“Deposits will continue to be insured by the FDIC, and customers do not need to change their banking relationship in order to retain their deposit insurance coverage up to applicable limits,” the FDIC said in a release.
As part of the transaction, First Republic Bank’s 84 offices in eight states will reopen as branches of JPMorgan on Monday during normal business hours. All depositors of First Republic Bank will become depositors of JPMorgan and will have full access to all of their deposits.
The FDIC estimated that its insurance fund would have to pay out about $13 billion to cover First Republic’s losses. JPMorgan also said that the FDIC would provide it with $50 billion in financing.
The intervention from the federal regulators comes days after First Republic reported losing about 40% of its deposits in the first quarter of 2023. Following the failure of SVB and Signature Bank in March, depositors flocked to move their money to banks regarded as safer and offering more attractive returns.
As of April 13, 2023, First Republic Bank had approximately $229.1 billion in total assets and $103.9 billion in total deposits, according to the FDIC.
In addition to assuming all of the deposits, JPMorgan agreed to purchase substantially all of First Republic Bank’s assets.
Federal regulators from the FDIC and Federal Reserve last week issued reports criticizing their oversight of the failed banks, and also said the banks had poor risk management and engaged in excessive risk-taking.
JPMorgan acquired about $173 billion in First Republic’s loans, $30 billion of securities and $92 billion in deposits. The $92 billion in deposits includes $30 billion that JPMorgan and other large U.S. banks put into First Republic in March in efforts to stabilize its finances, according to JPMorgan. JPMorgan said it would repay $30 billion.
The FDIC and JPMorgan are also entering into a loss-share transaction on single family, residential and commercial loans it purchased from the former First Republic Bank.
In 2020 and 2021, when interest rates bottomed out, First Republic offered interest-only mortgages — in which the borrower didn’t have to pay back any principal for the first 10 years of the loan. In that period, First Republic extended close to about $20 billion of these interest-only jumbo loans in San Francisco, Los Angeles, California and New York, according to Bloomberg.
With a stockpile of low-interest loans, the mortgages were performing well but their low rates and delayed repayments hurt their value when rates started rising.
Bloomberg reported that First Republic was looking to sell up to $100 billion of loans and securities to restructure its balance sheet.
The government moved to take bids on First Republic over the weekend as the FDIC wanted to announce a closure of the firm and a purchase agreement.
The Fed is still expected to raise interest rates by 25 basis points this week.
Average mortgage rates fell just a little last Friday. But last Thursday’s massive jump means they finished that week — and last month — higher than when they started them.
First thing, it was looking as if mortgage rates today might again barely budge. But that could change as the hours pass.
Markets will be closed tomorrow for the Independence Day holiday. And we’ll be back on Wednesday morning. Enjoy your celebrations!
Current mortgage and refinance rates
Program
Mortgage Rate
APR*
Change
Conventional 30-year fixed
7.129%
7.158%
Unchanged
Conventional 15-year fixed
6.638%
6.651%
Unchanged
Conventional 20-year fixed
7.506%
7.558%
Unchanged
Conventional 10-year fixed
6.997%
7.115%
Unchanged
30-year fixed FHA
6.672%
7.303%
Unchanged
15-year fixed FHA
6.763%
7.237%
Unchanged
30-year fixed VA
6.729%
6.937%
Unchanged
15-year fixed VA
6.625%
6.965%
Unchanged
5/1 ARM Conventional
6.75%
7.266%
Unchanged
5/1 ARM FHA
6.75%
7.532%
+0.11
5/1 ARM VA
6.75%
7.532%
+0.11
Rates are provided by our partner network, and may not reflect the market. Your rate might be different. Click here for a personalized rate quote. See our rate assumptions See our rate assumptions here.
Should you lock a mortgage rate today?
Recent reporting in the financial media makes me think mortgage rates are unlikely to see any significant and sustained falls until at least the fourth (Oct.-Dec.) quarter of 2023 and probably not until 2024.
And that’s why my personal rate lock recommendations remain:
LOCK if closing in 7 days
LOCK if closing in 15 days
LOCK if closing in 30 days
LOCK if closing in 45 days
LOCK if closing in 60days
However, with so much uncertainty at the moment, your instincts could easily turn out to be as good as mine — or better. So let your gut and your own tolerance for risk help guide you.
>Related: 7 Tips to get the best refinance rate
Market data affecting today’s mortgage rates
Here’s a snapshot of the state of play this morning at about 9:50 a.m. (ET). The data, compared with roughly the same time last Friday, were:
The yield on 10-year Treasury notes edged down to 3.82% from 3.85%. (Good for mortgage rates.) More than any other market, mortgage rates typically tend to follow these particular Treasury bond yields
Major stock indexes were mostly lower. (Good for mortgage rates.) When investors buy shares, they’re often selling bonds, which pushes those prices down and increases yields and mortgage rates. The opposite may happen when indexes are lower. But this is an imperfect relationship
Oil prices inched up to $70.61 from $70.25 a barrel. (Neutral for mortgage rates*.) Energy prices play a prominent role in creating inflation and also point to future economic activity
Goldprices rose to $1,930 from $1,919 an ounce. (Neutral for mortgage rates*.) It is generally better for rates when gold prices rise and worse when they fall. Gold tends to rise when investors worry about the economy.
CNN Business Fear & Greed index — climbed to 84 from 80 out of 100. (Bad for mortgage rates.) “Greedy” investors push bond prices down (and interest rates up) as they leave the bond market and move into stocks, while “fearful” investors do the opposite. So lower readings are often better than higher ones
*A movement of less than $20 on gold prices or 40 cents on oil ones is a change of 1% or less. So we only count meaningful differences as good or bad for mortgage rates.
Caveats about markets and rates
Before the pandemic and the Federal Reserve’s interventions in the mortgage market, you could look at the above figures and make a pretty good guess about what would happen to mortgage rates that day. But that’s no longer the case. We still make daily calls. And are usually right. But our record for accuracy won’t achieve its former high levels until things settle down.
So, use markets only as a rough guide. Because they have to be exceptionally strong or weak to rely on them. But, with that caveat, mortgage rates today might again hold steady or close to steady. However, be aware that “intraday swings” (when rates change speed or direction during the day) are a common feature right now.
Important notes on today’s mortgage rates
Here are some things you need to know:
Typically, mortgage rates go up when the economy’s doing well and down when it’s in trouble. But there are exceptions. Read ‘How mortgage rates are determined and why you should care’
Only “top-tier” borrowers (with stellar credit scores, big down payments, and very healthy finances) get the ultralow mortgage rates you’ll see advertised
Lenders vary. Yours may or may not follow the crowd when it comes to daily rate movements — though they all usually follow the broader trend over time
When daily rate changes are small, some lenders will adjust closing costs and leave their rate cards the same
Refinance rates are typically close to those for purchases.
A lot is going on at the moment. And nobody can claim to know with certainty what will happen to mortgage rates in the coming hours, days, weeks or months.
What’s driving mortgage rates today?
Currently
To see sustained lower mortgage rates we need to see the inflation rate halving, the economy weakening, and the Federal Reserve stopping hiking general interest rates. And none of those looks likely anytime soon.
Some progress is being made on inflation. But not enough.
And the economy is showing extraordinary resilience. Last week’s gross domestic product (GDP) headline figure was 50% higher than many expected.
Meanwhile, the Fed seems highly likely to hike general interest rates by 25 basis points (0.25%) on Jul. 26. And there may well be at least one more increase after that in 2023.
Recession
As I’ve written before, our best hope for lower mortgage rates is a recession. That should weaken the economy, reduce inflation and perhaps cause the Fed to at least hold general rates steady.
Economists have been predicting an imminent recession for ages. And, not so long ago, I bought that line and was expecting one at any moment.
But, now, many big hitters aren’t expecting a recession until 2024. Yesterday, CNN Business listed a few of those making that prediction:
Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan
Vanguard economists
JPMorgan Chase economists
Of course, others disagree, as economists always do. Some think a recession will still land later this year. And others believe there will be no recession at all.
This week
There are a few reports this week that could send mortgage rates up or down a bit. But Friday’s jobs report is the one most likely to have a decisive impact.
