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10 Best Nonbank Mortgage Lenders of February 2026
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10 Best Nonbank Mortgage Lenders of February 2026

Dawnielle Robinson-Walker
Johanna Arnone
Dawnielle Robinson-Walker
+1
Written by 

Dawnielle Robinson-Walker

Edited by 

Johanna Arnone

Written by 

Dawnielle Robinson-Walker

 and 
Last updated 02/12/2026
Thinking about using a nonbank lender for your mortgage? 🤔 Nonbank lenders can offer faster applications and more flexible loan options; our experts picked the best nonbank mortgage lenders across key categories to help you find the right fit.
 

This service is free and will not affect your credit score.

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Best for low credit borrowers

Rate

NMLS#2611

NerdWallet rating

4.5

Home loans overall
Min. credit score

620

Min. down payment

3%

Our take on Rate

The Nerdy headline

Rate boasts a streamlined application process, with full underwriting in as little as one business day — though for all its online conveniences, you'll still work with a human.

What we like
  • Fully underwritten mortgage approval in as little as one day for qualified borrowers.
  • Generous selection of loans, including government-backed, interest-only, jumbo and renovation.
  • Advertises a fixed-rate HELOC that can be funded in as few as five business days.
What we don't like
  • Some affordable loan options have income limits or other restrictions.
  • Details of less common loan types aren't available on the lender's website.
  • HELOC requires immediate, full withdrawal of funds, though there is an option to make additional draws.
Read our full review of Rate

Best for home equity borrowing

Better

NMLS#330511

NerdWallet rating

4.5

Home loans overall
Min. credit score

620

Min. down payment

3%

Our take on Better

The Nerdy headline

Better stands out for its attractive interest rates and wide range of mortgage types, including for condos and manufactured homes. Better offers connections with homeowners insurance providers and real estate attorneys, as well as title insurance. However, the lender could improve its customer service.

What we like
  • Has a wide variety of mortgage types, including home equity products.
  • Offers lower interest rates than many competitors.
  • Sample online rates are customizable by location.
What we don't like
  • We struggled to contact customer service.
  • The lender scores poorly for customer satisfaction on Zillow.
  • Does not offer construction loans.
Read our full review of Better

Best for FHA loans

Pennymac

NMLS#35953

NerdWallet rating

4.5

Home loans overall
Min. credit score

620

Min. down payment

3%

Our take on Pennymac

The Nerdy headline

Pennymac, known for government loans, has some of the lowest average mortgage rates we’ve seen, though fees run a little high, and HELOCs and renovation loans aren’t available. Best for VA or FHA borrowers looking for low rates and an efficient digital experience.

What we like
  • Online rate tool is user-friendly and informative.
  • Perks include a 1% interest rate buydown and “refinance later” cash bonus.
  • Experienced in VA and FHA mortgages.
What we don't like
  • Average origination fee is on the higher side, according to the latest federal data.
  • Home equity loans, but no HELOCs.
  • No construction or renovation loans.
Read our full review of Pennymac

Best for financial assistance

New American Funding

NMLS#6606

NerdWallet rating

4.5

Home loans overall
Min. credit score

580

Min. down payment

N/A

Our take on New American Funding

The Nerdy headline

New American Funding offers a large menu of loan products, as well as programs like first-time home buyer assistance, but personalized mortgage rates aren't available on its website.

What we like
  • Offers a wide variety of purchase and refinance mortgages, as well as unique buyer assistance programs.
  • Its home equity line of credit can be used for a primary residence or second home.
What we don't like
  • Average origination fees are on the high side, according to the latest federal data.
  • Personalized mortgage rates are not available on the website without providing contact information.
Read our full review of New American Funding

Best for VA loans

Veterans United

NMLS#1907

NerdWallet rating

5.0

Home loans overall
Min. credit score

620

Min. down payment

3%

Our take on Veterans United

The Nerdy headline

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

What we like
  • Offers a range of VA mortgages, including refinance, energy-efficient and jumbo.
  • 24/7 customer service line supports servicemembers stationed internationally.
  • Average time to close is 34 days, faster than the national average.
What we don't like
  • Average origination fee is on the higher side, according to the latest federal data.
  • Website doesn’t have online chat.
  • No renovation loans.
Read our full review of Veterans United

Best for low down payment

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 rate transparency

Tomo

NMLS#2059741

NerdWallet rating

5.0

Home loans overall
Min. credit score

580

Min. down payment

3%

Our take on Tomo

The Nerdy headline

Tomo, established in 2020, is an online-only lender with a focus on digital efficiency and purchase loans. We’re impressed with its customizable mortgage rate tool. Average rates are on the low side, too. However, you won’t find home equity products. Mortgages are available in 34 states and counting.

