USDA Vs. FHA your options comparison in Chicago, Cook County, IL

As of 2026, the USDA loan cap for Chicago, located in Cook County, IL, is $0, whereas the FHA ceiling is $472,030 for a single-family residence.

Utilize the Lendersa® USDA loan calculator to contrast today's prime rates for USDA versus FHA, and assess the income, credit, reserves, and documents necessary for qualification. Our sophisticated mortgage calculator lets you examine USDA, FHA, Conforming, and VA loans side by side, aiding your choice of the best program in for your specific financial condition.

Examine loan offers from 100 lenders

2026 Loan Limits and Down Payment Criteria in Chicago, Cook County, IL

Loan Category Maximum Amount Minimum Down Payment
USDA $0 0%
FHA $472,030 3.5%
Conventional Conforming $726,200 3%

USDA and FHA Loan Options in Chicago, IL

The mission of Lendersa® is to secure you the most beneficial USDA or FHA loan swiftly and with minimal hassle. Choose among three initial steps that lead to matching lenders and USDA loan programs.

Lendersa USDA loan request and matching results

Understanding USDA Loans in IL

A USDA home loan is guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, commonly identified as the USDA rural development loan. It is intended specifically for rural areas. In contrast to FHA loans that necessitate a 3.5% down payment, a USDA loan does not require any down payment, offering an attractive option for many.

Enter your location to find out if it qualifies for USDA rural housing loan?



Chicago Lenders

  • Wintrust
  • 9700 W Higgins Rd, Rosemont, IL, 60018
  • Lends in Illinois
  • Wintrust, a financial holding company offering community and commercial Banking, wealth management, and mortgage services, has served Chicago’s communities since 1991. Wintrust was founded on the idea of being the alternative to the big Banks. We believe there is a need, and desire, for a true community Banking experience

  • Short Term Loans, L.L.C.
  • 2140 S. Wolf Rd, Suite B, Des Plaines, IL, 60018
  • Lends in Illinois
  • ShortTermLoans.com is a free service designed to help you find a personal loan lender now. Simply complete our short, secure online form. We will provide your information to lenders who may make you an offer within minutes. If you agree to the lender’s terms, you could have the money you need deposited directly in your account as soon as the next b

  • AmeriCash Loans
  • 2400 East Devon Avenue, Des Plaines, IL, 60018
  • Lends in Illinois
  • AmeriCash Loans was founded in 1997 in Des Plaines, Illinois on the main street across from the train station in a small office above what would become our first cash loan store location. Within five years of opening our doors, we had expanded into 28 total locations throughout the metropolitan Chicago area and Illinois.

  • Lendonia
  • 2340 S. River Rd, Suite 120B, Des Plaines, IL, 60018
  • Lends in Illinois
  • Lendonia strives to provide its clientele with relevant information, honest advice, impeccable service and quality financial products in a professional and efficient manner. Ultimately we strive to provide absolute financial solutions. The Lendonia team helps first-time home buyers, homeowners looking to refinance their property.

  • Peoples Choice Financial Corp
  • 2860 South River Road, Suite 400B, Des Plaines, IL, 60018
  • Lends in Illinois
  • PCF, we are a local Mortgage firm, and we pride ourselves in helping every family find the best program available for their home purchase or Refinance, many times with lower rates, up to .5% to .75% lower than other lenders, helping keep your mortgage payments low. and also Will work on getting your loan completed in an efficient manner.

  • Wintrust Mortgage
  • 9700 W. Higgins Road, Suite 300, Des Plaines, IL, 60018
  • Lends in Illinois
  • "Wintrust Mortgage, in business since 1981, was created for the purpose of assisting in the realization of the American dream of home ownership. Since that time, Wintrust Mortgage has weathered the
    ever-changing real estate market and is part of Wintrust Financial Corporation, a well capitalized,"

  • InterFirst Mortgage Company
  • 9525 W. Bryn Mawr Ave, Suite 400, Rosemont, IL, 60018
  • Lends in Illinois
  • Interfirst’s commitment to high quality loan origination is demonstrated by our company’s focus on providing high quality customer service, which is a priority at every level of the organization. At Interfirst, we take pride in our responsiveness to our customers and in our common sense approach to mortgage origination.

  • ULTIMATE RATE MORTGAGE
  • 2800 S River Rd, Suite 200, Des Plaines, IL, 60018
  • Lends in Illinois
  • Ultimate Rate Mortgage we’re a local, mortgage lender whose cornerstones are hard work and customer service! We listen to our clients, uncover their needs and find the best product and programs that fits. With over 40 years of experience, our highly qualified team can expertly guide you through the process from application through closing

  • Alliant Credit Union
  • 11545 W. Touhy Ave, Chicago, IL, 60666
  • Lends in Illinois
  • Alliant is a not-for-profit financial cooperative, which means all of our members are also owners, and we constantly strive to foster our members’ financial well-being and serve their best interests. We offer award-winning rates, allowing our members to save more and earn more. Alliant also provides members with retirement and investment services.