Best Mortgage Lenders of May 2026
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Best Mortgage Lenders of May 2026

Georgia Rose
Kate Wood
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Georgia Rose
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Written by 

Georgia Rose

Reviewed by 

Kate Wood

Edited by 

Jeanette Margle

Written by 

Georgia Rose

 and 
Last updated 04/30/2026
NerdWallet’s editorial team picked the best lenders across categories to help you find the home loan that's right for you. Taking the time to make an informed decision can save you thousands over the life of your loan.
 

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Who is the best mortgage lender?

The answer depends on your needs and finances. The best mortgage lender for first-time home buyers, for example, may not be the best for VA loans, and vice versa. Credit score minimums and down payment requirements also vary among lenders, meaning the best one for you may not be the best for another person. In short: The best mortgage lender is the one that offers the products you need, has requirements you can meet and charges the lowest mortgage rates and fees.
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Best Mortgage Lender  First-Time Home Buyers
Rocket Mortgage, LLC

NMLS#3030

Rocket Mortgage, LLC
Rocket Mortgage, LLC

NMLS#3030

Home loans overall
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Best for jumbo loans, cash-out refinancing and second homes

Bank of America

NMLS#399802

NerdWallet rating

5.0

Jumbo loans
Min. credit score

720

Min. down payment

5%

Our take on Bank of America

The Nerdy headline

Bank of America offers low average jumbo rates and fees. Some borrowers can qualify for down payment assistance or rate discounts.

What we like
  • Offers low average jumbo rates and fees compared with other lenders.
  • Major jumbo lender, by loan volume.
What we don't like
  • Jumbo loans represent a somewhat small share of total home lending for Bank of America.
  • Online rate quote tool doesn’t personalize by credit score.
Read our full review of Bank of America

Best for cash-out refinancing, jumbo loans, and home loans overall

Wells Fargo

NMLS#399801

NerdWallet rating

5.0

Home loans overall
Min. credit score

620

Min. down payment

3%

Our take on Wells Fargo

The Nerdy headline

Wells Fargo has significantly shrunk its mortgage business in the past two years, dropping from the third largest mortgage originator in 2023 to the twelfth largest in 2024. It was still the fourth largest jumbo loan originator in the country last year.

What we like
  • Borrowers can see customized mortgage rate estimates for conventional and VA loans.
  • Offers relatively low interest rates, according to the latest federal data.
  • Discounts may be available for existing Wells Fargo customers.
  • Rate-and-term refinance interest rates offered are lower than average, according to the latest federal data.
What we don't like
  • Does not offer home equity loans or HELOCs.
  • Borrowers need at least $250,000 in assets with the bank to qualify for a rate discount.
  • Prospective borrowers may be put off by the lender’s past legal issues.
Read our full review of Wells Fargo

Best for first-time home buyers

Rocket Mortgage, LLC

NMLS#3030

NerdWallet rating

4.5

Home loans overall
Min. credit score

620

Min. down payment

3%

Our take on Rocket Mortgage, LLC

The Nerdy headline

Rocket Mortgage is the Goliath of home loans in the U.S. It's the largest mortgage lender by volume, and keeps expanding its reach. Fortunately for borrowers, Rocket is a gentle giant, offering affordable borrowing options including a 1% down payment loan.

What we like
  • Offers down payment and closing cost assistance.
  • Largest lender, by volume, of FHA loans in 2024.
  • Borrowers can apply via mobile app.
What we don't like
  • Average origination fees are on the higher side, according to the latest federal data.
  • No HELOCs.
  • No physical branches.
Read our full review of Rocket Mortgage, LLC

Best for home equity loans

Better

NMLS#330511

NerdWallet rating

5.0

Home equity loans
Min. credit score

680

Min. down payment

N/A

Our take on Better

The Nerdy headline

Online lender Better’s home equity loans offer flexible terms and personalized rate tools, but application or support options are somewhat limited.

What we like
  • Offers a higher than typical borrowing limit.
  • Flexible term options.
  • Borrowers can personalize home equity loan rates online.
What we don't like
  • Charges closing costs.
  • No mobile app.
Read our full review of Better

Best for VA loans

Navy Federal

NMLS#399807

Min. credit score

N/A

Min. down payment

0%

Our take on Navy Federal

The Nerdy headline

Navy Federal is known for VA lending, but its flexible VA-like loan options truly stand out. You'll need a military connection to join the credit union.