The consensus among economists is that the report will show 240,000 new jobs created in June compared with 339,000 in May. Anything lower than 240,000 might see mortgage rates tumble, which would be great.
However, we’ve witnessed economists making similar predictions for employment several times over recent months. And, nearly every time, their forecasts have greatly underestimated the resilience of the American labor market and therefore the American economy.
Of course, they might be right this time. Let’s hope so. But I shouldn’t hold my breath if I were you.
Please read the weekend edition of this daily report for more background on what’s happening to mortgage rates.
Recent trends
According to Freddie Mac’s archives, the weekly all-time low for mortgage rates was set on Jan. 7, 2021, when it stood at 2.65% for conventional, 30-year, fixed-rate mortgages.
Freddie’s Jun. 29 report put that same weekly average at 6.71%, up from the previous week’s 6.67%. But Freddie is almost always out of date by the time it announces its weekly figures.
In November, Freddie stopped including discount points in its forecasts. It has also delayed until later in the day the time at which it publishes its Thursday reports. Andwe now update this section on Fridays.
Expert mortgage rate forecasts
Looking further ahead, Fannie Mae and the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) each has a team of economists dedicated to monitoring and forecasting what will happen to the economy, the housing sector and mortgage rates.
And here are their rate forecasts for the current quarter (Q2/23) and the following three quarters (Q3/23, Q4/23 and Q1/24).
The numbers in the table below are for 30-year, fixed-rate mortgages. Fannie’s were published on May 23 and the MBA’s on Jun. 21.
In the past, we included Freddie Mac’s forecasts. But it seems to have given up on publishing those.
Forecaster
Q2/23
Q3/23
Q4/23
Q1/24
Fannie Mae
6.4%
6.2%
6.0%
5.8%
MBA
6.5%
6.2%
5.8%
5.6%
Of course, given so many unknowables, the whole current crop of forecasts might be even more speculative than usual. And their past record for accuracy hasn’t been wildly impressive.
Find your lowest rate today
You should comparison shop widely, no matter what sort of mortgage you want. Federal regulator the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau found in May 2023:
“Mortgage borrowers are paying around $100 a month more depending on which lender they choose, for the same type of loan and the same consumer characteristics (such as credit score and down payment).”
In other words, over the lifetime of a 30-year loan, homebuyers who don’t bother to get quotes from multiple lenders risk losing an average of $36,000. What could you do with that sort of money?
Mortgage rate methodology
The Mortgage Reports receives rates based on selected criteria from multiple lending partners each day. We arrive at an average rate and APR for each loan type to display in our chart. Because we average an array of rates, it gives you a better idea of what you might find in the marketplace. Furthermore, we average rates for the same loan types. For example, FHA fixed with FHA fixed. The end result is a good snapshot of daily rates and how they change over time.
How your mortgage interest rate is determined
Mortgage and refinance rates vary a lot depending on each borrower’s unique situation.
Factors that determine your mortgage interest rate include:
Overall strength of the economy — A strong economy usually means higher rates, while a weaker one can push current mortgage rates down to promote borrowing
Lender capacity — When a lender is very busy, it will increase rates to deter new business and give its loan officers some breathing room
Property type (condo, single-family, town house, etc.) — A primary residence, meaning a home you plan to live in full time, will have a lower interest rate. Investment properties, second homes, and vacation homes have higher mortgage rates
Loan-to-value ratio (determined by your down payment) — Your loan-to-value ratio (LTV) compares your loan amount to the value of the home. A lower LTV, meaning a bigger down payment, gets you a lower mortgage rate
Debt-To-Income ratio — This number compares your total monthly debts to your pretax income. The more debt you currently have, the less room you’ll have in your budget for a mortgage payment
Loan term — Loans with a shorter term (like a 15-year mortgage) typically have lower rates than a 30-year loan term
Borrower’s credit score — Typically the higher your credit score is, the lower your mortgage rate, and vice versa
Mortgage discount points — Borrowers have the option to buy discount points or ‘mortgage points’ at closing. These let you pay money upfront to lower your interest rate
Remember, every mortgage lender weighs these factors a little differently.
To find the best rate for your situation, you’ll want to get personalized estimates from a few different lenders.
Are refinance rates the same as mortgage rates?
Rates for a home purchase and mortgage refinance are often similar.
However, some lenders will charge more for a refinance under certain circumstances.
Typically when rates fall, homeowners rush to refinance. They see an opportunity to lock in a lower rate and payment for the rest of their loan.
This creates a tidal wave of new work for mortgage lenders.
Unfortunately, some lenders don’t have the capacity or crew to process a large number of refinance loan applications.
In this case, a lender might raise its rates to deter new business and give loan officers time to process loans currently in the pipeline.
Also, cashing out equity can result in a higher rate when refinancing.
Cash-out refinances pose a greater risk for mortgage lenders, so they’re often priced higher than new home purchases and rate-term refinances.
How to get the lowest mortgage or refinance rate
Since rates can vary, always shop around when buying a house or refinancing a mortgage.
Comparison shopping can potentially save thousands, even tens of thousands of dollars over the life of your loan.
Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
1. Get multiple quotes
Many borrowers make the mistake of accepting the first mortgage or refinance offer they receive.
Some simply go with the bank they use for checking and savings since that can seem easiest.
However, your bank might not offer the best mortgage deal for you. And if you’re refinancing, your financial situation may have changed enough that your current lender is no longer your best bet.
So get multiple quotes from at least three different lenders to find the right one for you.
2. Compare Loan Estimates
When shopping for a mortgage or refinance, lenders will provide a Loan Estimate that breaks down important costs associated with the loan.
You’ll want to read these Loan Estimates carefully and compare costs and fees line-by-line, including:
Interest rate
Annual percentage rate (APR)
Monthly mortgage payment
Loan origination fees
Rate lock fees
Closing costs
Remember, the lowest interest rate isn’t always the best deal.
Annual percentage rate (APR) can help you compare the ‘real’ cost of two loans. It estimates your total yearly cost including interest and fees.
Also pay close attention to your closing costs.
Some lenders may bring their rates down by charging more upfront via discount points. These can add thousands to your out-of-pocket costs.
3. Negotiate your mortgage rate
You can also negotiate your mortgage rate to get a better deal.
Let’s say you get loan estimates from two lenders. Lender A offers the better rate, but you prefer your loan terms from Lender B. Talk to Lender B and see if they can beat the former’s pricing.
You might be surprised to find that a lender is willing to give you a lower interest rate in order to keep your business.
And if they’re not, keep shopping — there’s a good chance someone will.
Fixed-rate mortgage vs. adjustable-rate mortgage: Which is right for you?
Mortgage borrowers can choose between a fixed-rate mortgage and an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM).
Fixed-rate mortgages (FRMs) have interest rates that never change, unless you decide to refinance. This results in predictable monthly payments and stability over the life of your loan.
Adjustable-rate loans have a low interest rate that’s fixed for a set number of years (typically five or seven). After the initial fixed-rate period, the interest rate adjusts every year based on market conditions.
With each rate adjustment, a borrower’s mortgage rate can either increase, decrease, or stay the same. These loans are unpredictable since monthly payments can change each year.
Adjustable-rate mortgages are fitting for borrowers who expect to move before their first rate adjustment, or who can afford a higher future payment.
In most other cases, a fixed-rate mortgage is typically the safer and better choice.
Remember, if rates drop sharply, you are free to refinance and lock in a lower rate and payment later on.
How your credit score affects your mortgage rate
You don’t need a high credit score to qualify for a home purchase or refinance, but your credit score will affect your rate.
This is because credit history determines risk level.
Historically speaking, borrowers with higher credit scores are less likely to default on their mortgages, so they qualify for lower rates.
For the best rate, aim for a credit score of 720 or higher.
Mortgage programs that don’t require a high score include:
Conventional home loans — minimum 620 credit score
FHA loans — minimum 500 credit score (with a 10% down payment) or 580 (with a 3.5% down payment)
VA loans — no minimum credit score, but 620 is common
USDA loans — minimum 640 credit score
Ideally, you want to check your credit report and score at least 6 months before applying for a mortgage. This gives you time to sort out any errors and make sure your score is as high as possible.
