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4 Best Interest-Only Mortgage Lenders of 2020

NerdWalletJune 10, 2020

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An interest-only mortgage is a niche product that can be difficult to find these days. See NerdWallet's picks for some of the best interest-only mortgage lenders in 2020.

An interest-only mortgage can be hard to find these days. It is a niche product, best suited for borrowers with strong cash flow and good credit and often for home buyers looking for a short-term loan — typically from five to seven years.

Many interest-only mortgages are also jumbo loans, for higher-priced properties that don't meet conventional loan standards.

NerdWallet has picked some of the best mortgage lenders for people seeking interest-only mortgages to help you find the one that's right for your needs.

Summary of Best Interest-Only Mortgage Lenders of 2020

LenderNerdWallet Rating Minimum Credit Score Minimum Down PaymentLearn More

Guaranteed Rate: NMLS#2611

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4.5

/5

Best for online experience

620

3%

Read review

New American Funding: NMLS#6606

at New American

4.5

/5

Best for face-to-face service

700

3%

at New American

Wintrust Mortgage: NMLS#449042

Read review

4.0

/5

Best for jumbo loans

620

3%

Read review

HomeBridge: NMLS#6521

Read review

3.5

/5

Best for jumbo loans

620

3%

Read review
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Guaranteed Rate: NMLS#2611

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Min. Credit Score

620

Min. Down Payment

3%

Read review

Why we like it

Ideal for borrowers who are looking to apply for a mortgage and manage the process through online tools, whether buying or refinancing. Guaranteed Rate offers FHA, VA and USDA loans for borrowers who are well-qualified.

Pros

  • Works with most borrowers as long as they have good credit scores and incomes.

  • Provides a user-friendly digital platform that’s thorough in covering all types of borrowing scenarios.

  • Has a 95% customer satisfaction rate, according to company data.

Cons

  • Charges some fees, such as a $1,290 lender fee that includes a $150 application fee.

  • Offers many products, which might confuse or overwhelm borrowers.

  • Several click-throughs required for personalized rates.

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at New American

New American Funding: NMLS#6606

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Min. Credit Score

700

Min. Down Payment

3%

National / Regional

National

at New American

Why we like it

Ideal for borrowers who need to be evaluated on the basis of nontraditional credit. New American Funding offers FHA and VA loans, works with down payment assistance programs, and helps borrowers whose credit histories don't fit the mold of traditional banking.

Pros

  • Uses manual underwriting to evaluate creditworthiness.

  • Offers full online mortgage application, rate quotes, document upload and loan tracking.

  • Home equity lending sets it apart from most non-bank lenders.

Cons

  • Services not available in all 50 states.

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Wintrust Mortgage: NMLS#449042

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Min. Credit Score

620

Min. Down Payment

3%

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Why we like it

Ideal for first-time home buyers and those seeking specialty mortgages such as construction or condo loans.

Pros

  • Offers specialty loans, such as construction, renovation and reverse mortgages.

  • Online application and progress tracking available.

  • Condo lending specialists on staff.

  • Participates in five first-time home buyer assistance programs.

Cons

  • Mortgage rates are available only by contacting a loan officer.

  • Physical locations not available in all states.

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HomeBridge: NMLS#6521

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Min. Credit Score

620

Min. Down Payment

3%

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Why we like it

Ideal for borrowers who prefer an online experience. Homebridge offers a variety of home loan options and an online application.

Pros

  • A wide variety of loan types.

  • Low credit score requirements for government-backed loans.

  • A wealth of educational material on its website.

  • Licensed in all 50 states.

Cons

  • Mortgage application can't be tracked online.

  • Charges origination fees on some loans.

  • Limited branch locations.

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Last updated on June 10, 2020

Methodology

NerdWallet's selection of mortgage lenders for inclusion here was made based on our evaluation of the products and services that lenders offer to consumers who are actively shopping for the best mortgage. The six key areas we evaluated include the loan types and loan products offered, online capabilities, online mortgage rate information, customer service and the number of complaints filed with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau as a percentage of loans issued. We also awarded lenders up to one bonus star for a unique program or borrower focus that set them apart from other lenders. To ensure consistency, our ratings are reviewed by multiple people on the NerdWallet Mortgages team.

To recap our selections...

NerdWallet's Best Interest-Only Mortgage Lenders of 2020