What we like
  • Low average VA origination fees compared to other lenders.
  • Offers low VA mortgage rates compared with other lenders.
  • Major VA lender, by loan volume.
What we don't like
  • Borrowers must join the credit union before applying for a mortgage, and all borrowers on the loan must be members for the loan to close.
  • Does not offer VA rehab and renovation loans.
Read our full review of Navy Federal

Best for FHA loans

Pennymac

NMLS#35953

NerdWallet rating

5.0

FHA loans
Min. credit score

580

Min. down payment

3.5%

Our take on Pennymac

The Nerdy headline

Pennymac, known for government loans, has low average FHA rates. Best for FHA borrowers looking for low rates and an efficient digital experience.

What we like
  • FHA loans make up a large share of Pennymac's total home loans.
  • Major FHA lender, by loan volume.
  • Offers low FHA mortgage rates compared with other lenders.
What we don't like
  • You can't shop rates without giving the lender your contact information first.
  • No construction or renovation loans.
Read our full review of Pennymac

Best for HELOCs and home loans overall

PNC Bank

NMLS#446303

NerdWallet rating

5.0

Home loans overall
Min. credit score

620

Min. down payment

3%

Our take on PNC Bank

The Nerdy headline

PNC Bank has solid options for budgets large and small. Though average interest rates are on the high side, its wide selection of loans (even for lower credit scores) could be a good pick for first-time home buyers seeking a streamlined digital experience.

What we like
  • Solid variety of mortgage types, both standard and harder-to-find.
  • Online rate quotes are informative and easy to customize.
  • Offers down payment grants and no-PMI loans for low-income borrowers.
What we don't like
  • Some of the highest average interest rates of all lenders we review.
  • HELOC and construction/lot loans not available in all states.
  • In-person service not available in all states.
Read our full review of PNC Bank

Best for borrowers with low credit

Network Capital

NMLS#11712

NerdWallet rating

4.5

Home loans overall
Min. credit score

620

Min. down payment

3%

Our take on Network Capital

The Nerdy headline

Network Capital stands out for its focus on refinancing, especially cash-out transactions — only 6% of Network Capital customers got a purchase mortgage last year. Most likely to appeal to borrowers looking to refinance their home loan.

What we like
  • Cash-out refinancing is an uncommon specialty, so Network Capital could appeal to that borrower.
  • Offers HELOCs for homeowners who want to access their equity without refinancing.
What we don't like
  • Home buyers should know the lender doesn’t specialize in purchase loans.
  • Borrowers must be contacted for a quote before completing an online application.
Read our full review of Network Capital

Best for VA loans

Veterans United

NMLS#1907

Min. credit score

620

Min. down payment

0%

Our take on Veterans United

The Nerdy headline

Veterans United originates more VA mortgages than any other lender. Though average VA rates and fees are middle of the road, it’s a solid pick for veterans and military borrowers looking for a VA loan with ample support along the way.

What we like
  • Major VA lender, by loan volume.
  • VA loans make up a large share of Veterans United's total home loans.
  • Offers a strong variety of VA loan types for purchase and refinance.
What we don't like
  • Average VA loan interest rates are less competitive than some other top VA lenders, according to the latest data.
  • Website doesn’t have online chat.
Read our full review of Veterans United

Best for refinancing, HELOCs, second or manufactured homes, and home loans overall

Truist

NMLS#399803

NerdWallet rating

5.0

Home loans overall
Min. credit score

620

Min. down payment

3%

Our take on Truist

The Nerdy headline

If you prefer people to tech, Truist might be a good fit for you. Preapproval and customer care happen mostly offline, and for details on less-common loan types or custom rates you'll need to talk to a person. Despite the human touch, customer satisfaction ratings are notably low.