What we like
  • Online rate tool is user-friendly and customizable.
  • Average interest rates are on the low side, according to the latest federal data.
  • Accepts borrowers with credit scores below 600.
What we don't like
  • Mortgages not available in all states.
  • No renovation or home equity loans.
  • No mobile app.
Read our full review of Tomo

Best for low average interest rates

AmeriSave

NMLS#1168

NerdWallet rating

4.5

Home loans overall
Min. credit score

620

Min. down payment

3%

Our take on AmeriSave

The Nerdy headline

AmeriSave stands out for its program to lower your rate by 1% for the first year. Interest rates are on the low side, but fees are higher than competitors’. Borrowers with low credit will find flexibility here.

What we like
  • Offers a rate buydown program.
  • Average interest rates are on the low side, according to the latest federal data.
  • Accepts borrowers with credit scores as low as 500 for certain loan types.
What we don't like
  • No mobile app.
  • Average origination fees are on the high side, according to the latest federal data.
  • Getting custom rates and applying for mortgage preapproval both require contacting a loan expert.
Read our full review of AmeriSave

Best for self-employed borrowers

Carrington

NMLS#2600

NerdWallet rating

4.5

Home loans overall
Min. credit score

620

Min. down payment

3%

Our take on Carrington

The Nerdy headline

Carrington Mortgage offers specialty loans for people who might have trouble getting a mortgage elsewhere, like self-employed borrowers or those with heavy debt. Average rates are low, though fees are on the higher side.

What we like
  • Low average mortgage rates, according to the latest federal data.
  • Considers borrowers with bad credit, foreclosure or bankruptcy.
  • Options for self-employed borrowers and alternative income documentation.
What we don't like
  • Rates are posted online, but website navigation is clunky.
  • Average origination fee is on the higher side, according to the latest federal data.
  • Offers home equity loans, but no HELOCs.
Read our full review of Carrington

Best for first-time home buyers

SoFi

NMLS#696891

NerdWallet rating

5.0

Home loans overall
Min. credit score

620

Min. down payment

3%

Our take on SoFi

The Nerdy headline

SoFi offers perks for existing customers, including a discount on closing costs and accessible customer support. The site primarily highlights conventional home loan offerings, so borrowers looking for other loan types may need to reach out directly for more details.

What we like
  • Interest rates are on the lower side, according to the latest federal data.
  • Conventional loan borrowers can choose between a 10-, 15-, 20- or 30-year term.
  • HELOC borrowers may access up to 90% of their home equity.
What we don't like
  • Sample mortgage interest rates are shown for conventional purchase and refinance loans, but not for other loan types.
  • For customized mortgage rates, you have to provide your contact information.
  • - Online details on some loan products are scant.
Read our full review of SoFi

How we chose the best nonbank mortgage lenders

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

40

Lenders reviewed

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

4

Categories assessed

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

120+

Data points analyzed

Our team tracks and reassesses hundreds of data points annually for reviewed lenders, ensuring up-to-date, accurate comparisons.

Star rating categories

We evaluate the following categories and carefully weigh how each factor impacts your experience. Read more about how we determine those ratings.
Interest rates and fees

30%

Lenders score higher for offering lower interest rates and fees.

Rate transparency

25%

We score lenders on whether sample (or customizable) mortgage rates are posted online.

Variety of home loans offered

25%

We evaluate the variety of mortgage options a lender offers. A lender must offer USDA loans to be eligible for this list.

Customer experience

20%

Lenders are evaluated on customer experience, including ways to apply and get in touch with customer service.

5.0

Overall score

The star ratings on this page reflect each lender's rating for home loans overall. We scored the category and chose lenders for this page using the following methodology:
NerdWallet reviewed 40 mortgage lenders, including the majority of the largest U.S. mortgage lenders by annual loan volume (measured among lenders with at least a 1% market share), lenders with significant online search volume and those that specialize in serving various audiences across the country.
For inclusion in this roundup, nonbank lenders must earn 4.5 stars or above according to our home loans' overall methodology. "Nonbank" means mortgage companies that are neither banks nor credit unions.
NerdWallet solicits information from reviewed lenders on a recurring basis throughout the year. All lender-provided information is verified through lender websites and interviews. We also utilized the most recent available HMDA data for origination volume, origination fee, average interest rate and share-of-product data.

What makes nonbank mortgage lenders different

Nonbank lenders focus on home loans but don't have traditional bank branches. Many operate mostly online, which can mean:
  • Faster applications and approvals
  • A more streamlined, online experience  
  • Flexible options for borrowers with credit challenges
Rates, fees and services can vary, so it's smart to shop a few nonbank lenders before choosing one.

Compare nonbank lenders with other lender types

Nonbank lenders are just one option. Looking at different types of lenders can help you find a mix of rates, services and features for the best overall deal. You may also want to explore:

Review multiple loan offers

After narrowing your choices, ask for quotes from a few lenders and review them side by side. Don't just focus on the interest rate; look at the full picture, including:
  • Interest rate and annual percentage rate (APR)
  • Fees and closing costs
  • Loan terms and monthly payments
Comparing several offers can help you feel confident you're choosing the right mortgage for your goals.