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Best Mortgage Lenders of March 2026
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Best Mortgage Lenders of March 2026

Georgia Rose
Kate Wood
+1
Georgia Rose
+2
Written by 

Georgia Rose

Reviewed by 

Kate Wood

Edited by 

Jeanette Margle

Written by 

Georgia Rose

 and 
Last updated 03/03/2026
NerdWallet’s editorial team picked the best lenders across categories to help you find the home loan that's right for you. Taking the time to make an informed decision can save you thousands over the life of your loan.
 

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

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Best Mortgage Lender  First-Time Home Buyers
Rocket Mortgage, LLC

NMLS#3030

Rocket Mortgage, LLC
Rocket Mortgage, LLC

NMLS#3030

Home loans overall
Sort by:

Best for helocs

Bank of America

NMLS#399802

Max LTV

85%

Min. credit score

660

National / regional

National

Our take on Bank of America

The Nerdy headline

Bank of America's HELOC features no annual fee as well as options for a rate discount and fixed rate, but time to close may be opaque.

What we like
  • Borrowers can personalize HELOC rates online.
  • Major HELOC lender, by loan volume.
  • A rate discount is available to some borrowers.
What we don't like
  • Average time to close is not clear.
  • Mobile app may not cater to HELOC borrowers.
Read our full review of Bank of America

Best for CASHOUT REFINANCE

Carrington

NMLS#2600

NerdWallet rating

5.0

Cash-out refinancing
Max LTV

80%

Min. credit score

550

National / regional

National

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. Average cash-out refi rates are low, though fees are on the higher side.

What we like
  • Major cash-out refinance lender, by loan volume.
  • Considers borrowers with bad credit, foreclosure or bankruptcy.
  • Options for self-employed borrowers and alternative income documentation.
What we don't like
  • Average cash-out refinancing fees are on the high side.
  • Rates are posted online, but website navigation is clunky.
  • Offers home equity loans, but no HELOCs.
Read our full review of Carrington

Best for HOME LOANS OVERALL AND VA LOANS

First Federal Bank

NMLS#408902

NerdWallet rating

5.0

Home loans overall
Max LTV

N/A

Min. credit score

620

National / regional

National

Our take on First Federal Bank

The Nerdy headline

First Federal Bank stands out for its exceptionally low interest rates and its emphasis on government loans. Most likely to appeal to borrowers shopping for low rates and fees.

What we like
  • Strong experience in FHA and VA lending.
  • Average mortgage rates are on the low side, according to the latest federal data.
  • Minimum credit score requirement of 580 for some loans, which is lower than some competitors.
What we don't like
  • No mobile app.
  • Home equity lending is not a priority.
  • Does not offer renovation loans, but does offer construction loans.
Read our full review of First Federal Bank

Best for FHA AND HOME EQUITY LOANS

Lower

NMLS#1124061

Max LTV

90%

Min. credit score

660

National / regional

National

Our take on Lower

The Nerdy headline

Lower's home equity loan features high borrowing limits, quick closing and several flexible term options, though online rate information is lacking.

What we like
  • Offers a higher than typical borrowing limit.
  • Wide range of flexible term options, including terms of 30 years.
  • Faster average time to close than many lenders surveyed by NerdWallet.
What we don't like
  • Does not post sample home equity loan rates online.
  • No mobile app available.
Read our full review of Lower

Best for HOME LOANS OVERALL, VA LOANS AND CASHOUT REFINANCES

Navy Federal

NMLS#399807

NerdWallet rating

5.0

Home loans overall
Max LTV

N/A

Min. credit score

N/A

National / regional

National

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 REFINANCES AND FHA LOANS

Pennymac

NMLS#35953

NerdWallet rating

5.0

FHA loans
Max LTV

N/A

Min. credit score

580

National / regional

National

Our take on Pennymac

The Nerdy headline

Pennymac, known for government loans, has low average FHA rates. Best for FHA borrowers looking for low rates and an efficient digital experience.

