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Easy Preapproval: 9 Best Online Mortgage Lenders of 2026
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Easy Preapproval: 9 Best Online Mortgage Lenders of 2026

Kate Wood
Abby Badach Doyle
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Kate Wood
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Written by 

Kate Wood

Co-Written by 

Abby Badach Doyle

Edited by 

Jeanette Margle

Written by 

Kate Wood

 and 
Last updated 03/02/2026
NerdWallet’s top-rated online mortgage lenders make it easy to shop around for mortgage rates and get preapproved. Our picks include traditional banks and nonbank lenders with user-friendly technology and tools.
 

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Best for fast closing

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 borrowers in the mid-Atlantic

Andrews Federal Credit Union

NMLS#410421

NerdWallet rating

5.0

Home loans overall
Min. credit score

620

Min. down payment

3%

Our take on Andrews Federal Credit Union

The Nerdy headline

Andrews Federal Credit Union is on the smaller side, but offers big value through low rates and fast closings. Its online rate quote tool is exceptionally informative. Renovation loans aren’t available, and the lender tells us VA and FHA loans aren’t a priority.

What we like
  • Offers free, one-time “float down” if mortgage rates drop while your loan is in progress.
  • Average time to close is 28 days, faster than the national average.
  • Online rate tool is exceptionally user-friendly and detailed.
What we don't like
  • No renovation loans.
  • VA and FHA loans aren’t a priority.
  • U.S. branches limited to Maryland, Virginia, Washington, D.C. and New Jersey.
Read our full review of Andrews Federal Credit Union

Best for first-time home buyers

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 Bank of America customers

Bank of America

NMLS#399802

NerdWallet rating

4.5

Home loans overall
Min. credit score

660

Min. down payment

5%

Our take on Bank of America

The Nerdy headline

Bank of America offers standard big-bank benefits: loan variety, nationwide branches and a mobile app. It’s a solid pick for existing banking customers, and some borrowers can qualify for down payment assistance.

What we like
  • Interest rates are on the lower side, according to the latest federal data.
  • Offers up to $17,500 in homebuying assistance to qualified borrowers.
  • Banking customers can get discounted interest rates or fees.
What we don't like
  • Mortgage origination fees are on the higher side, according to the latest federal data.
  • Online rate quote tool doesn’t personalize by credit score.
  • Doesn’t offer home equity loans.
Read our full review of Bank of America

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 military borrowers

Navy Federal

NMLS#399807

NerdWallet rating

5.0

Home loans overall
Min. credit score

N/A

Min. down payment

5%

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
  • Offers unique no-down-payment and no-mortgage-insurance loan options for military and civilian members.
  • 24/7 customer service supports borrowers stationed overseas.
  • Has both home equity loans and lines of credit.
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 FHA, renovation or construction loans.
Read our full review of Navy Federal

Best for borrowers in GA, NC, SC, TN or VA

State Employees' Credit Union

NMLS#430055

NerdWallet rating

5.0

Home loans overall
Min. credit score

N/A

Min. down payment

0%

Our take on State Employees' Credit Union

The Nerdy headline

State Employees’ Credit Union in North Carolina is worth checking out for those in the Southeast who meet its narrow membership criteria — especially first-time home buyers eligible for generous grants and specialty loans. But it doesn’t offer government-backed mortgages.

What we like
  • Offers a zero-down mortgage without private mortgage insurance.
  • Participates in multiple first-time buyer assistance programs.
  • Low average mortgage rates, according to the latest federal data.
What we don't like
  • Credit union membership eligibility is limited.
  • Loans only available in five states.
  • Doesn’t offer government-backed mortgages.
Read our full review of State Employees' Credit Union

Best for mobile users

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 HELOCs

Truist

NMLS#399803

NerdWallet rating

4.5

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

How we chose the best online home loan lenders

Our team of mortgage experts follows an objective, consumer-first methodology to assess online loan 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.

160+

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.
The star ratings on this page reflect each lender's rating for purchase loans overall. We scored the category and chose lenders for this page using the following methodology:
NerdWallet reviewed more than 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, lenders must score highly in most dimensions of the mortgage application process, including an easily accessible online application, numbers for phone support and online chat, and a highly-rated mobile app with at least one mortgage feature. Lenders must also post rates online that are easily accessible without digging through fine print and can be personalized by location and credit score. Displayed rates must have at least two details or assumptions, such as APR, discount points, down payment amount, closing costs and fees or other details, clearly spelled out. The highest scoring lenders are included here.
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.
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Can you get a mortgage completely online?

Yes, getting a mortgage online is easier than ever. Most lenders have websites and let you apply online. The best ones go beyond the basics, with easy-to-use tools to take you from preapproval to closing.
An online mortgage lender can be a bank, credit union or nonbank lender. Simply put: It’s any lender that offers easy, self-service digital tools — whether the lender has in-person branches or not.

Which is the easiest lender to get a mortgage with?

NerdWallet’s best online mortgage lenders stood out in our research of 40+ lenders for their easy-to-use websites, apps and tools. Here’s what the 10 best ones have in common:
  • Display mortgage rates clearly online — no digging through fine print
  • Let people customize their own quote using credit score, location and other factors
  • Offer a fully online, do-it-yourself mortgage application
  • Provide customer support via online chat and phone
  • Have a highly rated mobile app
To speed up the process, many online mortgage lenders can pull needed documents from government agencies, banks and employers with your permission.

Do online mortgage lenders have better rates?

Some online lenders have lower costs and pass the savings to you with lower rates and fees. But the best way to get a low mortgage rate is to compare offers from multiple lenders.
However, it’s not always simple to compare mortgage rates. Some lenders don’t show sample rates online. Instead, they ask you to call or fill out a form.
The best online lenders let you see sample rates and adjust them based on your location and credit score. This makes shopping and comparing easier. Learn how to get the best mortgage rate.
More from NerdWallet:

Frequently asked questions

  • How do I find online mortgage lenders?

    Most lenders have some online capabilities. Look for a lender that offers the type of mortgage and services you need that does business in your area. Even if you're just looking for online convenience, location matters. Some top online mortgage lenders aren't available to borrowers in every state.
  • What types of online mortgages can I get?

    Offerings vary by lender, but with a bit of searching, you can find an online mortgage lender for virtually any type of home loan, including those geared to first-time home buyers, veterans and borrowers with low credit scores.
  • How do I choose an online lender?

    Compare rates and fees among lenders that offer the type of mortgage you want. Check out customer service options to make sure they meet your needs, and apply for preapproval with at least three lenders. Choose the lender that offers the best rate at the lowest cost.
  • Can I get an online mortgage loan with bad credit?

    It's possible to get an online mortgage with a low or "bad" credit score, but you'll want to look at lenders’ minimum credit scores before submitting an application. You should also know that a lower credit score generally means you'll be offered a higher mortgage interest rate, making your home loan more expensive. It might make more sense to hold off on purchasing a home while you work on building your credit.