BEST OF
9 Best San Antonio Mortgage Lenders of 2021
NerdWallet scanned San Antonio mortgage lenders to recommend some of the best in important categories.
Whether buying a home inside or outside of Loop 410, you want a mortgage lender that performs like the Spurs — gets the job done well with a minimum of fuss. NerdWallet researched mortgage companies in San Antonio and identified some of the best in important categories. Our national and regional picks are a good place to start as you shop for a mortgage. These national companies do a lot of business in San Antonio and are among NerdWallet’s top-rated mortgage lenders.
Whether buying a home inside or outside of Loop 410, you want a mortgage lender that performs like the Spurs — gets the job done well with a minimum of fuss. NerdWallet researched mortgage companies in San Antonio and identified some of the best in important categories. Our national and regional picks are a good place to start as you shop for a mortgage. These national companies do a lot of business in San Antonio and are among NerdWallet’s top-rated mortgage lenders.
Summary of Best San Antonio Mortgage Lenders of 2021
| Lender | NerdWallet Rating | National / Regional | Minimum Down Payment | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Best for veterans | National | 0% | Read review | |
Best for veterans | Regional | 3% | Read review | |
Best for FHA loans | National | 3.5% | Read review | |
Best for online convenience | National | 3% | at Rocket Mortgage by Quicken Loans | |
Best for online convenience | National | 3% | at Fairway Independent Mortgage | |
Best for first-time home buyers | National | 3% | Read review | |
Best for first-time home buyers | National | 3% | Read review | |
Best for conventional & jumbo loans | National | 3% | at Chase | |
Best for conventional & jumbo loans | National | 3% | Read review |
National / Regional
National
Min. Down Payment
0%
Pros
- Offers a wide range of affordable mortgage products designed for military members.
- Has an online application for preapproval.
- Offers low rates compared with most lenders.
Cons
- Website does not provide customized mortgage rates based on credit score or other factors before you apply.
- Credit union membership is limited to veterans and current military members, their families, and certain federal employees, retirees and contractors.
Min. Credit Score
620
Min. Down Payment
3%
Pros
- VA loans are the bulk of USAA’s business, so it knows the ins and outs of eligibility.
- Lots of experience assisting first-time home buyers.
- You can submit loan documents online.
Cons
- Doesn’t offer FHA or USDA loans.
- Limited mortgage rate information is on the USAA website — none of it customized. You'll have to call
Min. Credit Score
580
Min. Down Payment
3.5%
Pros
- Offers extensive educational resources for military borrowers.
- Provides digital tools for a streamlined application process.
- Participates in some state down payment assistance and first-time home buyer programs.
Cons
- No mortgage rates displayed online.
- Doesn’t offer home equity loans or lines of credit.
at Rocket Mortgage by Quicken Loans
at Rocket Mortgage by Quicken Loans
Min. Credit Score
620
Min. Down Payment
3%
Pros
- Caters to self-service users who want to apply for a home loan online and talk to a human only as necessary.
- Estimates the loan amount you’ll qualify for within minutes.
- Offers document and asset retrieval capabilities.
Cons
- If you’re a “look me in the eye” type of customer, you’re out of luck.
- Getting a customized interest rate requires a credit check, which can lower your credit score by a few points.
at Fairway Independent Mortgage
at Fairway Independent Mortgage
Min. Credit Score
620
Min. Down Payment
3%
Pros
- Offers a robust suite of loan products, including a variety of renovation loans.
- Has a digital application that can be completed in 10 minutes.
- Works with some state housing finance agencies to offer mortgages with down payment and closing cost assistance.
Cons
- Mortgage rates aren't posted online.
Min. Credit Score
620
Min. Down Payment
3%
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.
Min. Credit Score
620
Min. Down Payment
3%
Pros
- Offers a wide range of loan types and products, including FHA, VA and USDA.
- Has a full suite of online conveniences.
- Does well with rate transparency, and monthly payment estimates add mortgage insurance, when applicable.
Cons
- Home equity lending is geographically limited.
at Chase
at Chase
Min. Credit Score
620
Min. Down Payment
3%
Pros
- Allows electronic submission and tracking of loan documents.
- Carries a wide variety of mortgage types and products.
- Generally offers good rates and charges reasonable fees.
Cons
- Doesn't offer home improvement loans, such as FHA 203(k) and HomeStyle.
- You have to speak with a home loan advisor to complete the application.
Min. Credit Score
620
Min. Down Payment
3%
Pros
- Allows borrowers to apply entirely online.
- Offers down payment and closing cost assistance programs.
- May give existing customers a discount on mortgage lender origination fees.
Cons
- Does not offer renovation loans.
Local and regional mortgage lenders in San Antonio
The following mortgage companies are among the top lenders by loan volume in San Antonio, so they’re worth checking out if you’re looking for more options. NerdWallet has not reviewed these lenders.
Offers options for low-down-payment borrowers.
One of the highest-volume FHA lenders in the area.
Offers combined purchase and renovation home loans.
Offers online pre-qualification.
More than half of its lending volume is in FHA and VA loans.
Has a full menu of conventional loan options, too, including jumbo loans.
Offers online pre-qualification.
Good for borrowers who want a homegrown lender based in San Antonio.
Offers a full menu of conventional and government-backed loans.
Makes Spanish-language versions of forms available online for borrowers to reference.
Has an online application process.
Offers home equity loans and lines of credit.
Offers lot, land and construction loans.
Allows certain borrowers to save up to $5,000 on select closing costs for conventional loans.
More from NerdWallet
Last updated on January 22, 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 San Antonio Mortgage Lenders of 2021
- Navy Federal: Best for veterans
- USAA: Best for veterans
- Caliber: Best for FHA loans
- Rocket Mortgage by Quicken Loans: Best for online convenience
- Fairway Independent Mortgage: Best for online convenience
- PrimeLending: Best for first-time home buyers
- Flagstar: Best for first-time home buyers
- Chase: Best for conventional & jumbo loans
- Bank of America: Best for conventional & jumbo loans
