2020's Mortgage
Lender Winners
Best Mortgage Lender for Refinancing (tie)
at Better
at Better
620
3%
Pros
- An online process with human help as needed.
- Makes it easy to see customized mortgage rates.
- Offers an "underwriter reviewed" preapproval letter in as little as 24 hours.
- Appraisal guarantee promises the loan won’t change even if appraisal is lower than expected.
Cons
- Doesn't offer home equity loans or HELOCs.
- Doesn't do VA or USDA loans.
- Appraisal guarantee is limited to borrowers who use Better real estate agents.
Pros
- An online process with human help as needed.
- Makes it easy to see customized mortgage rates.
- Offers an "underwriter reviewed" preapproval letter in as little as 24 hours.
- Appraisal guarantee promises the loan won’t change even if appraisal is lower than expected.
Cons
- Doesn't offer home equity loans or HELOCs.
- Doesn't do VA or USDA loans.
- Appraisal guarantee is limited to borrowers who use Better real estate agents.
620
3%
Pros
- An online process with human help as needed.
- Makes it easy to see customized mortgage rates.
- Offers an "underwriter reviewed" preapproval letter in as little as 24 hours.
- Appraisal guarantee promises the loan won’t change even if appraisal is lower than expected.
Cons
- Doesn't offer home equity loans or HELOCs.
- Doesn't do VA or USDA loans.
- Appraisal guarantee is limited to borrowers who use Better real estate agents.
Pros
- An online process with human help as needed.
- Makes it easy to see customized mortgage rates.
- Offers an "underwriter reviewed" preapproval letter in as little as 24 hours.
- Appraisal guarantee promises the loan won’t change even if appraisal is lower than expected.
Cons
- Doesn't offer home equity loans or HELOCs.
- Doesn't do VA or USDA loans.
- Appraisal guarantee is limited to borrowers who use Better real estate agents.
620
3%
Pros
- An online process with human help as needed.
- Makes it easy to see customized mortgage rates.
- Offers an "underwriter reviewed" preapproval letter in as little as 24 hours.
- Appraisal guarantee promises the loan won’t change even if appraisal is lower than expected.
Cons
- Doesn't offer home equity loans or HELOCs.
- Doesn't do VA or USDA loans.
- Appraisal guarantee is limited to borrowers who use Better real estate agents.
Pros
- An online process with human help as needed.
- Makes it easy to see customized mortgage rates.
- Offers an "underwriter reviewed" preapproval letter in as little as 24 hours.
- Appraisal guarantee promises the loan won’t change even if appraisal is lower than expected.
Cons
- Doesn't offer home equity loans or HELOCs.
- Doesn't do VA or USDA loans.
- Appraisal guarantee is limited to borrowers who use Better real estate agents.
Why this LENDER made the list
Better.com offers customized rates for all loan products and a fully digital refinance process, all without charging origination fees.
Read our methodologyBest Mortgage Lender for Refinancing (tie)
620
3%
Pros
- Has a full suite of online capabilities, including application, document uploading and process updates.
- Site displays many combinations of loans and interest rates.
- Rates and fees are lower than most lenders, according to the latest data.
Cons
- Home equity loans and lines of credit, as well as purchase-renovation loans, aren't options.
- VA loans are currently unavailable.
Pros
- Has a full suite of online capabilities, including application, document uploading and process updates.
- Site displays many combinations of loans and interest rates.
- Rates and fees are lower than most lenders, according to the latest data.
Cons
- Home equity loans and lines of credit, as well as purchase-renovation loans, aren't options.
- VA loans are currently unavailable.
620
3%
Pros
- Has a full suite of online capabilities, including application, document uploading and process updates.
- Site displays many combinations of loans and interest rates.
- Rates and fees are lower than most lenders, according to the latest data.
Cons
- Home equity loans and lines of credit, as well as purchase-renovation loans, aren't options.
- VA loans are currently unavailable.
Pros
- Has a full suite of online capabilities, including application, document uploading and process updates.
- Site displays many combinations of loans and interest rates.
- Rates and fees are lower than most lenders, according to the latest data.
Cons
- Home equity loans and lines of credit, as well as purchase-renovation loans, aren't options.
- VA loans are currently unavailable.
620
3%
Pros
- Has a full suite of online capabilities, including application, document uploading and process updates.
- Site displays many combinations of loans and interest rates.
- Rates and fees are lower than most lenders, according to the latest data.
Cons
- Home equity loans and lines of credit, as well as purchase-renovation loans, aren't options.
- VA loans are currently unavailable.
Pros
- Has a full suite of online capabilities, including application, document uploading and process updates.
- Site displays many combinations of loans and interest rates.
- Rates and fees are lower than most lenders, according to the latest data.
Cons
- Home equity loans and lines of credit, as well as purchase-renovation loans, aren't options.