What we like
  • FHA loans make up a large share of Pennymac's total home loans.
  • Major FHA lender, by loan volume.
  • Offers low FHA mortgage rates compared with other lenders.
What we don't like
  • Details about some FHA loan types are not listed online.
  • No construction or renovation loans.
Read our full review of Pennymac

Best for FIRST-TIME HOME BUYERS, JUMBO LOANS AND BORROWERS WITH LOW CREDIT

PNC Bank

NMLS#446303

NerdWallet rating

5.0

Home loans overall
Max LTV

N/A

Min. credit score

620

National / regional

National

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 HELOCs

TD Bank

NMLS#399800

Max LTV

89%

Min. credit score

620

National / regional

Regional

Our take on TD Bank

The Nerdy headline

TD Bank is a major HELOC lender, featuring a high borrowing limit and the option to fix your rate. Borrowers with a TD Bank checking account can get a rate discount.

What we like
  • Borrowers can personalize HELOC rates online.
  • Introductory rate is below the prime rate.
  • Offers a higher than typical borrowing limit.
What we don't like
  • Charges an annual fee.
  • Average time to close is not clear.
Read our full review of TD Bank

Best for home loans overall

Tomo

NMLS#2059741

NerdWallet rating

5.0

Home loans overall
Max LTV

97%

Min. credit score

580

National / regional

National

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 HELOCs

Truist

NMLS#399803

Max LTV

89%

Min. credit score

575

National / regional

National

Our take on Truist

The Nerdy headline

Truist, one of the largest HELOC lenders in the country, offers an interest rate below prime for the first nine months, and borrowers can get a rate discount. However, you won’t find customized rates online.

What we like
  • Generous introductory rate, below the prime rate.
  • Offers a higher than typical borrowing limit.
  • A rate discount is available to some borrowers.
What we don't like
  • Does not post sample HELOC rates online.
  • Charges an annual fee.
  • Slower average time to close than many lenders surveyed by NerdWallet.
Read our full review of Truist

Best for home loans overall

U.S. Bank

NMLS#402761

NerdWallet rating

5.0

Home loans overall
Max LTV

N/A

Min. credit score

620

National / regional

National

Our take on U.S. Bank

The Nerdy headline

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.

What we like
  • Wide variety of mortgages, including some harder-to-find types.
  • Experienced in construction and renovation loans.
  • Offers up to $17,500 in assistance (income/location requirements apply).
What we don't like
  • Rates shown online don’t reflect your credit score.
  • Contact form interrupts online application before you can complete it.
  • Few mortgage options for borrowers with low/bad credit.
Read our full review of U.S. Bank

Best for HOME LOANS OVERALL, VA LOANS, REFINANCES AND HOME EQUITY LOANS

Veterans United

NMLS#1907

NerdWallet rating

5.0

Home loans overall
Max LTV

N/A

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 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 FIRST-TIME HOME BUYERS

Alliant

NMLS#197185

NerdWallet rating

4.5

Home loans overall
Max LTV

97

Min. credit score

640

National / regional

National

Our take on Alliant

The Nerdy headline

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.

What we like
  • Mortgage borrowers do not need to become members of the credit union until reaching the closing process, so interested home buyers can apply without committing to membership.
  • Sample rates are displayed upfront, and it's easy to get detailed, personalized rates without providing any personally identifying information.
  • No application fee.
What we don't like
  • You can't apply for preapproval online.
  • Website has minimal information about home loan offerings.
  • Customer service is tough to navigate as a non-member.
Read our full review of Alliant

Best for JUMBO LOANS

Chase

NMLS#399798

NerdWallet rating

5.0

Jumbo loans
Max LTV

N/A

Min. credit score

680

National / regional

National

Our take on Chase

The Nerdy headline

Chase is a sizable jumbo loan lender with options for a variety of jumbo borrowers. The bank has programs that can make homebuying more affordable.

