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7 Best Nonbank Mortgage Lenders of 2025
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7 Best Nonbank Mortgage Lenders of 2025

NerdWallet
Johanna Arnone
NerdWallet
+1
Written by 

NerdWallet

Edited by 

Johanna Arnone

Written by 

NerdWallet

 and 
Last updated 02/03/2025
Gone are the days when buying a home meant getting dressed up to visit the loan officer at your local bank.
Nonbank lenders provide an 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.
 

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Best for overall mortgage experience

Rate

NMLS#2611

NerdWallet rating

4.5

Home loans overall
Min. credit score

620

Min. down payment

3%

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 equity borrowing

Better

NMLS#330511

NerdWallet rating

4.5

Home loans overall
Min. credit score

620

Min. down payment

3%

Our take on Better

The Nerdy headline

Better stands out for its attractive interest rates and wide range of mortgage types, including for condos and manufactured homes. Better offers connections with homeowners insurance providers and real estate attorneys, as well as title insurance. However, the lender could improve its customer service.

What we like
  • Has a wide variety of mortgage types, including home equity products.
  • Offers lower interest rates than many competitors.
  • Sample online rates are customizable by location.
What we don't like
  • We struggled to contact customer service.
  • The lender scores poorly for customer satisfaction on Zillow.
  • Does not offer construction loans.
Read our full review of Better

Best for FHA loans

Pennymac

NMLS#35953

NerdWallet rating

4.5

Home loans overall
Min. credit score

620

Min. down payment

3%

Our take on Pennymac

The Nerdy headline

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.

What we like
  • Online rate tool is user-friendly and informative.
  • Perks include a 1% interest rate buydown and “refinance later” cash bonus.
  • Experienced in VA and FHA mortgages.
What we don't like
  • Average origination fee is on the higher side, according to the latest federal data.
  • Home equity loans, but no HELOCs.
  • No construction or renovation loans.
Read our full review of Pennymac

Best for self-employed borrowers

New American Funding

NMLS#6606

NerdWallet rating

4.5

Home loans overall
Min. credit score

580

Min. down payment

N/A

Our take on New American Funding

The Nerdy headline

New American Funding offers a large menu of loan products, as well as programs like first-time home buyer assistance, but personalized mortgage rates aren't available on its website.

What we like
  • Offers a wide variety of purchase and refinance mortgages, as well as unique buyer assistance programs.
  • Its home equity line of credit can be used for a primary residence or second home.
What we don't like
  • Average origination fees are on the high side, according to the latest federal data.
  • Personalized mortgage rates are not available on the website without providing contact information.
Read our full review of New American Funding

Best for VA loans

Veterans United

NMLS#1907

NerdWallet rating

5.0

Home loans overall
Min. credit score

620

Min. down payment

3%

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 low down payment

Rocket Mortgage, LLC

NMLS#3030

NerdWallet rating

4.5

Home loans overall
Min. credit score

620

Min. down payment

3%

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 keeps expanding its reach. Fortunately for borrowers, Rocket is a gentle giant, offering affordable borrowing options including a 1% down payment loan.

What we like
  • Offers down payment and closing cost assistance.
  • Largest lender, by volume, of FHA loans in 2024.
  • Borrowers can apply via mobile app.
What we don't like
  • Average origination fees are on the higher side, according to the latest federal data.
  • No HELOCs.
  • No physical branches.
Read our full review of Rocket Mortgage, LLC

Best for borrowers with weaker credit

Network Capital

NMLS#11712

NerdWallet rating

3.5

Home loans overall
Min. credit score

620

Min. down payment

3%

Our take on Network Capital

The Nerdy headline

Network Capital stands out for its focus on refinancing, especially cash-out transactions — only 6% of Network Capital customers got a purchase mortgage last year. Most likely to appeal to borrowers looking to refinance their home loan.

What we like
  • Cash-out refinancing is an uncommon specialty, so Network Capital could appeal to that borrower.
  • Offers HELOCs for homeowners who want to access their equity without refinancing.
What we don't like
  • Home buyers should know the lender doesn’t specialize in purchase loans.
  • Borrowers must be contacted for a quote before completing an online application.
Read our full review of Network Capital
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 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.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 2023 HMDA data for origination volume, origination fee, average interest rate and share-of-product data.