If you’re ready to apply now, it’s still worth checking so you have a good idea of what loan programs you might qualify for and how your score will affect your rate.
You can get your credit report from AnnualCreditReport.com and your score from MyFico.com.
How big of a down payment do I need?
Nowadays, mortgage programs don’t require the conventional 20 percent down.
In fact, first-time home buyers put only 6 percent down on average.
Down payment minimums vary depending on the loan program. For example:
Conventional home loans require a down payment between 3% and 5%
FHA loans require 3.5% down
VA and USDA loans allow zero down payment
Jumbo loans typically require at least 5% to 10% down
Keep in mind, a higher down payment reduces your risk as a borrower and helps you negotiate a better mortgage rate.
If you are able to make a 20 percent down payment, you can avoid paying for mortgage insurance.
This is an added cost paid by the borrower, which protects their lender in case of default or foreclosure.
But a big down payment is not required.
For many people, it makes sense to make a smaller down payment in order to buy a house sooner and start building home equity.
Choosing the right type of home loan
No two mortgage loans are alike, so it’s important to know your options and choose the right type of mortgage.
The five main types of mortgages include:
Fixed-rate mortgage (FRM)
Your interest rate remains the same over the life of the loan. This is a good option for borrowers who expect to live in their homes long-term.
The most popular loan option is the 30-year mortgage, but 15- and 20-year terms are also commonly available.
Adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM)
Adjustable-rate loans have a fixed interest rate for the first few years. Then, your mortgage rate resets every year.
Your rate and payment can rise or fall annually depending on how the broader interest rate trends.
ARMs are ideal for borrowers who expect to move prior to their first rate adjustment (usually in 5 or 7 years).
For those who plan to stay in their home long-term, a fixed-rate mortgage is typically recommended.
Jumbo mortgage
A jumbo loan is a mortgage that exceeds the conforming loan limit set by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
In 2023, the conforming loan limit is $726,200 in most areas.
Jumbo loans are perfect for borrowers who need a larger loan to purchase a high-priced property, especially in big cities with high real estate values.
FHA mortgage
A government loan backed by the Federal Housing Administration for low- to moderate-income borrowers. FHA loans feature low credit score and down payment requirements.
VA mortgage
A government loan backed by the Department of Veterans Affairs. To be eligible, you must be active-duty military, a veteran, a Reservist or National Guard service member, or an eligible spouse.
VA loans allow no down payment and have exceptionally low mortgage rates.
USDA mortgage
USDA loans are a government program backed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. They offer a no-down-payment solution for borrowers who purchase real estate in an eligible rural area. To qualify, your income must be at or below the local median.
Bank statement loan
Borrowers can qualify for a mortgage without tax returns, using their personal or business bank account. This is an option for self-employed or seasonally-employed borrowers.
Portfolio/Non-QM loan
These are mortgages that lenders don’t sell on the secondary mortgage market. This gives lenders the flexibility to set their own guidelines.
Non-QM loans may have lower credit score requirements, or offer low-down-payment options without mortgage insurance.
Choosing the right mortgage lender
The lender or loan program that’s right for one person might not be right for another.
Explore your options and then pick a loan based on your credit score, down payment, and financial goals, as well as local home prices.
Whether you’re getting a mortgage for a home purchase or a refinance, always shop around and compare rates and terms.
Typically, it only takes a few hours to get quotes from multiple lenders — and it could save you thousands in the long run.
Current mortgage rates methodology
We receive current mortgage rates each day from a network of mortgage lenders that offer home purchase and refinance loans. Mortgage rates shown here are based on sample borrower profiles that vary by loan type. See our full loan assumptions here.
North Carolina is experiencing a boom these days, with record employment growth and an increasing population. If you live in the state, you already know there’s plenty to offer, including beautiful tourist attractions, breathtaking scenery, and a rich history that makes it unique.
But North Carolina also has plenty to offer when it comes to banks and credit unions. Whether you’re looking for an interest-bearing checking account or retirement accounts that offer the biggest bang for your buck, the best bank is the one that suits your needs.
15 Best Banks in North Carolina
If you’re on the hunt for a new bank or credit union, you’re in luck. North Carolina has a little of everything when it comes to bank accounts, from that small local bank with a focus on community service to large banks with branches in the state. This list of the best banks in North Carolina covers a variety of areas to ensure you find the best place to park your cash.
1. U.S. Bank
U.S. Bank offers customers the unique combination of local access with the extensive services of a nationwide bank. By opening a Bank Smartly® Checking account with U.S. Bank, clients can potentially earn up to $300. The qualification process involves two steps within the first 90 days of opening the account online:
Ensure at least two direct deposits totaling $6,000 or more
Register for online banking or download the U.S. Bank Mobile App
This promotional offer is subject to specific terms and restrictions and will remain valid until July 11, 2023. As a member of the FDIC, U.S. Bank ensures customer deposits are protected up to the FDIC’s established limits.
Fees:
$0 – $6.95
No-fee overdraft protection
Balance requirements:
$1,500 minimum balance or $1,000 direct deposit to qualify for free checking
$25 opening deposit
ATMs:
No ATM transaction fees at U.S. Bank ATMs
No surcharge fees at MoneyPass® Network ATMs
Interest rates:
Up to 4.50% APY on money market accounts
Up to 4.75% on fixed-rate CDs
Additional perks:
$300 bonus
Competitive rates on money market accounts & CDs
2. First Citizens Bank
Founded in North Carolina in 1898, First Citizens Bank has expanded over the years. You’ll find First Citizens Bank branches in 21 states, but the majority of its locations are in North Carolina and South Carolina.
If you frequently travel, though, check the service area. You’ll pay a $2.50 out-of-network ATM transaction fee if you can’t locate a First Citizens ATM while you’re away from home.
Fees:
No monthly fees
$10 overdraft fee
Balance requirements:
$50 minimum opening deposit
No minimum monthly balance
ATMs:
Fee-free at 500+ First Citizens Bank ATMs
$2.50 for out-of-network ATM transactions
Interest on balance:
0.03% APY on savings accounts
Up to 0.15% APY on CDs
Up to 0.15% APY on money market accounts
Additional perks:
Credit cards offer generous rewards
Robust mobile banking solutions
3. Chime
Chime is ideal for those who do most of their banking virtually. While you won’t find any brick-and-mortar locations, Chime does offer 24/7 phone support and access to cash through more than 60,000 ATMs nationwide. You can also deposit cash at more than 90,000 retail partners, including CVS and Walmart.
Fees:
No service fee
No overdraft fee
Balance requirements:
No deposit to open
No minimum balance required
ATMs:
Fee-free at 60,000+ ATMs nationwide
$2.50 for each out-of-network ATM transaction
Interest on balance:
2.00% APY on savings account balances
Additional perks:
Access to direct deposits up to 2 days early
SpotMe covers up to $200 in overdrafts
4. CIT Bank
North Carolina residents interested in online banks should take a look at CIT Bank, which is based in Raleigh, North Carolina. This national bank recently merged with First Citizens Bank, which means CIT Bank customers can enjoy brick-and-mortar banking at any CIT location.
You’ll get everything you need to manage your money in CIT’s mobile banking app, as well as refunds of up to $30 in out-of-network ATM fees each month.
Fees:
No monthly fees
No overdraft fees
Balance requirements:
$25 minimum deposit to open
No minimum daily balance required
ATMs:
No ATMs provided
Up to $30 in ATM fees reimbursed monthly
Interest on balance:
Up to 0.25% APY on checking
Up to 4.736% APY on savings accounts
Up to 5.00% APY on CDs
Up to 1.538% APY on money market accounts
Additional perks:
Competitive rates on business loans
Award-winning customer service
5. Coastal Federal Credit Union
Credit unions tend to offer perks you won’t find with banks, and Coastal Federal is no exception. You can qualify if you’re with one of the employers or associations approved for membership or if you live or work in one of the North Carolina cities CFCU services.
As with many credit unions, though, CFCU’s real value comes with its interest rates. Not only will you enjoy an interest checking account, but you can also find great rates on share certificates, which are the credit union version of CDs.
