BNC National Bank

BNC National Bank Reviews

Author pictureAuthor picture
Author picture
Written by
Author picture
Edited by

Our promise. We provide a buying advantage with verified reviews and unbiased editorial research.

About BNC National Bank

BNC National Bank (NMLS #418467) is an online bank and mortgage lender that’s been in business for over 30 years. The company is headquartered in Bismarck, North Dakota. It offers conventional, FHA, VA, USDA and jumbo loans. You can apply for a mortgage directly through the company’s website.

    Pros & Cons

    Pros
    • Experienced VA lender
    • Competitive rates
    • Online preapproval decisions in minutes
    Cons
    • Limited fee info online
    • No HELOCs or home equity loans
    • Few in-person branches

    Featured Reviews

    Verified
    Yorktown, VA

    We used BNC back in 2018 and we used them again. We’re very happy with them. The application process was as smooth as it could be. One of the reasons that we came back was because...

    Read full review
    Verified
    Foster, RI

    I was working with three different lenders trying to work a deal out. So, it took a little bit of time. But once I committed to BNC, they were great. We got everything knocked out...

    Read full review

    Rates

    BNC National Bank doesn’t publish its starting rates online, but according to Home Mortgage Disclosure Act data, the company has had a lower average rate for home purchase loans than the national average in recent years. In 2021, its average rate was 0.25% lower than the national average.

    BNC National Bank offers both fixed-rate and adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs). Fixed-rate mortgages are popular when rates are low; when rates climb, many borrowers choose ARMs for the short-term savings they offer. ARMs have relatively low introductory rates for one to five years, after which the rate resets and adjusts according to market conditions. Before you get an ARM, keep in mind there’s no guarantee rates will come down over time.

    BNC National Bank average home purchase rate vs. national average

    Information pulled from public Home Mortgage Disclosure Act data. Rates reflect noncommercial home purchase loans only.

    Application process

    You start the preapproval process by applying through the company’s website. Once you create an account, the application asks questions about the type of home you’re looking to purchase, your assets (like bank account balances) and your demographics. You may also need to upload financial documents, like bank statements and pay stubs, before you can submit the finalized application.

    A loan officer is available to assist you with your application or answer any questions you may have about the process. After completing the application, you could receive a preapproval decision within a few minutes.

    Matthew, a ConsumerAffairs reviewer from Matthews, North Carolina, had this to say about BNC National Bank:  “The rep worked with me and gave me the lowest available rate. I got a conventional loan and everything rolled fast. It was a good process. He told me what I needed, and I got those things. The portal was easy to upload information. It was a good experience and I would use BNC again. I recommended them to a friend and he used them as well.”

    BNC National Bank application features

    Loan types

    BNC National Bank offers a variety of mortgage loan options to suit borrowers’ needs. The company offers conventional loans (with fixed or adjustable rates), jumbo loans, FHA loans, USDA loans and VA loans. Conventional loans generally come with 15-year, 20-year or 30-year terms. The company also offers 203(k) loans, which are mortgage loans insured by the FHA for purchasing and remodeling a home.

    BNC National Bank states that it specializes in VA loans and mortgages for first-time homebuyers. The company originated over $1.2 billion in VA loans alone in 2021.

    That same year, BNC National Bank received 3,157 home purchase applications. Of those applications, about 64% (2,023) turned into closed home purchase loans, and about 8% (253) were denied.

    Loan applications for home purchases only by year

    Information pulled from public Home Mortgage Disclosure Act data. Includes conventional, USDA, VA and FHA mortgages.

    Refinancing

    BNC National Bank offers refinancing for jumbo, FHA, USDA and VA loans. You can refinance to lock in a lower interest rate, shorten your loan term or get cash.

    In 2020 and 2021, many borrowers refinanced their mortgages to secure lower rates. The majority of loans BNC closed in 2021 were for refinancing (66% for refinances and cash-out refinances combined). Less than one-third (31%) were for home purchase loans.

    Rates have since risen, and fewer borrowers are expected to refinance in 2022. For reference, the average 30-year fixed-rate loan rate was under 3% in August 2020; it was 5.13% in mid-August 2022, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis.

