


Abby Badach Doyle
Jeanette Margle
This service is free and will not affect your credit score.
Best for low-down-payment loans
Our take on Rocket Mortgage, LLC
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.
Best for customer satisfaction
Our take on NBKC
NBKC stands out for its attractive interest rates and fees, and is primarily an online lender — though its app does not have mortgage features and chat support is not geared toward mortgage borrowers.
Best for digital convenience
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 government loans
Our take on First Federal Bank
First Federal Bank is a big FHA lender by loan volume. It stands out for low average FHA rates and its emphasis on government loans.
Best for VA loans
Our take on Veterans United
Veterans United is the largest VA loan originator in the country by far, according to the latest federal data.
Best for borrowers overcoming credit challenges
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 low-down-payment loans
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 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 buyer assistance
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 borrowers with nontraditional credit
Our take on Network Capital
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.
Best for down payment assistance
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 conventional loans
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 Wells Fargo banking customers
Our take on Wells Fargo
Wells Fargo has significantly shrunk its mortgage business in the past two years, dropping from the third largest mortgage originator in 2023 to the twelfth largest in 2024. It was still the fourth largest jumbo loan originator in the country last year.