Fees:
No monthly service fees
$31 overdraft fee
Balance requirements:
No minimum opening deposit
No minimum daily balance required
ATMs:
Fee-free at CFCU ATMs
Fee-free at CO-OP ATMs nationwide
$2 out-of-network ATM fee (waived for first five per month)
Interest on balance:
Up to 3.00% APY on savings account balances
Up to 5.00% APY on share certificates
Up to 3.50% APY on money market accounts
Additional perks:
Competitive rates on loans
Financial planning assistance available
6. GO2bank
Another online-only bank is GO2bank, which stands out for its cash accessibility. Not only can you withdraw cash, fee-free, at any Allpoint ATM, but you can deposit cash at more than 90,000 retailers nationwide.
All you need to waive monthly maintenance fees is at least one direct deposit monthly, either from an employer or the government. Those looking to build credit should check out the secured credit card, which you can get with no credit check. Pay your bill on time each month and GO2bank will report your activity to the three credit bureaus, helping you boost your score.
Fees:
$5 monthly fee (waived with requirements)
$15 overdraft fee
Balance requirements:
No minimum deposit to open
No minimum daily balance required
ATMs:
Fee-free at Allpoint ATMs nationwide
$3 for each out-of-network ATM transaction
Interest on balance:
4.50% APY on savings accounts
Additional perks:
Deposit cash at 90,000+ retailers nationwide
Secured credit card helps you build credit with no credit check required
7. Ally Bank
Ally Bank is an online and mobile banking option that puts a priority on budgeting and wealth building. The fee-free checking account comes with no minimum requirements and gives you access to more than 53,000 ATMs nationwide. But one of the best features of Ally Bank is its annual percentage yield on savings and CDs. You’ll earn 4.00% APY on savings and up to 5.00% APY on CDs.
Fees:
No monthly fees
No overdraft fees
Balance requirements:
No minimum opening deposit
No minimum balance requirements
ATMs:
Fee-free at 53,000+ Allpoint ATMs nationwide
No out-of-network ATM fees
Up to $10 in ATM fee refunds monthly
Interest on balance:
Up to 0.25% APY on checking accounts
4.00% APY on savings accounts
Up to 5.00% APY on CDs
4.15% APY on money market accounts
Additional perks:
Spending buckets make it easy to save money
Robo Portfolios help automate investing
8. Chase
Like Bank of America, Chase Bank is one of the biggest banks in North Carolina, with more than 4,700 branches and 16,000 ATMs across the country. Currently, Chase is offering a $100 bonus for new checking account customers as long as you complete at least 10 qualifying transactions within the first 60 days.
Whether you go with Chase for your regular banking or not, though, take a look at Chase’s credit card offerings. Chase has multiple card options, with each offering perks like bonuses and cash back rewards.
Fees:
$12 monthly maintenance fee
$34 overdraft fee
Balance requirements:
No deposit to open
No minimum balance required
ATMs:
Fee-free at 16,000 Chase Bank ATMs nationwide
$3-$5 for each out-of-network ATM transaction
Interest on balance:
0.01% APY on savings account balances
Up to 3.75% APY on CDs
Additional perks:
$100 bonus for new checking accounts
Multiple credit card options with bonuses and generous rewards
9. First Horizon Bank
First Horizon Bank is a regional bank with branches in 11 states across the Southeast, including a heavy presence in North Carolina. One standout feature of First Horizon is its money market rates, which currently go as high as 5.38%. You’ll find ATMs throughout the Southeast, but you can also use your debit card at any Allpoint ATM nationwide without a fee.
Fees:
No monthly service fee
$37 overdraft fee
Balance requirements:
$50 minimum deposit to open
No minimum balance required
ATMs:
Fee-free at more than 600 First Horizon ATMs
Fee-free at Allpoint ATMs nationwide
$3 for each out-of-network ATM transaction
Interest on balance:
Up to 2.78% APY on savings accounts
0.10% APY on CDs
Up to 5.38% APY on money market account
Additional perks:
Business banking options available
Wealth management help available
10. Truist Bank
In 2019, BB&T and SunTrust Banks merged to become Truist Bank. Although Truist has a limited ATM footprint, the Truist One checking account makes it worth it. You’ll get a 10% loyalty bonus based on your monthly balance in addition to a 10% bonus if you choose a Truist credit card.
The interest rates also make Truist a suitable option, since you’ll earn 5.00% APY on 7-month CDs. To waive the $12 monthly service fee on your checking account, you’ll need at least $500 in direct deposit activity each month.
Other options include a combined daily balance of $500 across all your Truist accounts, a Truist credit card or qualifying loan, or a linked business checking account. Students 25 and younger also qualify for a fee-free checking account.
Fees:
$12 monthly service fee (waived with requirements)
No overdraft fees
Balance requirements:
$50 minimum deposit to open
No minimum balance required
ATMs:
Fee-free at Truist Bank ATMs
$1 for each out-of-network ATM transaction
Interest on balance:
0.01% APY on savings accounts
Up to 5.00% APY on CDs
Additional perks:
Generous cash rewards with Truist Bank credit card
Checking balances earn rewards
11. Mechanics & Farmers Banks
You may know it as M&F Bank, but it actually started under the name of Mechanics & Farmers Bank in 1907. Throughout the 1900s, it was known as one of the most influential Black-owned businesses in the state of North Carolina. Today, M&F has locations throughout North Carolina and access to 44,000 ATMs nationwide, thanks to partnerships with Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase, and Wells Fargo.
Fees:
No service fee
$35 overdraft fee
Balance requirements:
$50 deposit to open
No minimum balance required
ATMs:
Fee-free at M&F Bank ATMs
Fee-free at Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase, and Wells Fargo ATMs
$3 for each out-of-network ATM transaction
Interest on balance:
Rates not publicly disclosed
Additional perks:
Rewards on debit card transactions
Robust business banking options
12. First National Bank
First National Bank has branches throughout North Carolina, as well as in DC, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia. The free checking account is Freestyle Checking, but it does come with overdraft fees, and the exact fee amount isn’t disclosed until you sign up for an account.
You’ll also only get fee-free transactions at First National Bank ATMs, and they’re limited to the First National Bank service area.
Fees:
No monthly fee
Balance requirements:
$50 minimum deposit to open
No minimum balance required
ATMs:
Fee-free at 1,500+ First National Bank ATMs
Interest on balance:
Up to 0.05% APY on savings accounts
Up to 5.00% APY on CDs
Up to 1.25% APY on money market account
Additional perks:
Cash and check deposit available at Smart Deposit ATMs
The site makes ordering banking products and scheduling branch appointments easy
13. PNC Bank
PNC Bank has branches in 29 states, including 107 branches in North Carolina. Currently, new customers are eligible for bonuses of up to $400. You’ll get a $50 bonus simply for opening a Virtual Wallet with a basic checking package, but that bonus bumps up to $200 if you add a Performance Spend checking account and $400 if you upgrade to a Performance Select account.
The PNC Bank basic account only requires $500 in monthly direct deposits or a combined $500 balance between accounts.
Fees:
$7 monthly fee (waived with requirements)
$36 overdraft fee
Balance requirements:
$25 minimum deposit to open
No minimum balance required
ATMs:
Fee-free at PNC Bank ATMs
Fee-free at 60,000+ partner ATMs nationwide
$3 for each out-of-network ATM transaction
Interest on balance:
Up to 0.03% APY on savings accounts
Up to 4.00% APY on CDs
Additional perks:
Up to $400 bonus for new virtual wallet customers
Financial planning tools built into the app
14. Fifth Third Bank
Fifth Third Bank focuses operations on the Midwest and Southeast U.S. regions, with 1,087 full-service locations in 11 states. You’ll find a variety of banking products, from savings and checking accounts to investment and retirement accounts. Fifth Third Bank offers competitive interest rates on CDs, with a 7-month CD currently offering 5.00% APY.