What we like
  • Offers a wide range of mortgage options focused on affordability.
  • Convenient online application.
  • Generous grants for qualifying home buyers in select locations.
What we don't like
  • Getting custom rates and applying for mortgage preapproval both require human contact.
  • Customer care leans heavily on phone and in-person service.
  • HELOCs are not available in most states, though home loans are available everywhere in the U.S. except Alaska, Arizona and Hawaii.
Read our full review of Truist

Best for manufactured home loans

U.S. Bank

NMLS#402761

NerdWallet rating

4.5

Home loans overall
Min. credit score

620

Min. down payment

3%

Our take on U.S. Bank

The Nerdy headline

U.S. Bank offers a broad selection of mortgages, including some niche options. Rates and fees are middle of the road, per federal data. The bank offers helpful tech for rate shopping and live chat, though its online application could be smoother.

What we like
  • Wide variety of mortgages, including some harder-to-find types.
  • Experienced in construction and renovation loans.
  • Offers up to $17,500 in assistance (income/location requirements apply).
What we don't like
  • Rates shown online don’t reflect your credit score.
  • Contact form interrupts online application before you can complete it.
  • Few mortgage options for borrowers with low/bad credit.
Read our full review of U.S. Bank

Best for refinancing, first-time home buyers and home loans overall

Alliant

NMLS#197185

NerdWallet rating

5.0

Home loans overall
Min. credit score

640

Min. down payment

3%

Our take on Alliant

The Nerdy headline

Alliant Credit Union allows you to see a wide range of customized mortgage rates without sharing any personal information, though customer service is geared toward credit union members.

What we like
  • Mortgage borrowers do not need to become members of the credit union until reaching the closing process, so interested home buyers can apply without committing to membership.
  • Sample rates are displayed upfront, and it's easy to get detailed, personalized rates without providing any personally identifying information.
  • No application fee.
What we don't like
  • You can't apply for preapproval online.
  • Website has minimal information about home loan offerings.
  • Customer service is tough to navigate as a non-member.
Read our full review of Alliant

Best for home loans overall

Chase

NMLS#399798

NerdWallet rating

4.5

Home loans overall
Min. credit score

620

Min. down payment

3%

Our take on Chase

The Nerdy headline

Chase mortgage has an above-average reputation for consumer satisfaction, and offers a number of programs that can make home buying more affordable and accessible.

What we like
  • Offers a wide range of loan types, including options with low down payment requirements.
  • Home buyer grants up to $5,000 may apply for qualified borrowers.
  • Receives above-average ratings for customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power and Zillow.
What we don't like
  • Borrowers must create an account or speak with a home loan expert before completing an online application.
  • Origination fees are on the higher side, according to the latest federal data.
Read our full review of Chase

Best for home loans overall

FourLeaf Federal Credit Union

NMLS#449104

NerdWallet rating

5.0

Home loans overall
Min. credit score

620

Min. down payment

3%

Our take on FourLeaf Federal Credit Union

The Nerdy headline

FourLeaf Credit Union, formerly known as Bethpage, is easy to join: Just deposit $5 in a savings account. However, its online mortgage rate quote is light on details, and average rates are on the higher side.

What we like
  • Nice selection of specialty mortgages.
  • Offers conventional loans for manufactured homes.
  • Well rated mobile app.
What we don't like
  • No renovation or construction loans.
  • Online rate quote is light on detail and doesn’t let you customize.
  • Average interest rates are on the higher side, according to the latest federal data.
Read our full review of FourLeaf Federal Credit Union

Best for borrowers with low credit

Real Genius

NMLS#2389303

NerdWallet rating

4.5

Home loans overall
Min. credit score

620

Min. down payment

3.5%

Our take on Real Genius

The Nerdy headline

Real Genius is a smart pick for a do-it-yourself online quote. We’re impressed with its "no fine print” approach and options to sort and customize APR and fees. However, Real Genius does not have a mobile app and doesn’t currently prioritize home equity lending.

What we like
  • Easy and transparent online rate quote tool.
  • May accept borrowers with low credit scores.
  • Closes loans in an average of 30 days (faster than industry average).
What we don't like
  • Federal data isn’t available for us to objectively compare this lender with others.
  • Home equity loans and HELOCs aren’t a priority.
  • Not currently lending in U.S. territories.
Read our full review of Real Genius

Best for home equity loans

SoFi

NMLS#696891

NerdWallet rating

5.0

Home equity loans
Min. credit score

680

Min. down payment

N/A

Our take on SoFi

The Nerdy headline

SoFi’s home equity loans offer flexible term options and fast-than-average closing, but may require an appraisal and aren't available for second homes.

