposes only, they did not factor into the overall score. We assigned a score out of five stars to each lender based on our findings. 

Learn more about how Fox Money rates lenders by checking out Mortgage Lender Rating Methodology. 

NBKC Bank: Pros and cons

What to consider before applying 

Before applying for a mortgage with any lender, consider your financial and credit situation. To get the best interest rate, you’ll generally need:

• Good credit: Most mortgage loans require a 620 minimum credit score. You can improve your credit score by paying down debt, increasing your income, and avoiding new hard inquiries.
• Low debt-to-income ratio (DTI): Your DTI is the percentage of your monthly income that goes toward your monthly debts. Try to shoot for a maximum DTI of 36%, though the limit varies by lender and mortgage type.
• High down payment: You may be able to get a lower interest rate with a larger down payment. This will reduce your loan-to-value (LTV) and lower the risk faced by the lender. If you put 20% down, you can also avoid private mortgage insurance (PMI).

Before applying, consider your homebuying budget. You can use an online mortgage calculator to determine what your monthly mortgage payment will be based on factors like interest rate and loan amount. This will give you a better idea of how much you can afford.

How to apply for a loan with NBKC Bank 

1. Compare loan types: On NBKC Bank’s website, navigate to “Home Loans” and review the lender’s offerings, typical rates, and eligibility criteria.
2. Create an account: Once you know what you want to apply for, enter and verify your email address to create an NBKC Mortgage account. You can then begin the online mortgage pre-approval process.
3. Gather your information: You’ll need some basic information to apply for a mortgage. This includes details about your new property — like the estimated purchase price, property type, and ZIP code. You’ll also need to provide your employment, income, residence history, additional assets, and make any declarations. If you’re applying with someone else, you’ll need to submit their information, too.
4. Speak with a loan professional: After you submit your application, an NBKC Bank loan officer will reach out to help you through the process. They may also request additional documentation.
5. Complete underwriting and closing: You'll typically need to schedule an appraisal and have a title search done. You can then proceed to closing where you’ll pay any closing costs and finalize the transaction. The entire process takes about 30 days.

How to qualify for a loan with NBKC Bank

The requirements for an NBKC Bank mortgage are fairly standard. The lender requires a 620 credit score or higher for most mortgage types. Some loan types, like FHA loans, may have more lenient requirements.

NBKC Bank allows a maximum DTI of 45%. However, you could qualify for financing with a higher DTI and a financial profile that’s strong in other areas, such as having a bigger down payment or significant savings.

You may also need to meet additional requirements, such as having two years of consistent employment and a minimum down payment (though some loans, like VA loans, may come with 100% financing). For certain programs, like the nbKC Local, you’ll also need to purchase property in an eligible area.

How to refinance with NBKC Bank

Refinancing a loan with NBKC Bank follows a similar process as originating a mortgage. By refinancing, you could potentially lower your monthly payment, get a better repayment term, or tap into your home equity.

NBKC Bank offers three refinancing options:

• Mortgage refinancing
• FHA refinance
• FHA streamline refinance

Choosing any of these options on the website will direct you to the application process.

Be prepared to provide the same basic information as you would when applying for a mortgage. This may include your employment history and income, details about your current property, and information about your co-applicant (if applicable). NBKC may perform a hard credit inquiry to verify your credit score and get you an accurate rate. This can affect your credit score.

Once you submit your application, you’ll be connected with a home loan professional who will work with you throughout the rest of the process.

How NBKC Bank compares 

If you’re looking for a home loan or want to refinance an existing loan, NBKC Bank has a variety of mortgage programs available. While it doesn’t offer USDA or home equity loans, it does have conventional, VA, and FHA loans, as well as some specialty programs. NBKC Bank really shines for its customer service, boasting top ratings from consumer advocates and customers. Support is available via live chat and over the phone to assist you every step of the way. 

Still, before you make a decision, it can be beneficial to shop around with several lenders first. See how NBKC Bank compares to other lenders regarding interest rates, loan offerings, and terms.

NBKC Bank mortgage FAQ 

How competitive are NBKC Bank’s mortgage rates?

NBKC Bank’s interest rates aren’t listed online. However, you can get a free customized rate quote online. You'll just need to input some details about yourself and your prospective property.

Mortgage interest rates fluctuate regularly. Your rate may also be different based on your credit score, down payment amount, and other factors.

What types of loans does NBKC Bank offer?

NBKC Bank offers conventional, FHA, VA, and new construction loans. It also has specialty programs, including the Community Home Loan Program. This is designed to help low- to moderate-income borrowers — as well as first-time buyers — afford a home. NBKC Bank also has a program to help pilots find an affordable home loan.

How is NBKC Bank’s customer service rated?

National Bank of Kansas City reviews are generally positive. The lender has an “Excellent” rating on Trustpilot and an A+ rating on BBB. Many reviewers tout the lender for its streamlined mortgage process and exceptional customer support.

Are there any hidden fees with NBKC Bank mortgages?

NBKC Bank doesn’t directly list its fees online. When applying for any mortgage, however, expect to pay between 3% to 4% in closing costs. You may also be responsible for a prepayment penalty if you pay off your loan early.

How easy is it to apply for a mortgage with NBKC Bank?

Applying for a mortgage is easy and straightforward. On NBKC Bank’s website, it claims to be able to review applications in as little as 14 minutes. NBKC Bank also promises a 30-day closing process, which could be good for those who want to buy in a hurry.