Fees:
No monthly maintenance fee
$37 overdraft fee
Balance requirements:
No minimum deposit to open
No minimum balance required
ATMs:
Fee-free at 2,100+ Fifth Third Bank ATMs
Fee-free at 40,000+ partner ATMs nationwide
$3 for each out-of-network ATM transaction
Interest on balance:
0.01% APY on savings account balances
Up to 5.00% APY on CDs
Additional perks:
Early Pay gives you access to direct deposit two days early
Grace period to resolve overdrafts
15. Bank of America
If you prefer what national banks have to offer, you can’t go wrong with Bank of America, which is one of the biggest banks in the country. You’ll find ATMs and branches across the country, as well as a wide variety of services. Although Bank of America does have competitive interest rates on CDs, the basic checking account comes with a $12 monthly fee and a $100 deposit to open.
Fees:
$12 monthly fee
$10 overdraft fee
Balance requirements:
$100 deposit to open
No minimum balance required
ATMs:
Fee-free at 15,000+ Bank of America ATMs nationwide
$5 for each out-of-network ATM transaction
Interest on balance:
Up to 0.04% APY on savings account balances
Up to 4.75% APY on CDs
Additional perks:
Generous bonus on new credit cards
Wealth planning services available
Our Methodology: How We Chose the Best Banks in North Carolina
North Carolina has a large selection of banks, some paying more in interest than the national average. In putting together this list, we kept in mind that each person has different criteria when choosing savings and checking accounts. Your choice of bank will largely depend on your own banking habits. If you tend to do all your banking online, a user-friendly app might be a top priority, while those who prefer the in-person experience might put nearby branches first.
Our top goal was to bring a variety of banking options to this list. We’ve combined local, regional, online, and national banks to help you choose. We also looked at fees and interest rates to help you protect and grow your earnings.
Frequently Asked Questions
You have questions, and we have answers. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about banks in North Carolina.
What is the safest bank for your money?
Lately, financial security has been a top priority for account holders in search of a new bank. The top thing to look at is a bank’s Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation coverage. This insurance protects each deposit holder for up to $250,000 if a financial institution goes belly up.
Once you’ve verified a bank is FDIC insured, pay attention to any news of mergers or buyouts involving your bank. Selling can be a sign of financial distress.
See also: Safest Banks in the U.S. for 2023
What is the best bank in North Carolina?
That’s a tough question because the definition of “best bank” can vary from one person to another. If you think the best checking accounts come with an annual percentage yield and a mobile app to manage it all, you’ll be looking at different criteria from someone who wants a local bank with personalized customer service.
If you’re going for customer satisfaction ratings, J.D. Power gives high marks to both Capital One and Chase, which both have a heavy presence in North Carolina. But if you’re looking for that local banking experience, you can’t go wrong with First Citizens Bank or M&F Bank.
What is the best credit union in North Carolina?
There are several credit unions in North Carolina, but the one that impressed us most was Coastal Federal. CFCU’s fee-free checking and annual percentage yield on savings and share certificates makes it stand out. But it’s also important to take a look at the interest rates on personal loans and compare them to banks in the area to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
One issue with credit unions is that they tend to come with strict membership requirements. You may find you’re limited to only those that will accept your employer or city of residence, and those credit unions might not have financial accounts that meet your needs. However, there are also some credit unions that anyone can join.
Which bank has the most branches in North Carolina?
If you do most of your banking in North Carolina, you might not care if your debit card works at ATMs across the country. In that case, you’ll need a bank with plenty of branches and ATMs in the areas where you work and live.
When it comes to sheer branch numbers, take a look at Truist Bank and Wells Fargo. Both have a heavy branch presence throughout the state. For smaller banks, First Citizens and First Horizon both have substantial branch coverage in North Carolina.
However, you’ll also need to check your neighborhood. If you’re interested in that in-person bank experience, you’ll be disappointed if you have to drive a half hour or more to get to the closest branch.
What banks are in Charlotte, NC?
North Carolina isn’t just a thriving state filled with business opportunities. The state is a financial center in itself. Not only does Charlotte have smaller banks like M&F Bank and First Citizens Bank, but both Bank of America and Truist Bank are headquartered in North Carolina, as well.
This heavy financial presence has made North Carolina great for finding banking services. The many banks in the state are eager to win your business and offer competitive rates to ensure it happens. That means it’s more likely that checking accounts come with low fees and savings accounts earn top-dollar interest rates. When combined with the many online bank options, the biggest issue will be narrowing the list to just one.
From high-yield savings accounts to fee-free checking accounts, North Carolina has it all. Shopping around will help you choose from the best banks so that you can find the perfect banking partner for you.
JPMorgan Chase is expanding an effort to help close the gap in homeownership between Black and Hispanic communities and the rest of the country.
Residents of some 3,000 additional Black-majority and Hispanic-majority Census tracts in 16 U.S. markets will be eligible for up to $5,000 in grants that are designed to help with down payments and closing costs.
The program’s expansion, announced Wednesday, may help an additional 1,000 customers obtain mortgages, according to Cerita Battles, head of community and affordable lending at JPMorgan.
The bank does not expect to make a profit on the program, particularly as credit conditions worsen, she said. “At the end of the day, this is a long-term sustainable investment,” Battles said.
Chase Home Lending has already spent more than $30 million to help more than 6,000 prospective homebuyers in majority-minority neighborhoods make down payments and pay closing costs, according to the bank.
The $3.7 trillion-asset bank launched the effort in 2021 as part of a five-year racial equity commitment. The year before, nationwide protests sparked by the death of George Floyd prompted industry leaders to reconsider how they serve historically disadvantaged groups.
Following advice from regulators, JPMorgan launched a special-purpose credit program that provides mortgage assistance in majority-Black and majority-Hispanic neighborhoods. Under those programs, which are authorized under a provision of federal law, financial institutions can extend credit access to people who might otherwise be denied access to credit, or might be charged unfair rates.
When the bank rolled out the Chase Home Buyer Grant program, it looked first to provide credit access to Black Americans, who face the nation’s lowest homeownership rates. A year later, the program was extended to Hispanic Americans, a group that has the second-lowest homeownership rate.
The grants are made available to any resident of eligible majority-Black and majority-Hispanic neighborhoods — not only to members of specific racial groups — in part because residents of minority communities often fail to identify their race for fear that they may not receive a loan, Battles said.
The adoption of special-purpose credit programs has historically been stifled by criticism that they favor certain races over others. But attitudes have begun to change as regulators have assured banks that the programs do not violate the law, Battles said.
Blair Bernstein, a spokesperson for the American Bankers Association, reaffirmed the trade group’s support for special-purpose credit programs, calling them “an important tool that allows banks to expand access to credit for underserved communities.”
“Homeownership helps build wealth, and these important, responsibly managed programs provide opportunities for more borrowers, particularly as the cost of homeownership rises,” Bernstein said.
Yet, there are still some who question JPMorgan’s program, Battles said.
“There’s still a lot of education that’s still necessary, because all lenders are not participating in this space today,” she said. “I think it’s very necessary for us to be very intentional about our explanation around it — the how and why.”
JPMorgan has gotten support from nonprofit groups that focus on closing the homeownership gap.
“Homeownership is one of the most important ways to build generational wealth that families can pass down,” said Valerie Navy-Daniels, senior vice president of resource development at NeighborWorks America, a nonprofit organization that supports housing access and affordability. “We thank Chase and other banks for addressing this critical issue.”
Battles said that JPMorgan will be encouraging local market participants to support and promote the Chase Home Buyer Grant program and similar initiatives. She noted that funding from other institutions can be layered on top of the $5,000 grant.
“I would assume that we will likely expand this, expand this program again and go into some other markets, especially if we see the need in the value of going into those particular markets,” Battles said.
To those who doubt whether the grant program makes financial sense, Battles said: “There’s a cost to not being able to serve all who aspire to homeownership.”
Major players in the household lending market are Bank of America Corporation, JPMorgan Chase and Co., Pentagon Federal Credit Union, Discover Bank, Member FDIC, LoanDepot, Spring EQ, A and A Dukaan Financial Services Private Limited, ABC Finance Limited, Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited, Barclays PLC.