What we like
  • Flexible term options.
  • Average reported closing time is two weeks.
What we don't like
  • May require an appraisal.
  • Not available for second homes.
Read our full review of SoFi

Best for FHA loans

loanDepot

NMLS#174457

NerdWallet rating

5.0

FHA loans
Min. credit score

520

Min. down payment

3.5%

Our take on loanDepot

The Nerdy headline

LoanDepot, one of the country’s largest mortgage lenders, has faced negative headlines recently. It offers a wide range of FHA mortgages, including the harder-to-find FHA 203(k) renovation loan.

What we like
  • FHA loans make up a large share of LoanDepot's total home loans.
  • Major FHA lender, by loan volume.
  • Offers a strong variety of FHA loan types for purchase and refinance.
What we don't like
  • No mortgage rates posted online.
  • Recent headlines have damaged consumer trust.
Read our full review of loanDepot

How we chose the best home loan lenders

Our team of mortgage experts follows an objective, consumer-first methodology to assess home loan lenders and pick the best.

40+

Lenders reviewed

We review more than 40 lenders, including major banks, credit unions, and online lenders operating across multiple states.

100+

Categories assessed

Each lender is evaluated across more than 100 weighted categories covering rates and fees, types of home loans offered, rate transparency and customer experience.

11,000+

Data points analyzed

Our team tracks and reassesses thousands of data points annually for reviewed lenders, ensuring up-to-date, accurate comparisons across multiple loan types.

Methodology

NerdWallet rates mortgage lenders based on what matters most to borrowers: rates and fees, product accessibility, customer experience, rate transparency and the range of loan options.
We review more than 40 lenders and score them using a weighted system that prioritizes affordability and a smooth borrowing experience. Lenders earn higher scores for offering lower borrowing costs, making loans widely available, clearly displaying rate information and supporting borrowers from application through closing.
We use a mix of lender-provided information, publicly available data and our own research and analysis to evaluate each lender. Recent regulatory actions may affect a lender’s score.
NerdWallet's editorial team selected the mortgage lenders that appear on this page from our lists of best mortgage lenders for: first-time home buyers, borrowers with low credit, FHA loans, VA loans, home equity lines of credit (HELOCs), home equity loans, cashout refinancing, second home loans, manufactured home loans, refinancing and home loans overall. In each category, the highest-scoring lenders were selected. To ensure consistency, our ratings are reviewed by multiple people on the NerdWallet Mortgages team.
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How does a mortgage work?

A mortgage is a loan to buy a house. You repay it monthly — with interest — over a number of years (often 15, 20 or 30). If you fail to make payments on time, the lender may take the home through a process known as foreclosure.
  • Who offers mortgages? Banks, credit unions and third-party lenders.
  • How do you apply? Depending on the lender, you may be able to fill out an application online, through a mobile app or in person. 
  • What do lenders check? Your income, existing debts and credit score typically determine your eligibility, as well as the terms offered.

Types of mortgages

There are many types of mortgages available on the market. Here is a simple breakdown of your options.

Conventional loans

Conventional loans are the most common type of mortgages. While they are not backed by the federal government — like FHA and VA loans — they still typically adhere to the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) guidelines. Some require as little as 3% down, but private mortgage insurance (PMI) is needed if the down payment is under 20%.
There are two types of conventional loans:
  • 🏠 Conforming loans

    Conforming loans must stay within loan limits set by the FHFA. They follow rules from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, which buy these loans.
  • 🏠 Nonconforming loans

    Nonconforming loans  — like non-QM loans — do not follow these limits or guidelines, such as Jumbo loans, which typically exceed FHFA loan limits. They often require higher credit scores and stricter approval criteria.

Government-backed mortgages

These loans are insured by the federal government. The three main types of government-backed home loans are:
  • 🏠 FHA Loans

    FHA loans are backed by the Federal Housing Administration, and typically have more lenient requirements.
    • 3.5% down payment required
    • Lower credit score requirement than other loans 
    • Mortgage insurance required 
  • 🏠 USDA loans

    USDA loans are backed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and typically suited to rural home buyers.
    • No down payment required
    • Upfront and annual guarantee fees apply (similar to mortgage insurance)
  • 🏠 VA loans

    VA loans are backed by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
    • For veterans and active military 
    • No down payment required 
    • One-time VA funding fee (can be added to the loan)

Types of mortgage terms

How your mortgage is structured informs the length and overall cost of your loan.

