Beyond federal programs, major commercial banks offer their own down payment assistance (DPA) programs. These programs, driven by regulatory obligations from the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA), provide grants and credits that can be combined with FHA, VA, or conventional loans to drastically reduce the cost of entering homeownership.
Main 2026 Bank Programs
| Bank | Program | Amount | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bank of America | America's Home Grant + DPA Grant | $7,500 (closing) + up to $10,000 (DPA) = $17,500 | Eligible area, income ≤ 80% AMI, homebuyer course |
| Wells Fargo | Dream. Plan. Home. | Up to $10,000 | Income ≤ 80% AMI, designated areas |
| JPMorgan Chase | Homebuyer Grant | Up to $5,000 (general) or $7,500 (key areas) | Purchase in Chase eligible area |
| Citibank | HomeRun / Lender Paid Assistance | 3% down, no PMI | Income ≤ 80% AMI |
| US Bank | American Dream DPA | Up to $14,000 | First-time purchase, eligible income, specific areas |
"Stacking Strategy: These bank programs can be COMBINED with federal and state grants. It is legally possible to stack: Bank of America ($17,500) + HOME DPA ($15,000) + State HFA ($10,000) = up to $42,500 in non-repayable assistance."
How to Apply
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Get your free credit report at annualcreditreport.com |
| 2 | Complete a HUD-approved homebuyer course (free at hud.gov/findacounselor) |
| 3 | Visit your preferred bank branch and ask specifically for their DPA program |
| 4 | Verify geographic eligibility at downpaymentresource.com |
| 5 | Get pre-approved with the DPA program included BEFORE looking for properties |
"Immediate Action: Before signing with any lender, ask specifically: 'Do you offer down payment assistance programs?' Many loan officers do not mention them because they reduce their commission."