11 Best Adjustable-Rate Mortgage Lenders of 2025
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An adjustable-rate mortgage, or ARM, is a home loan with an interest rate that can change over time. In most cases, ARM lenders provide a comparatively low fixed interest rate during an introductory period, which could be as few as three years or as many as 10.
When the introductory period expires, the interest rate adjusts to current market rates. If current rates are lower, your rate and mortgage payment may decrease. But if current rates are higher than the initial rate, your rate and mortgage payment may increase. ARM rates continue to change periodically — commonly, every six months or one year — until you sell, refinance or pay back the mortgage in full.
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Why trust NerdWallet
- 50+ mortgage lenders reviewed and rated by our team of experts.
- 40+ years of combined experience covering mortgages and financial topics.
- Objective, comprehensive star rating system assessing 120+ categories and 5,000+ data points.
- Governed by NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.
11 Best Adjustable-Rate Mortgage Lenders of 2025
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Lender | NerdWallet Rating | Min. credit score | Min. down payment | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Better: NMLS#330511 Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | 620 | 3% | Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | |
620 | 3% | |||
 Flagstar: NMLS#417490 Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | N/A | 5% | Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | |
 PNC Bank: NMLS#446303 Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | 620 | 3% | Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | |
 Navy Federal: NMLS#399807 Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | N/A | 0% | Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | |
 Pennymac: NMLS#35953 Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | 620 | 3% | Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet |
- Why we like itOnline-only lender Better offers a range of mortgage types and a one-stop shopping experience, though some borrowers may be turned off by the lender’s lack of chat support or a mobile app.Pros
- Borrowers can apply, lock in a rate and receive a commitment letter within one day.
- Offers both HELOCs and home equity loans with a high borrowing limit of 90% CLTV.
- Offers mortgages for manufactured homes, as well as financing for self-employed borrowers.
ConsRead full review- No mobile app; customer service is by email or phone only.
- Borrower must provide contact information to see customized rates.
- Does not offer renovation or construction loans.
- Why we like itRate boasts a streamlined application process, with full underwriting in as little as one business day, though average fees are higher than many competitors’.Pros
- Fully underwritten mortgage approval in as little as one day for qualified borrowers.
- Generous selection of loans, including government-backed, interest-only, jumbo and renovation.
- Advertises a HELOC that can be funded in as few as five business days.
ConsRead full review- Origination fees are on the high side, according to the latest federal data.
- HELOC requires immediate, full withdrawal of funds.
- Why we like itFlagstar Bank stands out for its range of accessible loans and programs, including loans with flexible requirements and down payment grant options. Its mortgage operations were acquired by Mr. Cooper in 2024.Pros
- Conventional loan terms extend to 40 years, which is unusually flexible.
- Offers options for high-balance mortgages.
- Offers specialized mortgages for professionals, such as doctors and lawyers, starting their careers.
- Reported average time to close (20-30 days) is faster than industry standard.
ConsRead full review- The lender’s mobile app is focused on banking, not mortgages.
- Conventional fixed-rate mortgages require a 5% minimum down payment, higher than some competitors.
- Why we like itPNC Bank has a variety of appealing mortgage options, including jumbo loans, programs for first-time home buyers and home equity lines of credit.Pros
- Low-down-payment loan options include FHA, VA, USDA and PNC Community Loan.
- Jumbo loans available with minimum down payments of 5%.
- Customizable mortgage rates are posted online.
ConsRead full review- Average mortgage rates are on the high side, according to the latest federal data.
- In-person service is not available in every state.
- You’ll have to supply personal data or account info to get answers by phone.
- Why we like itNavy Federal is known for VA lending, but it's the flexible VA-like loan options that truly stand out. While you don't have to be a current or former servicemember to take advantage of them, you will need a military connection to join the credit union.Pros
- Offers unique no-down-payment and no mortgage insurance loan options for military and civilian borrowers.
- 24/7 customer service supports borrowers stationed overseas.
- Has both home equity loans and lines of credit.
ConsRead full review- Borrowers must join the credit union before applying for a mortgage.
- Does not offer FHA, renovation or construction loans.
- We sometimes waited longer than 10 minutes before connecting with a customer service representative.
- Why we like itPennymac, known for its government loans, stands out for a transparent digital experience. Interest rates tend to be low, but origination fees may be a bit high.Pros
- Easy to personalize a quote and apply online.
- Can lock in a rate before you’re under contract, earlier than most lenders.
- Perks include a 1% interest rate buydown and “refinance later” cash bonus.
ConsRead full review- Origination fees are on the higher end, according to the latest federal data.
- Online chat is available only in the logged-in experience.
- No home equity lines of credit or renovation loans.
- Why we like itU.S. Bank stands out for online convenience and impressive mortgage options, from government-backed loans to boutique mortgages. Home improvement loans and borrower assistance are available.Pros
- Offers up to $17,500 in down payment and closing cost assistance.
- Wide variety of mortgage types.
- Experienced with construction-to-permanent and renovation loans.
ConsRead full review- Assistance programs limited to select cities and states.
- Online rate tool doesn’t customize by credit score.
