16 Best Mortgage Refinance Lenders of May 2026
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16 Best Mortgage Refinance Lenders of May 2026

Abby Badach Doyle
Jeanette Margle
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Abby Badach Doyle
+2
Written by 

Abby Badach Doyle

Co-Written by 

Jeanette Margle

Edited by 

Johanna Arnone

Written by 

Abby Badach Doyle

 and 
Last updated 04/28/2026
Curious if refinancing can get you a lower mortgage rate? 🤔 Smart move. Use our expert picks to start your research: NerdWallet selected the best refinance mortgage companies across a range of categories.
 

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🤓 How mortgage refinancing works

When you refinance, you get a new mortgage to replace your old one. The new mortgage pays off the balance of your old home loan. Often, people refinance when today’s refinance rates drop below their existing mortgage interest rate.
You’ll pay closing costs and fees, just like you did when you bought your house. After paying the upfront fees, it can take a few years to reach the break-even point, or when refinance savings outweigh costs.
The steps to refinance are similar to when you got a mortgage to buy your house:
  1. Get your finances in order.
  2. Research which type of refinance loan you want.
  3. Shop around and compare each lender’s Loan Estimate.
  4. Pick a refinance lender and start the mortgage underwriting process.
  5. Get a home appraisal, if required.
  6. Finalize (“close”) the loan and pay any refinance closing costs.
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Best Mortgage Lender  Cash-Out Refinancing
Rocket Mortgage, LLC

NMLS#3030

Rocket Mortgage, LLC
Rocket Mortgage, LLC

NMLS#3030

Cash-out refinancing
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Best for cash-out refinancing

Rocket Mortgage, LLC

NMLS#3030

NerdWallet rating

4.5

Refinancing
Min. credit score

620

National / regional

National

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 the largest refinance lender as well — though refinancing APRs are not the most competitive.

What we like
  • 2025’s top refinance lender, by loan volume.
  • Offers a large variety of refinance products, including for government loans.
  • Borrowers can apply via mobile app.
What we don't like
  • Refinance APRs are not as competitive as other lenders.
  • Must share contact info to get custom mortgage rates online.
Read our full review of Rocket Mortgage, LLC

Best for borrowers with credit challenges

Rate

NMLS#2611

NerdWallet rating

4.5

Refinancing
Min. credit score

620

National / regional

National

Our take on Rate

The Nerdy headline

Rate boasts a streamlined online application process, but no mobile app. Though it’s among the top refinance lenders by volume, APRs are less competitive than average.

What we like
  • Generous selection of refinancing loan types.
  • May consider borrowers with credit scores as low as 580.
  • Major refinance lender, by loan volume.
What we don't like
  • Details of less common loan types aren't available on the lender's website.
  • Refinance loans make up a relatively small share of Rate's total home loans.
Read our full review of Rate

Best for cash-out refinancing

Navy Federal

NMLS#399807

NerdWallet rating

5.0

Refinancing
Min. credit score

N/A

National / regional

National

Our take on Navy Federal

The Nerdy headline

Navy Federal is known for VA lending, and it's a big refinance lender by volume. You'll need a military connection to join the credit union.

What we like
  • Offers competitive refinancing APRs compared with other lenders.
  • 24/7 customer service supports borrowers stationed overseas.
  • Among the top lenders for refinancing, by loan volume.
What we don't like
  • Refinance loans make up a relatively small share of Navy Federal's total home loans.
  • 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.
Read our full review of Navy Federal

Best for those who bank with Wells Fargo

Wells Fargo

NMLS#399801

NerdWallet rating

4.5

Refinancing
Min. credit score

620

National / regional

National

Our take on Wells Fargo

The Nerdy headline

Wells Fargo has significantly shrunk its mortgage business in recent years, but it was still a major refi lender by loan volume in 2025, though APRs were less competitive than other lenders’.

What we like
  • Sample refinance rates are available online for some loan types.
  • Major refinance lender, by loan volume.
  • Offers refinance loans across a wide range of locations and financial profiles.
What we don't like
  • Refinance loans make up a small share of Wells Fargo's total home loans.
  • Prospective borrowers may be put off by the lender’s past legal issues.
Read our full review of Wells Fargo

Best for credit union experience

Andrews Federal Credit Union

NMLS#410421

NerdWallet rating

4.5

Refinancing
Min. credit score

620

National / regional

National

Our take on Andrews Federal Credit Union

The Nerdy headline

Andrews Federal Credit Union is on the smaller side, but offers big value with a float-down option and fast closings. Its online rate quote tool is exceptionally informative.