    Home purchase vs. refinance loans by year

    Information pulled from public Home Mortgage Disclosure Act Data. Includes conventional, USDA, VA and FHA mortgages.

    Requirements

    BNC National Bank lists many of its borrower requirements on its website. Most seem to adhere to the industry norms, though it does require a credit score of 620 for a VA loan (some lenders may allow 580). BNC National Bank also allows a 3% down payment for first-time homebuyers on conventional loans; some lenders require more.

    The company doesn’t disclose its minimum credit score requirement for FHA loans, but it does state that this type of loan allows for lower credit scores. This could be an ideal choice for first-time homebuyers with lower credit scores.

    National mortgage requirements by type

    Cost and fees

    BNC National Bank doesn’t list its lender fees for new mortgage loans online. Closing costs usually include a credit report fee, title search fees, homeowners insurance premiums, property taxes and other fees.

    If you’re concerned about paying these costs, you can ask BNC if it offers any closing cost assistance programs.

    Once you’re preapproved, BNC National Bank should give you a Loan Estimate, which details all the estimated closing costs. You’ll receive Closing Disclosures at least three business days before your closing, which will show the finalized loan costs and fees.

    FAQ

    How does BNC National Bank work?

    BNC National Banks specializes in home loans for first-time homebuyers and veterans. It offers conventional, FHA, VA and jumbo loans.

    BNC provides a digital mortgage experience; you can apply for a loan on your phone in less than 10 minutes, then follow up with your loan officer by phone, email or text. You can also manage your mortgage payments online through the company’s loan portal.

    Is BNC National Bank legit?

    BNC National Bank is a legitimate bank and mortgage lender. It’s experienced in helping veterans and first-time homebuyers find the right products and resources, and it offers helpful educational tools. It doesn’t publish mortgage rates or detailed descriptions of its products online, but it offers one-on-one connections with borrowers, so an experienced loan officer should be able to answer any questions.

    Where is BNC National Bank available?

    BNC National Bank’s mortgages are available in all 50 states. The company has branches in Arizona, Kansas, Illinois and North Dakota.

    BNC National Bank Reviews

    Filter by Rating

    • (94)
    • (9)
    • (2)

    Popular Mentions

      How do I know I can trust these reviews about BNC National Bank?
      • 4,568,019 reviews on ConsumerAffairs are verified.
      • We require contact information to ensure our reviewers are real.
      • We use intelligent software that helps us maintain the integrity of reviews.
      • Our moderators read all reviews to verify quality and helpfulness.
      Recent
      • Recent
      • Oldest
      • Most helpful

      A link has directed you to this review. Its location on this page may change next time you visit.

      How do I know I can trust these reviews about BNC National Bank?
      • 4,568,019 reviews on ConsumerAffairs are verified.
      • We require contact information to ensure our reviewers are real.
      • We use intelligent software that helps us maintain the integrity of reviews.
      • Our moderators read all reviews to verify quality and helpfulness.
      Page 1 Reviews 0 - 10
      Verified purchase
      StaffLoan Process

      Reviewed July 30, 2022

      The individual that we worked with was very responsive and the experience was very straightforward. This is the second time that we've purchased a home. It can be cumbersome or stressful at times but we felt there were no silly questions. I appreciated that, too.

      Thanks for your vote! Report
      Verified purchase
      Staff

      Reviewed July 24, 2022

      It was a new construction and we started and then we stopped. Then, it was going to take longer than we thought. But we got the mortgage. So, the end result was good. The rep, Vic, did his job and it all worked out.

      Thanks for your vote! Report

      Not sure how to choose?

      Get buying tips about Mortgage Lenders delivered to your inbox.

        By entering your email, you agree to sign up for consumer news, tips and giveaways from ConsumerAffairs. Unsubscribe at any time.

        Thanks for subscribing.

        You have successfully subscribed to our newsletter! Enjoy reading our tips and recommendations.