Fixed vs. adjustable rate

Fixed-rate mortgage: the interest rate stays the same for the entire loan.
Adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM): the interest rate stays the same for a certain period (up to 10 years), then adjusts at specific intervals (usually every six months).

15-, 20- and 30-year mortgages

  • 30-year mortgages are the most common.
  • 15- and 20-year loans are also available.
  • Payments are spread over the loan term. 
  • Once fully paid, you own the home free and clear.

What’s the credit score needed for a home loan?

The credit score needed to buy a home depends on the type of loan and the lender. Lenders typically require a credit score of at least 620 for conventional loans but can go as low as 500, according to data collected by NerdWallet.
FHA loans generally have the most lenient credit score requirements, with most lenders NerdWallet reviews stating a minimum score of 580 or lower.

How to compare mortgage rates

  1. Check current mortgage rates to see the average offers. 
  2. Get online quotes from lenders based on personal factors, such as: 
    • Your location
    • Loan term
    • Purchase price
    • Down payment
  3. To get a more personalized quote, apply for preapproval. During preapproval, the lender will check your credit score and verify your financial information, such as income, assets and debts.

How to shop for a mortgage lender

The best time to shop for a mortgage lender is before you start house hunting.
  • Get preapproved: This shows real estate agents and sellers that you’re a serious buyer.
  • Compare loan estimates: Request estimates from multiple lenders.
  • Review key details: Look at loan terms, monthly payments and estimated closing costs.
By comparing lenders, you can find the best deal and save money over time.

Home equity loans and lines of credit

Home equity loans and lines of credit allow homeowners to access their home equity without refinancing or selling.
Important: Both options use your home as collateral. If you miss payments, you could lose your home.

Refinancing a mortgage

Getting a mortgage doesn't have to be a one-time decision. Refinancing lets you replace your current home loan with a new one — to lower your interest rate, change your loan term or access home equity, for example. The new loan pays off the old one, and you make payments on the refinance instead.

Why homeowners refinance

  • Lower the interest rate to reduce monthly payments
  • Change the loan term (for example, from 30 years to 15)
  • Switch from an adjustable-rate mortgage to a fixed rate
  • Tap home equity with a cash-out refinance

Types of refinances

  • 🏠 Rate-and-term refinance

    • Changes your interest rate, loan term, or both
    • No cash is taken out
  • 🏠 Cash-out refinance

    • Lets you borrow more than you owe and take the difference in cash
    • Often used for home improvements, debt consolidation or major expenses
  • 🏠 Streamline refinance

    • Available for FHA, VA and USDA loans
    • Fewer documentation requirements
    • May not require a home appraisal

What lenders look at

Lenders review many of the same factors as with a purchase loan:
  • Income and employment
  • Credit score
  • Debt-to-income ratio
  • Home value and equity

Costs to consider

Refinancing usually comes with closing costs, often 2% to 5% of the loan amount. A refinance makes sense when the long-term savings outweigh these upfront costs.
More from NerdWallet:

Frequently asked questions

  • How do I find the lender with the lowest mortgage rate?

    Some lenders post mortgage rates on their websites and include tools to see how much your rate might be. But those are just estimates. You'll need to get preapproved for a mortgage to get a rate offer based on your credit score and other financial information.
  • How much are closing costs?

    Closing costs are the various fees and expenses you pay to finalize the mortgage. Closing costs typically run between about 2% and 5% of the loan amount. That means on a $300,000 home loan, you could pay $6,000 to $15,000 in closing costs.
  • What if I can't afford closing costs?

    Most state housing finance agencies offer first-time home buyer programs, which can include closing cost and down payment assistance. The assistance can come in the form of a grant, a forgivable loan or a deferred-payment loan. To qualify, you need to work with a lender approved by the state agency.
  • Should I shop for a home or find a lender first?

    You should shop for a lender first and get preapproved for a mortgage before shopping for a house. A mortgage preapproval shows sellers and their real estate agents that you're a serious buyer. It also indicates how much you can borrow, which will help you determine how much home you can afford.