9 Best Arizona Mortgage Lenders of 2021
NerdWallet has researched Arizona's leading mortgage lenders and identified some of the best ones in five different categories to help you choose.
Some or all of the mortgage lenders featured on our site are advertising partners of NerdWallet, but this does not influence our evaluations, lender star ratings or the order in which lenders are listed on the page. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money.
If you’re looking for the best mortgage lenders in Arizona, we’ve done the research. NerdWallet compared the state’s leading lenders, then identified the best ones for a variety of specific loan needs.
Whether you’re shopping for a condo in Phoenix, a classic ranch in Flagstaff or the ideal refinance in Tucson, these lenders are a solid place to start shopping.
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.
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.
9 Best Arizona Mortgage Lenders of 2021
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Lender ▾ ▾ | NerdWallet Rating ▾ ▾ | Min. credit score ▾ ▾ | Min. down payment ▾ ▾ | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|
580 | 3% | Learn more at New American Funding | ||
620 | 3% | Learn more at Guaranteed Rate | ||
620 | 1% | Learn more at Rocket Mortgage, LLC | ||
 Bank of America: NMLS#399802 LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | 620 | N/A | LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | |
 Chase: NMLS#399798 LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | 620 | 3% | LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | |
 loanDepot: NMLS#174457 LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | 620 | 5% | LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | |
 Citibank: NMLS#412915 LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | N/A | 3% | LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | |
 Carrington: NMLS#2600 LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | 620 | 5% | LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | |
 US Bank: NMLS#402761 LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | 620 | 5% | LEARN MORE on NerdWallet |
Learn more
at New American Funding
New American Funding: NMLS#6606
4.0
Home loans overall
NerdWallet ratingMin. credit score
580
Min. down payment
3%
Why We Like ItGood for: first-time home buyers, military members and self-employed or underrepresented borrowers.
Pros
- Offers a wide variety of purchase and refinance mortgages with an emphasis on helping underserved communities.
- Its home equity line of credit can be used for an owner-occupied or second home.
- Has a program to enable buyers to make cash offers.
- Receives high marks for customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power and Zillow.
Cons
- Mortgage origination fees tend to be on the high end.
- Personalized mortgage rates are not available on the website without providing contact information.
Learn more
at Guaranteed Rate
Guaranteed Rate: NMLS#2611
5.0
Home loans overall
NerdWallet ratingMin. credit score
620
Min. down payment
3%
Why We Like ItGood for: borrowers seeking a broad menu of loans, including jumbo and interest-only options, renovation loans and government-backed mortgages, as well as home equity lines of credit.
Pros
- Offers a one-day mortgage approval process.
- Offers a generous selection of loans, including government-backed, interest-only, ITIN, jumbo and renovation loans.
- Advertises a HELOC that can be funded in as few as five business days.
Cons
- Origination fees are higher than average, according to the latest federal data.
- HELOC has a relatively short draw period, which may not provide flexibility for someone who wants the option of accessing home equity over a longer period.
Learn more
at Rocket Mortgage, LLC
Rocket Mortgage, LLC: NMLS#3030
4.0
Home loans overall
NerdWallet ratingMin. credit score
620
Min. down payment
1%
Why We Like ItGood for: FHA borrowers and others short on down payment cash, as well as home buyers who value convenience over low fees.
Pros
- Streamlined online process with document and asset retrieval capabilities, as well as the ability to edit your preapproval letter.
- Offers the option to work with loan officers by phone if desired.
- Largest FHA lender in the nation.
Cons
- Getting a customized interest rate requires a credit check, which can affect your credit score.
- Origination fees are on the high side compared with other lenders, according to the latest federal data.
- Doesn't offer home equity lines of credit.
LEARN MORE
on NerdWallet
Bank of America: NMLS#399802
4.5
Refinancing
NerdWallet ratingMin. credit score
620
National / regional
National
Why We Like ItGood for: first-time home buyers looking for low- or no-down-payment options and homeowners interested in a home equity line of credit.