- Why we like itState Employee's Credit Union in North Carolina has some of the lowest average mortgage rates of lenders we review, as well as generous grants and specialty loans for first time home buyers who meet its membership criteria.Pros
- Offers a no-down-payment mortgage without private mortgage insurance.
- Participates in multiple first-time buyer assistance programs.
- Very low average mortgage rates, according to the latest federal data.
ConsRead full review- Credit union membership eligibility is limited.
- Loans only available in five states.
- Doesn’t offer government-backed mortgages.
- Why we like itFirst Federal Bank Mortgage Lenders stands out for its focus on government loan lending, and will likely appeal to FHA, VA and other niche loan borrowers.Pros
- Over 40% of all loans last year were FHA, VA or USDA loans.
- Average mortgage rates are on the lower side, according to the latest federal data.
- Offers 15-, 20-, 25-, and 30-year repayment terms, which is unusually flexible.
ConsRead full review- No dedicated mobile app for mortgage borrowers.
- Some loans (including home equity products) are geographically limited.
- Why we like itNetwork Capital stands out for its wide range of mortgage offerings, including niche products like physician loans, non-QM loans, ITIN loans and mortgages for manufactured homes.Pros
- Reported average time to close is 20 days, far below the industry average.
- Products like non-QM loans and ITIN loans make borrowing more accessible.
- HELOCs offer long draw terms, up to 30 years.
ConsRead full review- The lender’s website offers limited loan details.
- HELOCs have a minimum loan amount of $50,000.
- Why we like itSoFi offers standard purchase and refinance mortgage options, but not construction or renovation loans, and stands out for its convenient one-stop-shopping setup.Pros
- Offers a credit up to $10,000 if closing exceeds the contract date and the lender is at fault.
- Sample mortgage rates are highly customizable.
- HELOC borrowers may access up to 90% of their home equity.
ConsRead full review- Borrowers may experience difficulty with customer service.
When is an adjustable-rate mortgage a good idea?
Here are some situations in which an ARM makes sense:
You’ll own the house for a short time. If you might relocate within three, five, seven or 10 years, an ARM may save you money. Military members and their families or doctors in a residency program are two examples of borrowers who may anticipate a move.
You plan to pay off the mortgage quickly. Do you expect a financial windfall, such as an inheritance or lawsuit settlement, in the next few years? An ARM may allow you to make smaller monthly mortgage payments until the money comes in and you pay off the loan.
You expect fixed-rate mortgage rates to decrease. It’s risky and hard to predict, but if you expect fixed-rate mortgage rates to drop below current ARM rates before your introductory period expires, an adjustable-rate mortgage may yield savings until fixed rates drop. Be aware that this option requires you to eventually refinance to a fixed-rate mortgage, which means choosing a lender, getting approved and paying closing costs, just like with your ARM.
When is an adjustable-rate mortgage a bad idea?
An ARM probably isn’t the right choice if:
You plan to put down roots. If you’re buying your forever home and have no plans to move, a fixed-rate mortgage might be more appropriate. While it may have a slightly higher rate, a fixed-rate mortgage involves less risk than an adjustable-rate mortgage, so your investment is better protected.
You want a predictable mortgage payment. Sure, the interest rate on a fixed-rate mortgage may initially be higher than that of an ARM, but you’ll never have to worry about it going up, and you’re always free to refinance your mortgage if rates drop significantly in the years ahead.
Your budget can’t handle a larger mortgage payment. Maybe you’re thinking about going back to school, starting a family or launching a business. These life changes could affect your income in the years ahead. If you’re not 100% sure you could handle a mortgage payment that gets bigger when rates adjust higher, stick with the predictability of a fixed-rate mortgage.
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Last updated on May 9, 2025
Methodology
The star ratings on this page reflect each lender's overall star ratings. Read more about how we determine those ratings.
The lenders on this page are chosen using this methodology:
NerdWallet reviewed more than 40 mortgage lenders, including the majority of the largest U.S. mortgage lenders by annual loan volume (measured among lenders with at least a 1% market share), lenders with significant online search volume and those that specialize in serving various audiences across the country.
For inclusion in this roundup, lenders must confirm the availability of adjustable-rate loans in NerdWallet’s annual mortgage lender survey. The highest scoring lenders according to our home loans overall methodology are featured here.
NerdWallet solicits information from reviewed lenders on a recurring basis throughout the year. All lender-provided information is verified through lender websites and interviews. We also utilized 2023 Home Mortgage Disclosure Act data for origination volume, origination fee, average interest rate and share-of-product data.
NerdWallet's Best Adjustable-Rate Mortgage Lenders of 2025
- Better: Best for digital experience
- Rate: Best for fast preapproval
- Flagstar: Best for traditional lending experience
- PNC Bank: Best for first-time homebuyers
- Navy Federal: Best for active military and veterans
- Pennymac: Best for low average mortgage rates
- U.S. Bank: Best for overall mortgage experience
- State Employees' Credit Union: Best for North Carolina borrowers
- First Federal Bank: Best for low average mortgage rates
- Network Capital: Best for fast closings
- SoFi: Best for rate transparency