New York, June 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report “Household Lending Global Market Report 2023” – https://www.reportlinker.com/p04590164/?utm_source=GNW , Citizens Commerce Bancshares Inc., Commonwealth Bank of Australia, Flagstar Bancorp Inc., HSBC Holdings PLC., Morgan Stanley, Navy Federal Credit Union, Roostify, and Royal Bank of Canada.
The global household lending market is expected to grow from $4,048.14 billion in 2022 to $4,520.83 billion in 2023 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.7%. The Russia-Ukraine war disrupted the chances of global economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, at least in the short term. The war between these two countries has led to economic sanctions on multiple countries, a surge in commodity prices, and supply chain disruptions, causing inflation across goods and services and affecting many markets across the globe. The household lending market is expected to reach $6,798.66 billion in 2027 at a CAGR of 10.7%.
The household lending market includes revenues earned by entities by providing conventional loans, secured and unsecured loans, and open-end and closed-end loans to borrowers for household lending.The market value includes the value of related goods sold by the service provider or included within the service offering.
Only goods and services traded between entities or sold to end consumers are included.
Household lending refers the act of loaning money to purchase a home or household.The debtor pays back the borrowed funds and interest according to the loan repayment plan.
Household lending can aid in raising the budget for a home purchase using the loan amount provided.
North America was the largest region in the household lending market in 2022. The regions covered in the household lending market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East and Africa.
The main types of household lending are fixed-rate loans and home equity lines of credit, which are provided by banks, online lenders, credit unions, and others.A fixed-rate loan is one in which the interest rate is fixed throughout the loan or only a portion of it.
Various sources included are mortgage and credit unions, commercial banks, and others. The main types of interest rate are fixed-rate mortgage loans and adjustable-rate mortgage loans.
The huge spike in housing costs is expected to propel the growth of the household lending market in the coming future.Housing costs is rent and mortgage costs (principal repayment and mortgage interest); or a measure that is more inclusive and takes into account the costs of obligatory services and charges, routine maintenance and repairs, taxes, and utility bills.
The increased housing costs limit an individual’s capacity to buy a house by full cash payment and motivate them to apply for a loan.So, the increasing housing costs is boosting the household lending market.
For instance, in November 2022, according to the Federal Housing Finance Agency, a US-based autonomous federal body established as the Federal Housing Finance Board’s regulatory substitute, in the United States between the third quarters of 2021 and 2022, the price of homes increased by 12.4%. In contrast to the second quarter of 2022, home prices increased by 0.1 percent. Therefore, the huge spike in housing costs is driving the household lending market.
Technological advancements are the key trends gaining popularity in the household lending market.Major companies operating in the household lending market are focused on developing innovative technologies to strengthen their position in the market.
For instance, in October 2021, Roostify, a US-based developer of a digital lending platform for home loans, launched the ’first of many’ APIs (application programming interface) on its existing lending platform developed to automate data extraction from documents and document validation in the financing process.Roostify Document Intelligence (RDI) Service, the company’s newest technology, will employ AI (artificial intelligence) to identify, validate, and extract data from documents connected to mortgages.
Users can receive automatic feedback from the technology when they upload documents that are wrong or ineligible, and errors can be flagged before it cause a data input problem. As an API, this one may be integrated into any step of the lending process and serve a wide range of use cases that can take advantage of the automated identification and extraction of data from the mortgage document collection.
In March 2023, Barclays PLC, a UK-based multinational bank, acquired Kensington Mortgage Company Limited for an undisclosed amount.Through the acquisition, Barclays enhanced its current mortgage product portfolio by integrating a better-specialized mortgage lender with a solid reputation in the UK market, further strengthening its product capabilities, and aligning with Barclays’ strategic aim of delivering next-generation, digital consumer financial services.
Kensington Mortgage Company Limited is a UK-based mortgage lender for first-time purchasers, self-employed people, contractors, and others.
The countries covered in the household lending market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA.
The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD, unless otherwise specified).
The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.
The household lending market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides household lending market statistics, including household lending industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a household lending market share, detailed household lending market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the household lending industry. This household lending market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry. Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p04590164/?utm_source=GNW
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Wells Fargo is stepping back from the multitrillion-dollar market for U.S. mortgages amid regulatory pressure and the impact of higher interest rates.
Instead of its previous goal of reaching as many Americans as possible, the company will now focus on home loans for existing bank and wealth management customers and borrowers in minority communities, CNBC has learned.
Dual factors of a lending market that has collapsed since the Federal Reserve began raising rates last year and questions about the long-term profitability of the business led to the decision, said consumer lending chief Kleber Santos. Regulators have heightened oversight of mortgage lending in the past decade, and Wells Fargo garnered further scrutiny after its 2016 fake accounts scandal.
“We are acutely aware of Wells Fargo’s history since 2016 and the work we need to do to restore public confidence,” Santos said in a phone interview. “As part of that review, we determined that our home-lending business was too large, both in terms of overall size and its scope.”
It’s the latest, and perhaps most significant, strategic shift that CEO Charlie Scharf has undertaken since joining Wells Fargo in late 2019. Mortgages are by far the biggest category of debt held by Americans, making up 71% of the $16.5 trillion in total household balances. Under Scharf’s predecessors, Wells Fargo took pride in its vast share in home loans — it was the country’s top lender as recently as 2019 when it had $201.8 billion in volume, according to industry newsletter Inside Mortgage Finance.
More like rivals
Now, as a result of this and other changes that Scharf is making, including pushing for more revenue from investment banking and credit cards, Wells Fargo will more closely resemble megabank rivals Bank of America and JPMorgan Chase. Both companies ceded mortgage share after the 2008 financial crisis.
The slimming down of those once-huge operations has implications for the U.S. mortgage market.
As banks stepped back from home loans after the disaster that was the early 2000s housing bubble, nonbank players including Rocket Mortgage quickly filled the void. But these newer players aren’t as closely regulated as the banks are, and industry critics say that could expose consumers to pitfalls. Today, Wells Fargo is the third-biggest mortgage lender after Rocket and United Wholesale Mortgage.
Third-party loans, servicing
As part of its retrenchment, Wells Fargo is also shuttering its correspondent business that buys loans made by third-party lenders and “significantly” shrinking its mortgage-servicing portfolio through asset sales, Santos said.
The correspondence channel is a significant pipeline of business for San Francisco-based Wells Fargo, one that became larger as overall loan activity shrank last year. In October, the bank said 42% of the $21.5 billion in loans it originated in the third quarter were correspondent loans.
The sale of mortgage-servicing rights to other industry players will take at least several quarters to complete, depending on market conditions, Santos said. Wells Fargo is the biggest U.S. mortgage servicer, which involves collecting payments from borrowers, with nearly $1 trillion in loans, or 7.3% of the market, as of the third quarter, according to data from Inside Mortgage Finance.
More layoffs
Altogether, the shift will result in a fresh round of layoffs for the bank’s mortgage operations, executives acknowledged, but they declined to quantify exactly how many jobs will be lost. Thousands of mortgage workers were terminated or voluntarily left the company last year as business declined.
The news shouldn’t be a complete surprise to investors or employees. Wells Fargo staff have speculated for months about changes coming after Scharf telegraphed his intentions several times in the past year. Bloomberg reported in August that the bank was considering paring back or halting correspondent lending.
“It’s very different today running a mortgage business inside a bank than it was 15 years ago,” Scharf told analysts in June. “We won’t be as large as we were historically” in the industry, he added.
Last changes?
Wells Fargo said it was investing $100 million toward its goal of minority homeownership and placing more mortgage consultants in branches located in minority communities.
“Our priority is to de-risk the place, to focus on serving our own customers and play the role that society expects us to play as it relates to the racial homeownership gap,” Santos said.
The mortgage shift marks what is potentially the last major business overhaul Scharf will undertake after splitting the bank’s operations into five divisions, bringing in 12 new operating committee members and creating a diversity segment.
In a phone interview, Scharf said that he didn’t anticipate making other major changes, with the caveat that the bank will need to adapt to evolving conditions.
“Given the quality of the five major businesses across the franchise, we think we’re positioned to compete against the very best out there and win, whether it’s banks, nonbanks or fintechs,” he said.
