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Self‑Employed? How to Qualify for a Bank Statement Loan

Summary: A bank statement loan lets self-employed folks use bank statements instead of pay stubs or tax forms to qualify, trading stricter documentation for higher rates and down payments.

Takeaways
  • Bank statement loans are great for people with variable or self‑employed income.
  • They are not the same as DSCR loans—bank statements focus on your personal business cash flow, DSCR relies on rental property income.
  • Lenders ask for credit 620+, 12–24 months of statements, 10–30% down, and higher rates.
  • You can expect rates 1–3% higher and slower closings.
What is a bank statement loan?

A bank statement loan is a type of non-QM (non‑qualified mortgage) designed for people who can't show traditional proof of income—like W‑2s, pay stubs, or tax returns. Instead, lenders look at your personal or business bank statements (usually 12–24 months) to determine average monthly deposits and calculate your qualifying income. See more at Bankrate.

Bank statement vs DSCR loan

They’re not the same, although both avoid tax returns:

  • Bank statement loans validate income via your bank inflows.
  • DSCR (Debt Service Coverage Ratio) loans are for investors buying rental properties; qualification depends entirely on the property’s rent covering the mortgage. Learn more at CrossCountry Mortgage and Griffin Funding.

Bank statements = personal/business deposits.
DSCR = property rent ÷ debt­‑service.

How to qualify

This table lists the main qualification requirements between those loans.

Requirement Bank Statement Loan DSCR Loan
Credit score 620–700+ (better rates ≥700) (Bankrate) ~620+; ~700+ for lowest rates (Griffin)
Documentation 12–24 months bank statements; sometimes P&L No W‑2; need rent roll, appraisal, property income docs
Down payment 10–30% depending on score ~15–20%, more if DSCR <1
DTI / Reserves DTI up to 45–50%; 3–12 months PITI reserves DSCR ≥1–1.25; reserves needed if DSCR low
Use of funds Primary, secondary, or investment property Only income‑producing properties
Rate comparison

Bank statement loans typically have interest rates 1–3 percentage points higher than conventional loans. DSCR loans also run higher than standard conforming mortgages, but often less than hard money options. More examples at BiggerPockets.

Top lenders

Some top bank statement loan providers include Griffin Funding, Angel Oak, NQM Funding, and CrossCountry Mortgage. DSCR loans are available from many of the same lenders, plus local credit unions and private funds.

Process & timeline

First, connect with a broker or lender who offers the program. You’ll submit documents: bank statements + business docs for bank‑statement loans, or rent rolls + appraisals for DSCR. Underwriting takes longer—these non‑QM loans need manual checks. Expect closing in 4–8 weeks, compared to 30–45 days for conventional.

Other important info

Watch out for prepayment penalties—some bank statement loans have them. These loans also allow for jumbo balances (even up to $20 M). You can combine income types but can’t double-count. Foreign bank statements are allowed if translated. Default rates are a bit higher, so lenders want more reserves. Details at Bankrate.

Final note

Bank statement loans are perfect for folks who earn in non‑traditional ways. DSCR is strictly for rental investors. Both cost more than regular mortgages but open doors that otherwise stay shut.

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