6 Best Nonbank Mortgage Lenders of 2024
See NerdWallet's picks for the best nonbank mortgage lenders of 2024 across different categories.
Some or all of the mortgage lenders featured on our site are advertising partners of NerdWallet, but this does not influence our evaluations, lender star ratings or the order in which lenders are listed on the page. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners.
Gone are the days when buying a home meant getting dressed up to visit the loan officer at your local bank.
Nonbank lenders provide a welcome alternative to traditional banks, especially for credit-challenged borrowers or those looking for a more streamlined mortgage experience.
NerdWallet picked some of the best nonbank mortgage lenders in a variety of categories so you can determine which one is right for you.
- 50+ mortgage lenders reviewed and rated by our team of experts.
- 40+ years of combined experience covering mortgages and financial topics.
- Objective, comprehensive star rating system assessing 120+ categories and 5,000+ data points.
- Governed by NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.
- 50+ mortgage lenders reviewed and rated by our team of experts.
- 40+ years of combined experience covering mortgages and financial topics.
- Objective, comprehensive star rating system assessing 120+ categories and 5,000+ data points.
- Governed by NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.
Best Nonbank Mortgage Lenders
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Lender ▾ ▾ | NerdWallet Rating ▾ ▾ | Min. credit score ▾ ▾ | Min. down payment ▾ ▾ | Learn more |
---|---|---|---|---|
620 | 3% | Top 3 most visited 🏆 Learn more at Guaranteed Rate | ||
620 | 0% | Learn more at Veterans United | ||
New American Funding: NMLS#6606 Top 3 most visited 🏆 Learn more at New American Funding | 580 | 3% | Top 3 most visited 🏆 Learn more at New American Funding | |
Rocket Mortgage, LLC: NMLS#3030 Top 3 most visited 🏆 Learn more at Rocket Mortgage, LLC | 620 | 1% | Top 3 most visited 🏆 Learn more at Rocket Mortgage, LLC | |
620 | 3% | LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | ||
620 | 3% | LEARN MORE on NerdWallet |
620
3%
- Offers a one-day mortgage approval process.
- Offers a generous selection of loans, including government-backed, interest-only, ITIN, jumbo and renovation loans.
- Advertises a HELOC that can be funded in as few as five business days.
- Origination fees are higher than average, according to the latest federal data.
- HELOC has a relatively short draw period, which may not provide flexibility for someone who wants the option of accessing home equity over a longer period.
620
0%
- Offers 24/7 customer service over the phone.
- Offers a free credit counseling service.
- Mortgage rates are on the low side, according to the latest federal data.
- Parent company’s mortgage rates are on the higher side, according to the latest federal data.
- Does not offer second mortgage options like home equity loans or HELOCs.
580
3%
- Offers a wide variety of purchase and refinance mortgages with an emphasis on helping underserved communities.
- Its home equity line of credit can be used for an owner-occupied or second home.
- Has a program to enable buyers to make cash offers.
- Receives high marks for customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power and Zillow.
- Mortgage origination fees tend to be on the high end.
- Personalized mortgage rates are not available on the website without providing contact information.
620
1%
- Streamlined online process with document and asset retrieval capabilities, as well as the ability to edit your preapproval letter.
- Offers the option to work with loan officers by phone if desired.
- Largest FHA lender in the nation.
- Getting a customized interest rate requires a credit check, which can affect your credit score.
- Origination fees are on the high side compared with other lenders, according to the latest federal data.
- Doesn't offer home equity lines of credit.
- Rates are on the low side, according to the latest federal data.
- An online tool makes it easy to customize a rate quote online, with no contact information required.
- “Lock & Shop” lets you secure a rate for up to 90 days while you house-hunt, and switch to a lower one if rates drop while you shop.
- Origination fees are on the higher end, according to the latest federal data.
- Doesn't offer home equity lines of credit or renovation loans.
- Online chat is available only in the logged-in experience.
- Offers a one-day mortgage that lets eligible borrowers apply, lock in a rate and get a loan commitment within 24 hours.
- Average interest rates are on the low end compared to other lenders, according to the latest federal data.
- Offers a HELOC that can be used for a primary, second or investment home.
- Doesn't offer harder-to-find loans, such as construction loans, renovation loans, or USDA mortgages.
- Finding descriptions of all of the loan offerings on the website requires some digging, and the lender does not have a mobile app.
- Average lender fees are on the high end compared with other lenders, according to the latest federal data.
Last updated on January 26, 2024
Methodology
The star ratings on this page reflect each lender's overall star ratings. Read more about how we determine those ratings.
The lenders on this page are chosen using this methodology:
NerdWallet reviewed more than 50 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 on this roundup, nonbank lenders must score a 4 or above according to our home loans overall methodology. “Nonbank” means mortgage companies that are neither banks nor credit unions.
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 2022 HMDA data for origination volume, origination fee, average interest rate and share-of-product data.
NerdWallet's Best Nonbank Mortgage Lenders of 2024
- Guaranteed Rate: Best for jumbo loans
- Veterans United: Best for VA loans
- New American Funding: Best for nontraditional credit histories
- Rocket Mortgage, LLC: Best for refinancing
- Pennymac: Best for FHA loans
- Better: Best for streamlined process