What we like
  • Refinances made up a strong percentage of Andrews’ business in 2025, compared to other lenders.
  • Offers free, one-time “float down” if mortgage rates drop while your loan is in progress.
  • Online rate tool is exceptionally user-friendly and detailed.
What we don't like
  • U.S. branches limited to Maryland, Virginia, Washington, D.C. and New Jersey.
  • A smaller player in the refinance market overall.
Read our full review of Andrews Federal Credit Union

Best for customer service

Chase

NMLS#399798

NerdWallet rating

4.5

Refinancing
Min. credit score

620

National / regional

National

Our take on Chase

The Nerdy headline

Chase mortgage has an above-average reputation for consumer satisfaction and is a major refinance lender by volume.

What we like
  • Major refinance lender, by loan volume.
  • Offers a relatively strong variety of refinancing loan types.
  • Receives above-average ratings for customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power and Zillow.
What we don't like
  • Refinance loans make up a relatively small share of Chase's total home loans.
  • Borrowers must create an account or speak with a home loan expert before completing an online application.
Read our full review of Chase

Best for low average rates and fees

NBKC

NMLS#409631

NerdWallet rating

4.5

Refinancing
Min. credit score

620

National / regional

National

Our take on NBKC

The Nerdy headline

NBKC offers a strong variety of refinance loan types and is primarily an online lender — though its app does not have mortgage features and chat support is not geared toward mortgage borrowers.

What we like
  • Offers FHA and VA refinances.
  • Refinance APRs are relatively competitive.
What we don't like
  • Customer service is only accessible over the phone for many mortgage customers.
  • Refinance loans make up a somewhat small share of NBKC's total home loans.
Read our full review of NBKC

Best for active military and veterans

Veterans United

NMLS#1907

NerdWallet rating

4.5

Refinancing
Min. credit score

620

National / regional

National

Our take on Veterans United

The Nerdy headline

Veterans United originates more VA mortgages than any other lender. Though refinance APRs are about average, it’s a solid pick for borrowers looking for a VA loan with ample support along the way.

What we like
  • Major refinance lender, by loan volume.
  • 24/7 customer service line supports servicemembers stationed internationally.
What we don't like
  • Website doesn’t have online chat.
  • Refinance loans make up a somewhat small share of Veterans United's total home loans.
Read our full review of Veterans United

Best for quick online quotes

Real Genius

NMLS#2389303

NerdWallet rating

4.5

Refinancing
Min. credit score

620

National / regional

National

Our take on Real Genius

The Nerdy headline

Real Genius is a smart pick for a do-it-yourself online quote, with a wide variety of refinance loans on offer. We’re impressed with its detailed, “no fine print” approach and options to sort and customize APR and fees.

What we like
  • Offers a strong variety of refinance loans, including jumbo, FHA and VA options.
  • Displays customized refinance rates, including fee estimates, without requiring contact information.
What we don't like
  • Does not offer refinancing in all 50 states.
  • No mobile app.
Read our full review of Real Genius

Best for military borrowers & families

USAA

NMLS#401058

NerdWallet rating

4.5

Refinancing
Min. credit score

620

National / regional

Regional

Our take on USAA

The Nerdy headline

Though it specializes in VA loans, USAA’s refinance products offer a respectable variety of loan types with average APRs. Credit union membership is limited to active military, veterans and their families.

What we like
  • Offers VA refinance options.
  • Refinance APRs are about average among NerdWallet’s reviewed lenders.
What we don't like
  • For customized rates, you'll have to share contact info.
  • Branches only available in a few states.
Read our full review of USAA

Best for quick online rate quotes

PNC Bank

NMLS#446303

NerdWallet rating

5.0

Refinancing
Min. credit score

620

National / regional

National

Our take on PNC Bank

The Nerdy headline

PNC Bank has a variety of appealing refinance options, including jumbo refinance loans. It's simple to browse rates and apply online.

What we like
  • Customizable mortgage rates are posted online.
  • Offers FHA and VA refinances.
  • Is a major player in the refinancing space, by loan volume.
What we don't like
  • In-person service is not available in every state.
  • No mobile app available.
Read our full review of PNC Bank

Best for variety of refinance products

Network Capital

NMLS#11712

NerdWallet rating

5.0

Refinancing
Min. credit score

540

National / regional

Regional

Our take on Network Capital

The Nerdy headline

Network Capital offers alternative mortgage options with flexible requirements, as well as fast closings, but shoppers will need to contact the lender for loan details.