Rising interest rates are putting up new roadblocks for people struggling to pay their mortgages. Housing officials are working on a fix.
The Federal Housing Administration proposed a plan on Wednesday for mortgage borrowers who are behind on payments to get back on track by temporarily reducing their monthly bills. As part of it, borrowers would avoid giving up their super-low mortgage rates.
The FHA would essentially pay part of the homeowner’s monthly bill, using its insurance fund, then structure the repayment as a second loan due after the first is paid off, officials said. It would be available to people who otherwise wouldn’t benefit from a traditional modification that involves giving up their low rate for a higher one.
“We see a lot of people having to get modifications that either don’t reduce their payment or in some cases raise their payment,” said Julia Gordon, the assistant secretary for housing at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. “That’s not going to have the success rate over time that we’d like to see.”
The officials are trying to address a problem that is unique to this economy. The Federal Reserve is lifting interest rates and vowing to keep them elevated to combat inflation, last year pushing mortgage rates to their highest level in more than two decades. At the same time, the economy is showing signs of strain, and more Americans are running into financial trouble.
Historically, homeowner distress has risen when the U.S. is heading into a recession and the Fed is cutting interest rates to stimulate the economy. Struggling borrowers can then take advantage of falling rates to reduce their monthly mortgage payments.
In the financial crisis of 2008, for example, delinquent borrowers used modification programs offered by the federal government or their servicers to bring loans current. In doing so, they obtained the market interest rate. And since rates were falling, their new rate was typically lower.
Federal loan programs currently offer a menu of options for adjusting loans. One FHA option is to extend the term of the loan to 40 years to spread the payments out. But that also involves giving up the old interest rate.
The benchmark 30-year mortgage rate is now north of 6%, more than double the levels from the height of the pandemic. Modifying a mortgage and taking the going interest rate might mean paying hundreds of dollars more a month.
Gregory Schuknecht, of St. Johns, Fla., used a pandemic forbearance program to pause payments on his FHA mortgage. When he went to restart payments, his mortgage company in May offered him a modification with a higher interest rate.
The new rate is 6.875%, up from 3.875%, which would bring the monthly payment to about $1,900 from about $1,350. With the new terms, the mortgage would be fully paid off in 2063, far after the original maturity of 2046.
Schuknecht, who receives Social Security and does deliveries, said that despite the increased cost, he is glad to reinstate his mortgage. “I’m going to be out here delivering Walmart groceries day and night, but it keeps my kids at home,” he said.
The new proposal could generate concerns that the government is giving away money to people who can’t afford their mortgages. FHA officials pointed out that the government would get repaid at the end of the loan term, and that helping borrowers get back on track is less costly to the government than following through with a foreclosure.
Housing experts worry that saddling borrowers with higher mortgage payments puts them at risk of once again falling behind. A 2017 JPMorgan Chase Institute report found that a 10% mortgage-payment reduction reduced default rates by 22%.
The FHA-insured loan program is already focused on first-time home buyers and tends to serve borrowers with lower incomes and credit scores than mortgages backed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. The program currently has about 320,000 seriously delinquent borrowers.
“Now when we say modification, we have to educate the borrower that you’re likely to have a higher payment,” said Marissa Vetter, a housing counselor at Jacksonville Area Legal Aid.
With the proposed new option, FHA would help struggling homeowners catch up on past due payments and reduce their monthly bill. For a period of up to five years, the monthly principal and interest payment may drop as much as 25% and the total FHA supplement could be as much as 30% of the loan balance.
If a homeowner has an $800 monthly principal and interest payment, the supplement from FHA might cover $200 so the homeowner only has to pay $600. The mortgage company would pay the $200 to the investor that owns the loan and then get reimbursed by FHA.
The homeowner would make up the payments at the end of the loan term, a similar repayment structure to the pandemic hardship programs rolled out in 2020.
FHA loans are typically pooled into mortgage bonds and sold to investors with government backing. To modify any features on a loan, the mortgage company must buy the loan out of the pool. The loan then needs to be reset to a market interest rate so that, once modified, it can be sold into a new pool of loans.
The new payment supplement doesn’t change the terms of the loan, so it can remain in the pool with the current low interest rate. Investors continue to receive an uninterrupted stream of payments because of the amount that FHA kicks in.
Homeowner delinquencies spiked during the beginning of the pandemic, then came down. More recently they have been ticking up again. Among Ginnie Mae bonds, which contain FHA mortgages, some 2.39% of homeowners were 90 or more days behind on their mortgages in April, up from 2.25% a year earlier, according to JPMorgan data.
The proposal will be opened up to 30 days of public feedback, and would go into effect some time after that.
In today’s digital world, having a checking account is not just a luxury, but a necessity. As a leading financial institution, Chase, a division of JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A, offers a variety of checking accounts to suit different needs.
This guide will provide an overview of how to open a Chase checking account, detail the available account types, and explain their associated benefits and costs.
The Basics of Opening a Chase Checking Account
Opening a Chase checking account is a simple and streamlined process. It’s designed to be accessible whether you prefer to handle your banking online or in-person. With over 4,700 branches, JPMorgan Chase Co. has made it possible to open an account virtually anywhere in the U.S.
When preparing to open your account, you’ll need to have certain information on hand. This includes your Social Security Number or Tax ID number, which is a basic requirement for any financial transactions in the U.S. You’ll also need a valid form of identification, such as a driver’s license or passport. Chase uses this information to verify your identity, ensuring your financial safety and security.
In addition to the above, you’ll also need to provide personal contact information. This includes your address, email, and phone number. This is so Chase can contact you about account information, and so they can send you important banking documents.
For new customers under the age of 18, a parent or guardian will need to co-own the account. This is standard practice at many financial institutions. It ensures that there’s an adult associated with the account who can manage the account responsibly.
Choosing the Right Chase Checking Account for You
Choosing a bank account is a critical decision, and Chase offers a variety of options, each with its own features, benefits, and costs. These include Chase Total Checking®, Chase Secure Banking℠, Chase Premier Plus Checking℠, and Chase Student Checking. It’s essential to review each option and choose one that fits your lifestyle and financial goals.
Chase Total Checking®
Chase Total Checking® is the most popular checking account offered by Chase. With access to over 15,000 ATMs and 4,700 branches, it offers a range of features including Chase Overdraft Assist℠, Zero Liability Protection for unauthorized debit card transactions.
Additionally, you’ll have the ability to manage your money on the go with the Chase Mobile® app. You can deposit checks, pay bills, and transfer money virtually anywhere, which makes it an excellent option for everyday banking needs.
The monthly service fee for this account is $12, which can be waived if you meet specific requirements such as maintaining a minimum balance, direct deposit, or holding a combination of qualifying Chase accounts.
Chase Secure Banking℠
Chase Secure Banking℠ is designed to help you manage your money without worrying about maintaining a minimum balance or unexpected overdraft fees. With a monthly service fee of $4.95, you can enjoy features like early direct deposit, paying bills, and cashing checks. It also allows you to send money and access Chase’s extensive network of ATMs and branches, all from the Chase Mobile app.
One significant advantage of this account is the absence of overdraft fees. This account enables you to spend only what you have, thus promoting responsible spending habits. Other benefits include no fees on money orders, cashier’s checks, and when using the Chase Online Bill Pay.
Chase Premier Plus Checking℠
The Chase Premier Plus Checking℠ is a premium checking account that not only gives you the standard benefits of online bill pay and mobile banking through the Chase Mobile app but also earns you interest on your balance. You’ll have access to 15,000 ATMs and 4,700 branches, Chase ATMs, and a Chase debit card with chip technology.
This account comes with a $25 monthly service fee that can be waived under specific conditions. These include maintaining a qualifying average balance, having a linked qualifying Chase mortgage, or for current U.S. service members and veterans with a qualifying military ID.
Additional perks include no fee for the first four non-Chase ATM transactions, Chase design checks, and no monthly service fees on up to two additional linked Chase checking and personal savings accounts.
How to Open a Chase Checking Account Step-by-Step
Whether you choose to open a Chase account online or in-person, the process is simple and hassle-free.
Opening an Account Online
To open a Chase checking account online, follow these steps:
Visit the Chase website and select the ‘Open an account’ option.