Pros
- Offers down payment and closing cost assistance programs.
- May give existing customers a discount on mortgage lender origination fees and HELOC interest rates.
- Receives high marks for customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power and Zillow.
Cons
- Doesn't offer renovation loans that roll costs into a mortgage.
LEARN MORE
on NerdWallet
Why We Like ItGood for: conventional borrowers and those interested in loans with low down payment requirements.
Pros
- Offers two proprietary loans with low down payment requirements.
- Provides customizable sample rates.
- Receives high marks for customer satisfaction, according to JD Power and Zillow.
Cons
- Borrowers must apply for prequalification before accessing a full online application.
- Origination fees are higher than average, according to the latest federal data.
- Borrowers may be frustrated with the lender’s website experience.
LEARN MORE
on NerdWallet
loanDepot: NMLS#174457
4.5
Refinancing
NerdWallet ratingMin. credit score
620
National / regional
National
Why We Like ItGood for: borrowers who want an easy online application and a variety of loan types to explore.
Pros
- Has branches across the country for customers who prefer face-to-face service.
- Receives high marks for customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power and Zillow.
- Mortgage interest rates tend to be on the lower end, according to the latest federal data.
Cons
- Mortgage rates aren't available online; you'll need to contact a loan officer.
- Doesn't offer home equity loans or lines of credit.
LEARN MORE
on NerdWallet
Citibank: NMLS#412915
4.0
Home loans overall
NerdWallet ratingNational / regional
National
Min. down payment
3%
Why We Like ItGood for: Rates-focused borrowers who are Citi customers, or home buyers seeking down payment assistance.
Pros
- Average interest rates are among the lowest compared to other lenders’, according to the latest federal data.
- Receives high marks for customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power and Zillow.
- Borrowers with existing Citi accounts may receive discounts.
Cons
- Customized mortgage rates are not available without contacting the lender.
- HELOCs and home equity loans are not currently available.
- No live chat feature on the lender’s site.
LEARN MORE
on NerdWallet
Why We Like ItGood for: credit-challenged borrowers interested in government loan products or borrowers with nontraditional credit histories.
Pros
- Offers multiple low-down-payment loans.
- Accepts history of bankruptcy, foreclosure and late payments with flexible loan program.
- Considers borrowers with low credit scores and high debt-to-income ratios.
Cons
- Fined $5.25 million for misleading customers about pandemic-era payment relief.
- Doesn't offer home equity lines of credit.
- Lender fees are on the high side, according to the latest federal data.
LEARN MORE
on NerdWallet
Why We Like ItGood for: borrowers who are financing home improvement projects.
Pros
- Offers a range of loan types, including FHA loans, VA loans and home equity options.
- Lists sample mortgage rates and APRs for many of its products online, including a breakdown of estimated monthly payments.
- Their mobile app is highly rated in the App Store.
Cons
- Sample mortgage rates are not customizable, and many estimated conventional and jumbo rates assume a down payment of at least 25%.
- We were unable to contact a representative by phone.
- Lender site does not have a live chat feature.
Last updated on January 28, 2021
Methodology
NerdWallet's star ratings for mortgage lenders are awarded based on our evaluation of the products and services each lender offers to consumers who are actively shopping for the best mortgage. The five key areas we evaluated include the variety of loan types and products offered, online conveniences, online mortgage rate information, and the rate spread and origination fee lenders reported in the latest available Home Mortgage Disclosure Act data. To ensure consistency, our ratings are reviewed by multiple people on the NerdWallet Mortgages team.
NerdWallet's Best Arizona Mortgage Lenders of 2021
- New American Funding: Best for low credit
- Guaranteed Rate: Best for online lenders
- Rocket Mortgage, LLC: Best for online lenders
- Bank of America: Best for refinancing
- Chase: Best for face-to-face service
- loanDepot: Best for refinancing
- Citibank: Best for first-time home buyers
- Carrington: Best for low credit
- US Bank: Best for face-to-face service