What we like
  • Reported average time to close is 20 days, far below the industry average.
  • Products like non-QM loans and ITIN loans make borrowing more accessible.
What we don't like
  • The lender’s website offers limited loan details.
Read our full review of Network Capital

Best for quick online rate comparisons

Flagstar

NMLS#417490

NerdWallet rating

5.0

Refinancing
Min. credit score

N/A

National / regional

National

Our take on Flagstar

The Nerdy headline

Flagstar Bank, recently acquired by Mr. Cooper, stands out for a wide variety of refinance loan types and convenient digital tools that make it easy to shop rates online.

What we like
  • Solid variety of refinance loan types.
  • Easy to shop for mortgage rates on the website.
  • Closes loans faster than average.
What we don't like
  • Doesn't offer energy-efficient mortgage refinances.
Read our full review of Flagstar

Best for refinancing overall

Truist

NMLS#399803

NerdWallet rating

5.0

Refinancing
Min. credit score

620

National / regional

National

Our take on Truist

The Nerdy headline

Truist is NerdWallet’s pick for Best Refinance Lender this year. With competitive APRs and a wide variety of loan types, refinance borrowers in most states are likely to find a strong offer here.

What we like
  • Refinance APRs are more competitive than average, according to the latest federal data.
  • Offers refinance loans across a wide range of locations and financial profiles.
  • Solid variety of refinance loan types, including FHA and VA options.
What we don't like
  • Customized rates aren't available online without contacting the lender.
  • Mortgages aren’t available in all 50 states.
Read our full review of Truist

Best for competitive APRs

State Employees' Credit Union

NMLS#430055

NerdWallet rating

5.0

Refinancing
Min. credit score

N/A

National / regional

Regional

Our take on State Employees' Credit Union

The Nerdy headline

Despite its small footprint, NC SECU offers big value — if you meet the criteria to become a credit union member.

What we like
  • Average refinance APRs are among the most competitive, according to the latest federal data.
  • Experienced in refinance lending with an above-average market share of refinance loans.
  • Scores highly for customer experience.
What we don't like
  • Credit union membership eligibility is limited.
  • Loans only available in five states.
  • Doesn’t offer government-backed refinances.
Read our full review of State Employees' Credit Union

Best for competitive APRs

Alliant

NMLS#197185

NerdWallet rating

5.0

Refinancing
Min. credit score

640

National / regional

National

Our take on Alliant

The Nerdy headline

For eligible borrowers who are open to joining a credit union, Alliant offers a strong variety of refinance options, along with some of the most competitive APRs we’ve seen.

What we like
  • Refinance APRs are among the most competitive, according to the latest federal data.
  • Offers a broad variety of refinance loan types, including government-backed options.
  • Customized rate quotes are available online, including a detailed breakdown of estimated closing costs.
What we don't like
  • No mobile app available.
  • Does not offer refinances for energy-efficient mortgages.
Read our full review of Alliant

How we chose the best mortgage refinance loan lenders

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

35+

Lenders reviewed

We review 35+ lenders, including major banks, credit unions, and online lenders operating across multiple states.

17

Categories assessed

Each lender is evaluated across 17 weighted categories covering refinance as a percent of lending business, overall share of the refinance loan market, rates and fees, types of refinance loans offered, rate transparency and customer experience.

11,000+

Data points analyzed

Our team tracks and reassesses thousands 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.
NerdWallet rates refinance loan lenders based on what matters most to eligible borrowers: refinance rates and fees, the variety of refinance loan options, how much of a lender’s business is dedicated to refinance loans, the lender’s refinance loan market share, product accessibility, customer experience and rate transparency.
We review more than 40 lenders and score refinance lenders using a weighted system that prioritizes affordability and experience serving refinance borrowers. Lenders earn higher scores for offering lower borrowing costs, a wider range of loan options, strong participation in the refinance market, broad availability and clear, accessible rate information, along with a smooth borrowing experience from application through closing.
We use a mix of lender-provided information, publicly available data and our own analysis to evaluate each lender. Recent regulatory actions may affect a lender’s score.
For inclusion on the roundup, lenders must achieve a high NerdWallet rating for refinance loans.

💰 How much does it cost to refinance?

