A physician mortgage (or "doctor loan") is a specialty product that lets medical professionals buy a home with little or no down payment, no private mortgage insurance (PMI), and underwriting that treats student loan debt and a signed employment contract more favorably than a conventional loan. The trade-off is usually a slightly higher rate and limited availability by state. Here are the seven strongest lenders for 2026.
How physician mortgages work
Conventional loans require PMI when you put down less than 20%, which can add hundreds to your monthly payment. Physician loans waive PMI entirely, often allow 0–10% down on loans up to $1M+, and many will use your future income from a signed contract (closing up to 90 days before you start) rather than current pay stubs. Most also exclude or discount deferred student loans from your debt-to-income ratio — critical for new attendings.
1. TD Bank — Best for residents and low down payment
TD Bank offers 0% down up to $1M for eligible physicians and strong terms for residents and fellows, with no PMI. A top pick on the East Coast where it operates.
2. Bank of America — Best for nationwide availability
Bank of America offers doctor loans in most states with competitive rates, up to ~$1.5M with limited down payment, and the convenience of a large national lender plus existing-customer relationship pricing.
3. Fifth Third Bank — Best for high loan amounts
Fifth Third extends physician financing to large loan sizes with low down payment and no PMI, and includes dentists. Strong for buyers in higher-cost markets.
4. Truist — Best for a range of medical professionals
Truist's medical professional mortgage covers physicians, dentists, and residents, with flexible down payment tiers and student-loan-friendly underwriting across its Southeast and East Coast footprint.
5. Huntington Bank — Best in the Midwest
Huntington offers up to 0% down on loans up to ~$1M (less for higher amounts) for physicians and dentists, with strong service across its Midwest markets.
6. Flagstar — Best for broad professional eligibility
Flagstar lends in nearly all states and extends physician loan terms to a wider set of professionals including some advanced practitioners, with low-down, no-PMI options.
7. First Horizon — Best for up to 100% financing
First Horizon's medical professional program offers up to 100% financing with no PMI for qualifying doctors and dentists, a strong option in its Southern footprint.
Physician loan vs. conventional loan
A physician loan wins when you have strong future income but limited savings and heavy student debt — you avoid PMI and keep cash for emergencies or investing. A conventional loan can be cheaper long-term if you can put 20% down and qualify at a lower rate. Run both scenarios: the PMI savings and lower down payment of a doctor loan often outweigh a modestly higher rate in the early years.
How to qualify and get the best terms
Have your signed employment contract or current license ready; lenders use these in place of long income history. Compare the rate AND the down payment tiers — many lenders price 0% down higher than 10% down. Watch loan caps by state and market. And get quotes from at least three physician lenders, since terms vary widely and many are regional.
Bottom line
TD Bank and First Horizon lead for the lowest down payment, Bank of America for nationwide reach, and Fifth Third for jumbo amounts. The right doctor loan depends on your state, loan size, and how much cash you want to keep — compare PMI savings against the rate before deciding.
This article is educational and not financial advice. Loan programs, rates, and state availability change frequently; confirm current terms directly with each lender.