        Verified purchase
        Customer ServicePunctuality & SpeedOnline & AppLoan ProcessTransparency

        Reviewed July 17, 2022

        The application process was smooth and quick. We had great communication. But after BNC did my mortgage, they turned around and sold my mortgage off to somebody else. The transition hasn't been the smoothest because the letters I've been getting don't clarify who I need to send my payment to. Everybody else was just as confused as I was because of the way that the letters were worded. Somebody finally clarified that once there's a transferring of mortgages, the government allows for a 60 or 90-day no bad reporting for late payments. I'm just waiting on my payment information from the new bank.

        Thanks for your vote! Report
        Verified purchase
        Customer ServiceStaffLoan ProcessTransparency

        Reviewed July 15, 2022

        They gave me the lowest rate and the senior mortgage consultant I worked with was extremely helpful, knowledgeable and friendly. The process was very smooth and there was constant communication. We closed in less than two months.

        Thanks for your vote! Report
        Verified purchase
        Customer ServiceStaffLoan Process

        Reviewed July 10, 2022

        Julie ** and her team were extremely helpful and go over and above good customer service. Would definitely go with BNC again if I ever need another mortgage loan. This is the second time we have worked with Julie and both times were as easy as this process can possibly be.

        Thanks for your vote! Report
        Verified purchase
        Customer ServicePunctuality & Speed

        Reviewed July 10, 2022

        I had already used BNC before. I had called a few years back for a refi and talked to Jennifer and we did a refi. I called back again and I did another refi with a cashout. It took a long time because I had done the other one too early, but it was fine. I was completely satisfied and happy with everything.

        Thanks for your vote! Report
        Verified purchase
        Punctuality & SpeedStaffLoan Process

        Reviewed July 9, 2022

        The rep worked with me and gave me the lowest available rate. I got a conventional loan and everything rolled fast. It was a good process. He told me what I needed and I got those things. The portal was easy to upload information. It was a good experience and I would use BNC again. I recommended them to a friend and he used them as well.

        Thanks for your vote! Report
        Verified purchase
        Online & AppStaffLoan Process

        Reviewed July 5, 2022

        The application process was super easy. I liked being able to just upload our documents or link our accounts and that’s the part I liked the most. I was also impressed with the timeliness and professionalism of the rep. We did a 90-day pre-lock so the process was right at 90 days. It was all positive dealing with the team and I had a very good experience.

        Thanks for your vote! Report
        Verified purchase
        Online & AppLoan Process

        Reviewed July 4, 2022

        We used BNC back in 2018 and we used them again. We’re very happy with them. The application process was as smooth as it could be. One of the reasons that we came back was because it was so streamlined and easy to deal with. It was a perfect process. People should gibe BNC a chance. They’ll be impressed.

        Thanks for your vote! Report
        Verified purchase
        Customer ServicePunctuality & SpeedStaffLoan ProcessRates

        Reviewed July 3, 2022

        Working with BNC was simple. It was through email communication and the reps were responsive getting back to us quickly. We closed within 30 days. It did seem at the end that, to get the final reconciliation for the closing statement, it took them a little longer than we anticipated. But nothing prevented us from closing that day.

        The rates have been fluctuating and if you lock in and the rates go down, you should be able to adjust down. But BNC didn't mention that and I doubt another lender would have either. And I, with everything going on, did not follow up or inquire about that either. Also, they told me the day before we were scheduled to close that they had submitted employment verification to my employer. I worked for a global company with more than 25,000 employees and they did not get a timely response, which, when you wait, I'm not surprised at all that an employer of that size probably had lots of requests and do not respond to them immediately. So, that was kind of a fire drill. But everything worked out.

        Thanks for your vote! Report

        View rates from leading lenders now.

        Loading more reviews...
        Sources
        ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from other reputable publications to inform their work. To learn more about the content on our site, visit our FAQ page . Specific sources for this article include:
        1. Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council, “ HMDA Data Publication .” Accessed Sept. 21, 2022.
        2. Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, “ 30-Year Fixed Rate Mortgage Average in the United States .” Accessed Sept. 1, 2022.
        3. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, “ Lender Statistics .” Accessed Sept. 21, 2022.

        BNC National Bank Company Information

        Company Name:
        BNC National Bank
        Website:
        www.bncbank.com