Refinancing isn’t as pricey as when you bought your home, but it isn't cheap. Closing costs typically run 2% to 6% of the total loan amount.
On a $300,000 refinance, that'd be $6,000 to $18,000. For a detailed breakdown, check out our guide on how much it costs to refinance. Or, use NerdWallet’s mortgage refinance calculator to run the numbers for yourself.
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🤔 Should I refinance my mortgage?

If you time it right, a mortgage refinance can help you save money or build wealth faster. But that’s not always the case. Sometimes, a mortgage refinance is necessary to support a different goal.
Here are some common reasons to refinance your mortgage:
  • Reducing your interest rate
  • Making smaller monthly payments
  • Borrowing against your home equity and getting the difference in cash
  • Paying off your mortgage faster
  • Dropping FHA mortgage insurance
  • Switching loan types, such as from an adjustable-rate to a fixed-rate loan
  • Adding a borrower, such as a new spouse
  • Removing a borrower, such as splitting the house in a divorce
🤓

Nerdy Tip

Refinancing is a big decision, so it’s normal to feel a little nervous before you talk to a mortgage lender. For a script with sample sentences, check out our guide on what to say when applying to refinance.
While you can refinance as often as you want, some lenders require a waiting, or “seasoning,” period of six to 12 months between loans.

🏠 Common types of mortgage refinance loans

Just like purchase loans, you can choose from a conventional loan — the most common type — or a government-backed mortgage from the Federal Housing Administration (FHA loans), Department of Veterans Affairs (VA loans) or U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA loans).
Here are the most popular categories of mortgage refinance loans:
  • Rate-and-term refinance: This is exactly what it sounds like: You refinance your mortgage to reduce the interest rate, alter the length of the loan, or both.
  • Cash-out refinance: In this case, your new mortgage is more than your current loan balance. Then, you receive the difference as cash. You can use the money for home improvements or other financial responsibilities.
  • Renovation refinance: To help fund home improvements, you take out a larger loan than what you previously owed. The extra money goes toward fixing up your home. For example: With an FHA 203(k) loan, the lender directly pays your contractor.
  • Streamline refinance: Government-backed loans from the FHA, VA or USDA let some borrowers skip steps — like the appraisal and/or credit check — to save time and money.
For more on streamline refinance loans, check out these deep dives from the Nerds:
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What about "no closing cost" refinances?

You might see lenders offering no-closing-cost refinances. These are the "free lunch" of the mortgage world — but as the saying goes, there is no such thing as a free lunch. While you won't pay upfront fees with a no-closing-cost refi, those costs will be built into the loan — often in the form of a higher interest rate.
Kate Wood's profile picture

🔎 Finding the best mortgage refinance company

To get the best mortgage refinance rate, get at least three different quotes — or ask a mortgage broker to shop around on your behalf.
It might be easy to refinance with your original mortgage lender, but they might not offer you the best deal. See our guide on how to choose a mortgage lender for more shopping advice.

⚠️ Can I refinance a mortgage with a bad credit score?

You’ll have fewer options when refinancing a mortgage with bad credit, but they’re out there. In our research, we’ve found lenders that accept scores in the 500’s and 600’s.
In general, expect to pay higher interest rates and fees. Most lenders like to see a credit score of 620 or above for a mortgage refinance.

Mortgage refinancing: Pros and cons

Sometimes it’s a good idea to refinance your mortgage, but that’s not always the case. The pros and cons of refinancing depend on your personal circumstances. Here are a few common ones to consider — they might not all apply to you.
Pros
  • Lowering your monthly payment.
  • Building home equity faster.
  • Accessing home equity for renovations or other expenses.
  • Separating your finances from your ex (when removing a name from a mortgage).
Cons
  • Paying upfront fees and closing costs.
  • Potentially paying more interest over time (if you lengthen the loan term).
  • Potentially using your home as collateral to pay off debt.
  • Costs might outweigh fees, if you move or sell before the break-even point.

Frequently asked questions

  • How do you qualify for a refinance?

    In order to qualify for a mortgage refinance, you will need to meet the criteria set by your lender and loan program. These can include income requirements, a minimum credit score, a maximum debt-to-income ratio and sufficient home equity.
  • Who has the best refinance rates right now?

    Refinance rates are in constant flux and vary based on economic trends, like job growth and inflation. But the rate you're offered will also depend on your individual financial situation, and factors like your credit score and the loan-to-value ratio of your refinance. Get quotes from multiple lenders to find the best refinance rates.