


Kate Wood
Abby Badach Doyle
Jeanette Margle
This service is free and will not affect your credit score.
Best for military borrowers
Our take on Veterans United
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.
Best for first-time home buyers
Our take on Northpointe
In addition to conventional and government-backed loans, Northpointe Bank’s mortgage portfolio includes rarer offerings like doctor loans, condo loans, investment property loans and loans for borrowers with credit challenges. However, average origination fees tend to be comparatively high.
Best for fast closing
Our take on Rate
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.
Best for rate transparency
Our take on SoFi
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.
Best for home loans overall
Our take on U.S. Bank
U.S. Bank offers a broad selection of mortgages, including some niche options. Rates and fees are middle of the road, per federal data. The bank offers helpful tech for rate shopping and live chat, though its online application could be smoother.
Best for borrowers in the mid-Atlantic
Our take on Andrews Federal Credit Union
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.
Best for variety of loan types
Our take on Flagstar
Flagstar Bank stands out for having a wide variety of home loan options, including harder-to-find products. But take note that Flagstar has reduced its mortgage business as part of corporate restructuring. Executives have indicated that the lender will rebuild its home lending operations by focusing on the needs of banking clients.
Best for first-time home buyers
Our take on PNC Bank
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.
Best for Bank of America customers
Our take on Bank of America
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.
Best for FHA loans
Our take on Pennymac
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.
Best for military borrowers
Our take on Navy Federal
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.
Best for credit union borrowing
Our take on Alliant
Alliant Credit Union allows you to see a wide range of customized mortgage rates without sharing any personal information, though customer service is geared toward credit union members.
Best for borrowers in GA, NC, SC, TN or VA
Our take on State Employees' Credit Union
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.
