BEST OF

10 Best California Mortgage Lenders of 2022

If you’re looking to buy or refinance a home in California in 2022, NerdWallet can help you choose from some of the best mortgage lenders in the state.

By NerdWallet 

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.

Whether you’re shopping for a condo on the coast, a classic suburban ranch or a low-rate refinance, these California mortgage lenders reviewed by NerdWallet can get you there.

Best California Mortgage Lenders

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Bank of America: NMLS#399802

4.5

NerdWallet rating 
Bank of America

Min. credit score

660

Min. down payment

5%

National / regional

National

National / regional

National

Why we like it

Good 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.

Read Full Review

Better: NMLS#330511

5.0

NerdWallet rating 
Better

Min. credit score

620

Min. down payment

3%

Why we like it

Good for: tech-savvy borrowers who prefer an online experience.

Pros

  • Offers a program allowing qualifying buyers to make cash offers.

  • Makes it easy to see customized mortgage rates.

  • Average interest rates are on the low end compared to other lenders, according to the latest federal data.

Cons

  • Doesn’t offer USDA loans.

  • VA loans are not available in every state.

  • Doesn't offer home equity loans.

Read Full Review

Chase: NMLS#399798

4.0

NerdWallet rating 
Chase

Min. credit score

620

National / regional

National

Why we like it

Good for: borrowers who want a wide selection of loan products, an in-person experience and comparatively low interest rates.

Pros

  • Carries a wide variety of mortgage types and products, including mortgages with down payments as low as 3%.

  • Offers low rates compared with other lenders, according to the latest federal data.

  • Offers a customizable mortgage calculator for personalized rate and payment estimates.

  • Receives high marks for customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power and Zillow.

Cons

  • Doesn't offer home improvement loans, such as FHA 203(k) and HomeStyle.

  • You have to speak with a home loan adviser to complete the application.

  • Home equity lines of credit (HELOC) are currently unavailable.

Read Full Review

Citibank: NMLS#412915

4.5

NerdWallet rating 
Citibank

National / regional

National

Min. down payment

3%

Why we like it

Good for: Buyers who want to explore low down payment mortgages, including government-backed loans and Citi’s proprietary option.

Pros

  • Offers a wide variety of loan options, including low-down-payment mortgages and jumbo mortgages.

  • Offers low rates compared with other lenders, according to the latest data.

  • Receives high marks for customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power and Zillow.

Cons

  • Requires help from a loan officer to complete an online mortgage application.

  • Customized mortgage rates not available without making contact.

  • Doesn’t offer renovation loans, or home equity loans or lines of credit.

Read Full Review

Guaranteed Rate: NMLS#2611

5.0

NerdWallet rating 
Guaranteed Rate

Min. credit score

620

Min. down payment

3%

Why we like it

Good for: borrowers seeking a solid variety of loan types, including jumbo and interest-only options, and a totally online experience.

Pros

  • Displays detailed sample rates for many of its loan products.

  • Offers a wide variety of loans, including jumbo and interest-only products.

  • Offers low rates compared with other lenders, according to the latest federal data.

Cons

  • Doesn't offer home equity loans.

Read Full Review

loanDepot: NMLS#174457

4.0

NerdWallet rating 
loanDepot

Min. credit score

620

National / regional

National

Why we like it

Good 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.

Read Full Review
New American Funding
Learn more

at New American Funding

New American Funding: NMLS#6606

4.5

NerdWallet rating 
New American Funding

Min. credit score

620

Min. down payment

3%
Learn more

at New American Funding


Why we like it

Good for: First-time home buyers and other borrowers looking for a broad array of loan choices.

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.

  • Offers a program to enable buyers to make cash offers.

Cons

  • Mortgage origination fees tend to be on the high end, according to the latest federal data.

Read Full Review
Rocket Mortgage, LLC
Learn more

at Rocket Mortgage, LLC

Rocket Mortgage, LLC: NMLS#3030

4.5

NerdWallet rating 
Rocket Mortgage, LLC

Min. credit score

620

Min. down payment

3%
Learn more

at Rocket Mortgage, LLC


Why we like it

Good for: borrowers who appreciate a fully digital home loan experience with mortgage rates lower than other lenders’.

Pros

  • Streamlined online process with document and asset retrieval capabilities, as well as the ability to edit your preapproval letter.

  • Mortgage interest rates are on the low side compared to other lenders, according to the latest federal data.

  • Offers the option to work with loan officers by phone if desired.

Cons

  • Getting a customized interest rate requires a credit check, which can affect your credit score.

  • Doesn't offer home equity lines of credit.

  • Origination fees are on the high side compared with other lenders, according to the latest federal data.

Read Full Review

SoFi: NMLS#1484615

4.0

NerdWallet rating 
SoFi

Min. credit score

620

Min. down payment

3%

Why we like it

Good for: borrowers seeking an entirely digital application process for conventional purchase mortgages or refinancing.

Pros

  • Borrowers with an existing loan or investment account from SoFi may qualify for a $500 discount on mortgage fees.

  • Mortgage rates tend to be on the low side, according to the latest federal data.

  • Offers jumbo loans with a minimum down payment of 10%.

Cons

  • Does not offer government-backed loans, such as FHA or VA.

  • Requires users to create an account to see customized mortgage rates.

  • SoFi conforming mortgages are unavailable in Hawaii.

Read Full Review

Veterans United: NMLS#1907

4.0

NerdWallet rating 
Veterans United

Min. credit score

620

Min. down payment

0%

Why we like it

Good for: veterans, active-duty service members and eligible reservists looking for VA loans.

Pros

  • Offers 24/7 customer service over the phone.

  • Offers a free credit counseling service.

  • Mortgage rates are on the low side, according to the latest federal data.

Cons

  • Doesn’t offer home equity loans or HELOCs.

  • Veterans United has physical branch offices in only 17 states.

  • Focus on VA loans, so may not be the strongest choice for those seeking other loan types.

Read Full Review

Best California mortgage lenders by city

We took an even closer look to find lenders in major California cities. See our picks for best mortgage lenders in your area.

More from NerdWallet:

Last updated on January 6, 2022

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.

To recap our selections...

NerdWallet's Best California Mortgage Lenders of 2022

Frequently asked questions