Select the type of account you wish to open.
Click ‘Open account’ and fill in your personal information.
Review the Deposit Account Agreement and other disclosures.
Fund your new Chase bank account.
Submit your application.
You should receive an email confirmation, and your debit card and account details should arrive by mail within 7-10 business days.
Opening an Account In-Person
If you prefer to open a Chase checking account in person, follow these steps:
Visit a Chase branch. You can use the ‘Branch/ATM locator’ on the Chase website or Chase Mobile app to find a branch near you.
A Chase representative will guide you through the process, help you understand the various account options, and complete the application form.
Review the Deposit Account Agreement and other disclosures.
Fund your new account.
You will receive a temporary debit card immediately and your permanent debit card will be mailed to you.
The in-person option offers the advantage of personalized assistance from a Chase representative who can answer any questions you might have and ensure a smooth application process.
Understanding Chase’s Monthly Account Fees
Understanding the monthly service fees associated with your checking account is crucial to managing your money effectively. Most accounts come with different fees, depending on the account type.
For instance, the Chase Total Checking account has a $12 monthly service fee. However, this can be waived under certain conditions. These include a direct deposit totaling $500 or more. It can also be waived by maintaining a beginning day balance of $1,500 or more. Alternatively, an average beginning day balance of $5,000 or more across qualifying accounts can also waive the fee.
The Chase Secure Banking account is a bit different. It has a $4.95 monthly service fee with no waiver option. On the other hand, the Chase Premier Plus Checking account has a $25 monthly service fee. But, this fee can be waived. You can do this by meeting certain balance requirements or having linked accounts.
Understanding Minimum Balance Requirements for Chase Checking Accounts
Chase checking accounts have different minimum balance requirements, which can influence the account’s cost. The Chase Total Checking account, for example, requires a daily beginning balance of $1,500 or more to avoid the monthly service fee.
For the Chase Premier Plus Checking account, an average beginning day balance of $15,000 or more in any combination of linked qualifying accounts or a linked Chase mortgage can help avoid the monthly service fee.
The Chase Secure Banking account, however, does not require a minimum balance, making it an attractive option for those looking for a low-cost, simple checking account.
Perks and Drawbacks of Chase Checking Accounts
The checking accounts offered by Chase come with several perks, such as access to a broad ATM and branch network, excellent customer service, and a highly-rated mobile app for easy access to your money. Furthermore, accounts like the Chase Total Checking and Chase Premier Plus Checking offer additional benefits like earning interest and waiving the monthly service fee under specific conditions.
However, these accounts also have some drawbacks. Monthly service fees, unless waived, and ATM fees for non-Chase ATMs can add to your banking costs. Furthermore, the interest rates offered on these accounts are typically lower than those offered by online banks.
Is a Chase checking account right for you?
Choosing the right checking account depends on your personal financial needs and lifestyle. If you value in-person banking, broad ATM and branch access, and a comprehensive mobile banking experience, a Chase checking account could be a good fit. However, if you’re looking for high-interest rates or zero fees, you might want to explore other financial institutions.
It’s essential to consider the different features, benefits, and costs associated with each account type. Make sure to read the fine print and understand the terms of the Deposit Account Agreement before opening a new account. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or someone looking for secure banking, Chase has a variety of options to help you manage your money effectively.
Mortgage credit availability dropped in May, a consequence of a tougher mortgage landscape that has resulted in lender consolidation as well as high rates and limited inventory that has stretched consumer budgets.
The monthly Mortgage Credit Availability Index fell by 3.1% to 96.5 last month, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association. A decline of the index, benchmarked to 100 in March 2012, indicates that lending standards are tightening while an increase suggests loosening credit.
“Mortgage credit availability decreased for the third consecutive month, as the industry continued to see more consolidation and reduced capacity as a result of the tougher market,” Joel Kan, MBA’s associate vice president of economic and industry forecasting, said in a statement. “With this decline in availability, the MCAI is now at its lowest level since January 2013.”
While the Conventional MCAI, which does not include loans backed by the government, decreased 2.3%, the Government MCAI, which examines FHA, VA, and USDA loan programs, fell by 3.8%.
Of the two component indices of the conventional index, the Jumbo MCAI fell by 1.5% and the Conforming MCAI dropped by 3.9%.
The jumbo index had its first contraction in three months, as some depositories assess the impact of recent deposit outflows and reduce their appetite for jumbo loans, Kan said.
Wells Fargo, a formerly important jumbo mortgage lender, is reducing its home lending footprint, and JPMorgan Chase’s acquisition of First Republic Bank will result in the discontinuation of its popular jumbo mortgage program.
The drop in mortgage credit availability follows a spike in mortgage rates during the month of May, which rose to 6.43%, according to Freddie Mac.
Single-family home prices also rose to about $450,000 in May, according to data from Altos Research, up from around $443,000 in April.
In honor of National Homeownership Month, Chase Home Lending unveiled on Tuesday an upgraded suite of resources for homebuyers to assist in navigating the homebuying process and managing homeownership.
One resource unveiled by Chase is Lock and Shop, which enables buyers to lock in their mortgage rate for 90 days without an upfront fee when using Chase Homebuyer Advantage. Borrowers must find their property within 60 days to take advantage of Lock and Shop, and will have the option of a one-time float down if rates improve.
Once a buyer finds their home, they can take advantage of the lender’s Closing Guarantee, which guarantees an on-time closing in as little as 21 days or the borrower will receive $5,000.
In addition, the lender is offering borrowers a number of other savings and assistance programs, like the Homebuyer Assistance Finder, which allows buyers to search for and discover homebuyer grants and assistance programs they may qualify for. Chase also offers a $5,000 grant for eligible homebuyers purchasing in majority-Black and Hispanic neighborhoods across the U.S.
Buyers may also have the option to take advantage of a $200 Pilot Program, which is available to prospective buyers in Houston, Ohio or Arizona who have an active loan offer from another lender. Borrowers can compare their offer to Chase’s with the assistance of a home lending advisor, and if Chase cannot match or improve upon the offer, the buyers will receive $200.
New homebuyer research
In addition to the upgraded resources, the lender also unveiled data from its latest First-Time Homebuyer Study, which shows that despite fluctuations in the housing market over the past year, 44% of respondents are confident in their ability to be financially prepared for purchasing a home in the coming year. That marks a 12% increase from the previous year.
“The homebuying process can be complex, so it’s critical that homebuyers have the right knowledge, tools, and experts to help them,” said Sean Grzebin, head of consumer originations at Chase Home Lending. “The latest set of resources from Chase, coupled with our network of home lending advisors, were designed with the current needs of homebuyers in mind, like locking in a rate and finding opportunities for savings. We’re excited for consumers to explore our updated offerings and engage with tools that can help them achieve homeownership.”
Chase said it commissioned the study to gain a better understanding of the needs of first-time homebuyers amid an uncertain economic environment. The study examined attitudes, behaviors, and expectations related to homebuying, with a particular focus on confidence and financial readiness.
The study also shows that despite the prevailing economic conditions, 58% of respondents expressed a likelihood of purchasing a home within the next 12 months, while 70% still consider homeownership as a vital step toward building wealth.
“Prospective homebuyers are eager to tap into the wealth-building capabilities that homeownership brings,” Grzebin said. “Despite market uncertainty and lengthened timelines, first-time buyers are making the necessary lifestyle adjustments to reach their homeownership goals.”
The study, based on responses from 1,900 U.S.-based consumers who have never owned a home, was conducted in Q4 2022.
Other notable findings from the survey include:
Black Americans represent 21% of first-time homebuyers in 2022
13% of first-time homebuyers are Hispanic
Single women account for 22% of first-time homebuyers
63% of respondents are aware of the financial changes and activities required to qualify for a loan
59% of respondents know the amount of money they need to purchase a home, while 46% are uncertain if they will ever be able to save enough
Chase is the consumer and commercial banking business of JPMorgan Chase & Co., a financial services firm based in the United States with $3.7 trillion in assets and operations worldwide.
This content was generated using AI, and was edited and fact-checked by HousingWire’s editors.