What we like
  • Major jumbo lender, by loan volume.
  • Offers a strong variety of jumbo loan types for purchase and refinance.
What we don't like
  • Borrowers must create an account or speak with a home loan expert before completing an online application.
  • Jumbo loans represent a somewhat small share of total home lending for Chase.
Read our full review of Chase

Best for JUMBO LOANS

FourLeaf Federal Credit Union

NMLS#449104

NerdWallet rating

5.0

Jumbo loans
Max LTV

N/A

Min. credit score

660

National / regional

National

Our take on FourLeaf Federal Credit Union

The Nerdy headline

FourLeaf Credit Union, formerly known as Bethpage, is easy to join. Its average jumbo rates and fees are low, but jumbos make up a small share of overall home lending.

What we like
  • Offers low average jumbo rates and fees compared with other lenders.
  • Offers a strong variety of jumbo loan types for purchase and refinance.
  • Well rated mobile app.
What we don't like
  • Online rate quote is light on detail and doesn’t let you customize.
  • Jumbo loans represent a small share of total home lending for FourLeaf.
Read our full review of FourLeaf Federal Credit Union

Best for BORROWERS WITH LOW CREDIT

Rate

NMLS#2611

NerdWallet rating

4.5

Home loans overall
Max LTV

N/A

Min. credit score

620

National / regional

National

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 LOANS OVERALL

SoFi

NMLS#696891

NerdWallet rating

5.0

Home loans overall
Max LTV

N/A

Min. credit score

620

National / regional

Regional

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 home loan lenders

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

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.
NerdWallet's editorial team selected the mortgage lenders that appear on this page from our lists of best mortgage lenders for: first-time home buyers, borrowers with low credit, FHA loans, VA loans, home equity lines of credit (HELOCs), home equity loans and refinancing. In each category, the highest-scoring lenders were selected. To ensure consistency, our ratings are reviewed by multiple people on the NerdWallet Mortgages team. Read more about how we rate mortgage lenders 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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How does a mortgage work?

A mortgage is a loan to buy a house. You repay it monthly — with interest — over a number of years (often 15, 20 or 30). If you fail to make payments on time, the lender may take the home through a process known as foreclosure.
  • Who offers mortgages? Banks, credit unions and lenders.
  • How do you apply? Fill out an application and share your financial details. 
  • What do lenders check? Your income, debt and credit score determine your eligibility, as well as the terms offered.

Types of mortgages

here are many types of mortgages available on the market. Here is a simple breakdown of your options.

Conventional loans

Conventional loans are the most common type of mortgages. While they are not backed by the federal government — like FHA and VA loans — they still typically adhere to the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) guidelines. Some require as little as 3% down, but private mortgage insurance (PMI) is needed if the down payment is under 20%.
There are two types of conventional loans:
  • 🏠 Conforming loans

    Conforming loans must stay within loan limits set by the FHFA. They follow rules from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, which buy these loans.
  • 🏠 Nonconforming loans

    Nonconforming loans do not follow these limits or guidelines, such as Jumbo loans, which typically exceed FHFA loan limits. They often require higher credit scores and stricter approval criteria.

Government-backed mortgages

These loans are insured by the federal government. The three main types of government-backed home loans are:
  • 🏠 FHA Loans

    FHA loans are backed by the Federal Housing Administration, and typically have more lenient requirements.
    • 3.5% down payment required
    • Lower credit score requirement than other loans 
    • Mortgage insurance required 
  • 🏠 USDA loans

    USDA loans are backed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and typically suited to rural home buyers.
    • No down payment required
    • Upfront and annual guarantee fees apply (similar to mortgage insurance)
  • 🏠 VA loans

    VA loans are backed by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
    • For veterans and active military 
    • No down payment required 
    • One-time VA funding fee (can be added to the loan)

Types of mortgage terms

How your mortgage is structured informs the length and overall cost of your loan.

Fixed vs. adjustable rates

✅ Fixed-rate mortgage: the interest rate stays the same for the entire loan.
Adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM): the interest rate stays the same for a certain period (up to 10 years), then adjusts at a specific interval (usually every six months).

15-, 20- and 30-year mortgages

✅ 30-year mortgages are the most common.
✅ 15- and 20-year loans are also available.
✅ Payments are spread over the loan term. Once fully paid, you own the home free and clear.

