Bank Statement Loan
A bank statement loan is a type of mortgage loan where the lender uses the borrower's bank statements to verify income instead of traditional documentation like W-2s or tax returns. It’s typically designed for self-employed individuals, freelancers, or those with non-traditional income sources who may have difficulty proving income through standard methods.
The lender reviews deposits in the borrower’s bank statements—usually over 12 to 24 months—to calculate average monthly income. These loans often come with higher interest rates and stricter requirements, such as larger down payments or higher credit scores, due to the perceived risk. They’re also known as non-QM (non-qualified mortgage) loans, as they don’t meet standard underwriting guidelines set by government-backed entities like Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac.