BEST OF

5 Best Mortgage Lenders with No Origination Fee of 2021

It’s hard to find a lender that doesn’t charge an origination fee. But NerdWallet has done the research and found some loan providers that claim zero origination fees.

NerdWalletMar 1, 2021
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It’s a real challenge to find a lender that doesn’t charge an origination fee. And when it comes to the closing costs you’ll face when signing the paperwork for your loan, the mortgage origination fee can be a significant number. It’s often 1% of your total loan amount — or more.

NerdWallet constantly surveys mortgage providers about their origination fee and any other lender charges that will be included in your overall closing costs.

Here are some lenders in different borrower categories that claim zero origination fees.

NerdWallet tip: Even for lenders that have no origination fee loans, it may not be automatically offered — you may have to ask for loan terms that exclude an origination fee.

» MORE: What Is a Mortgage Origination Fee: Do You Have to Pay It?

Summary of Best Mortgage Lenders with No Origination Fee of 2021

Better
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at Better

Better: NMLS#330511

5.0

NerdWallet rating 
Better

Min. Credit Score

620

Min. Down Payment

3%
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at Better

Why we like it

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

Pros

  • An online process with human help as needed.

  • Makes it easy to see customized mortgage rates.

  • Offers an "underwriter reviewed" preapproval letter in as little as 24 hours.

Cons

  • Doesn't offer home equity loans or HELOCs.

  • Doesn't do VA or USDA loans.

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Reali Loans
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at Reali Loans

Reali Loans: NMLS#991397

4.0

NerdWallet rating 
Reali Loans

Min. Credit Score

620

Min. Down Payment

5%
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at Reali Loans

Why we like it

Good for: borrowers looking for an online mortgage application experience.

Pros

  • Offers a completely online application process.

  • Posts current interest rates for purchase and refinancing.

  • Provides customized rate quotes online.

Cons

  • Available in just 12 states.

  • Offers fewer loan types and products than other lenders.

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Network Capital
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at Network Capital

Network Capital: NMLS#11712

4.5

NerdWallet rating 
Network Capital

Min. Credit Score

620

Min. Down Payment

3%
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at Network Capital

Why we like it

Good for: borrowers looking for a lender with online convenience and mortgage banker assistance.

Pros

  • A web application supports the loan process.

  • A good selection of loan products, including all government-backed mortgages.

  • Offers jumbo loans up to $5 million.

Cons

  • Doesn't lend in all states.

  • Website doesn’t provide customized mortgage rates.

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NASB
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at NASB

NASB: NMLS#400039

5.0

NerdWallet rating 
NASB

Min. Credit Score

640

Min. Down Payment

0%
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at NASB

Why we like it

Favorable mortgage rates and reasonable fees are coupled with a good assortment of loan options. Only a few tech upgrades are lacking.

Pros

  • Devotes much of its business to serving military families with VA loans.

  • Considers nontraditional income sources, in some cases.

  • Offers competitive rates and origination fees.

Cons

  • No online loan process updates or tracking.

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PrimeLending
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PrimeLending: NMLS#13649

3.5

NerdWallet rating 
PrimeLending

Min. Credit Score

580

Min. Down Payment

0%
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Why we like it

Good for: borrowers looking for closing cost assistance, as well as those seeking to renovate or to build a new home.

Pros

  • Full online application includes document uploads and automated loan updates.

  • Offers a "float-down" interest rate lock.

  • Offers a proprietary closing-cost assistance program.

Cons

  • No online mortgage rates — you have to contact the lender for info.

  • Doesn't offer home equity products.

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Last updated on March 1, 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.

To recap our selections...

NerdWallet's Best Mortgage Lenders with No Origination Fee of 2021