What’s the credit score needed for a home loan?

The credit score needed to buy a home depends on the type of loan and the lender. Most borrowers have scores in the high 600s to 700s. FHA loans generally have the most lenient credit score requirements.
The credit score you’ll need to buy a home depends on the type of loan and the lender. Most conventional loans require scores in the 600s or above. FHA loans generally have the most lenient credit score requirements.

How to compare mortgage rates

  1. Check current mortgage rates to see the average offers. 
  2. Get online quotes from lenders based on personal factors, such as: 
  • Your location
  • Loan term
  • Purchase price
  • Down payment
To get a more personalized quote, apply for preapproval. During preapproval, the lender will check your credit score and verify your financial information, such as income, assets and debts.

How to shop for a mortgage lender

The best time to shop for a mortgage lender is before you start house hunting.
  • Get preapproved: This shows real estate agents and sellers that you’re a serious buyer.
  • Compare Loan Estimates: Request estimates from multiple lenders.
  • Review key details: Look at loan terms, monthly payments and estimated closing costs.
By comparing lenders, you can find the best deal and save money over time.

Home equity loans and lines of credit

Home equity loans and lines of credit allow homeowners to access their home equity without refinancing or selling.
Important: Both options use your home as collateral. If you miss payments, you could lose your home.

Refinancing a mortgage

Getting a mortgage doesn't have to be a one-time decision. Refinancing lets you replace your current home loan with a new one — to lower your interest rate, change your loan term or access home equity, for example. The new loan pays off the old one, and you make payments on the refinance instead.

Why homeowners refinance

✅ Lower the interest rate to reduce monthly payments
✅ Change the loan term (for example, from 30 years to 15)
✅ Switch from an adjustable-rate mortgage to a fixed rate
✅ Tap home equity with a cash-out refinance

Types of refinances

  • 🏠 Rate-and-term refinance

    • Changes your interest rate, loan term, or both
    • No cash is taken out
  • 🏠 Cash-out refinance

    • Lets you borrow more than you owe and take the difference in cash
    • Often used for home improvements, debt consolidation or major expenses
  • 🏠 Streamline refinance

    • Available for FHA, VA and USDA loans
    • Fewer documentation requirements
    • May not require a home appraisal

What lenders look at

Lenders review many of the same factors as with a purchase loan:
✅ Income and employment
✅ Credit score
✅ Debt -to-income ratio
✅ Home value and equity

Costs to consider

Refinancing usually comes with closing costs, often 2% to 5% of the loan amount. A refinance makes sense when the long-term savings outweigh these upfront costs.
More from NerdWallet:

Frequently asked questions

  • Which mortgage lender is the best?

    The answer depends on your needs. Mortgage lenders vary by the types of loans and services they offer as well as their credit score minimums and other requirements for borrowers. The best mortgage lender is the one that offers the products you need, has requirements you can meet and charges the lowest mortgage rates and fees.
  • How do I find the lender with the lowest mortgage rate?

    Some lenders post mortgage rates on their websites and include tools to see how much your rate might be. But those are just estimates. You'll need to get preapproved for a mortgage to get a rate offer based on your credit score and other financial information.
  • How much are closing costs?

    Closing costs are the various fees and expenses you pay to finalize the mortgage. Closing costs typically run between about 2% and 5% of the loan amount. That means on a $300,000 home loan, you could pay $6,000 to $15,000 in closing costs.
  • What if I can't afford closing costs?

    Most state housing finance agencies offer first-time home buyer programs, which can include closing cost and down payment assistance. The assistance can come in the form of a grant, a forgivable loan or a deferred-payment loan. To qualify, you need to work with a lender approved by the state agency.
  • Should I shop for a home or find a lender first?

    You should shop for a lender first and get preapproved for a mortgage before shopping for a house. A mortgage preapproval shows sellers and their real estate agents that you're a serious buyer. It also indicates how much you can borrow, which will help you determine how much home you can afford.