- VA loans are currently unavailable.
Why this LENDER made the list
LenderFi’s website makes it easy to see customized rates and apply for multiple refinance loan products, and it charges low origination fees.
Read our methodologyBest Mortgage Lender for Online Loans (tie)
at NBKC
at NBKC
620
3%
Pros
- Extends full online capabilities, from application to loan tracking.
- Displays customized rates, with fee estimates, without requiring contact information.
Cons
- Equity lines and construction loans are available only in the Kansas City metro area.
- Doesn’t offer renovation loans.
Pros
- Extends full online capabilities, from application to loan tracking.
- Displays customized rates, with fee estimates, without requiring contact information.
Cons
- Equity lines and construction loans are available only in the Kansas City metro area.
- Doesn’t offer renovation loans.
620
3%
Pros
- Extends full online capabilities, from application to loan tracking.
- Displays customized rates, with fee estimates, without requiring contact information.
Cons
- Equity lines and construction loans are available only in the Kansas City metro area.
- Doesn’t offer renovation loans.
Pros
- Extends full online capabilities, from application to loan tracking.
- Displays customized rates, with fee estimates, without requiring contact information.
Cons
- Equity lines and construction loans are available only in the Kansas City metro area.
- Doesn’t offer renovation loans.
620
3%
Pros
- Extends full online capabilities, from application to loan tracking.
- Displays customized rates, with fee estimates, without requiring contact information.
Cons
- Equity lines and construction loans are available only in the Kansas City metro area.
- Doesn’t offer renovation loans.
Pros
- Extends full online capabilities, from application to loan tracking.
- Displays customized rates, with fee estimates, without requiring contact information.
Cons
- Equity lines and construction loans are available only in the Kansas City metro area.
- Doesn’t offer renovation loans.
Why this LENDER made the list
NBKC Bank combines online preapproval with access to real loan officers, provides customized rate quotes instantly on its website and charges low fees.
Read our methodologyBest Mortgage Lender for Online Loans (tie)
660
5%
National
Pros
- Offers down payment and closing cost assistance programs.
- May give existing customers a discount on mortgage lender origination fees.
- Offers home equity line of credit, or HELOC.
Cons
- Doesn't offer renovation loans that roll costs into a mortgage.
Pros
- Offers down payment and closing cost assistance programs.
- May give existing customers a discount on mortgage lender origination fees.
- Offers home equity line of credit, or HELOC.
Cons
- Doesn't offer renovation loans that roll costs into a mortgage.
660
5%
National
Pros
- Offers down payment and closing cost assistance programs.
- May give existing customers a discount on mortgage lender origination fees.
- Offers home equity line of credit, or HELOC.
Cons
- Doesn't offer renovation loans that roll costs into a mortgage.
Pros
- Offers down payment and closing cost assistance programs.
- May give existing customers a discount on mortgage lender origination fees.
- Offers home equity line of credit, or HELOC.
Cons
- Doesn't offer renovation loans that roll costs into a mortgage.
660
5%
National
Pros
- Offers down payment and closing cost assistance programs.
- May give existing customers a discount on mortgage lender origination fees.
- Offers home equity line of credit, or HELOC.
Cons
- Doesn't offer renovation loans that roll costs into a mortgage.
Pros
- Offers down payment and closing cost assistance programs.
- May give existing customers a discount on mortgage lender origination fees.
- Offers home equity line of credit, or HELOC.
Cons
- Doesn't offer renovation loans that roll costs into a mortgage.
Why this LENDER made the list
Bank of America offers robust digital tools, online preapproval, customized rate quotes and personal assistance via online appointment scheduling.
Read our methodologyBest Mortgage Lender for Jumbo Loans (tie)
at PNC
620
3%
Pros
- Posts current mortgage rates on its website.
- Has an online application for mortgage preapproval and a digital tool to track application progress.
- Offers several affordable loan options, including FHA, VA, USDA and the PNC Community Loan.
Cons
- Doesn't offer renovation mortgages.
- In-person service is not available in every state.
Pros
- Posts current mortgage rates on its website.
- Has an online application for mortgage preapproval and a digital tool to track application progress.
- Offers several affordable loan options, including FHA, VA, USDA and the PNC Community Loan.
Cons
- Doesn't offer renovation mortgages.
- In-person service is not available in every state.
620
3%
Pros
- Posts current mortgage rates on its website.
- Has an online application for mortgage preapproval and a digital tool to track application progress.
- Offers several affordable loan options, including FHA, VA, USDA and the PNC Community Loan.
Cons
- Doesn't offer renovation mortgages.
- In-person service is not available in every state.
Pros
- Posts current mortgage rates on its website.
- Has an online application for mortgage preapproval and a digital tool to track application progress.
- Offers several affordable loan options, including FHA, VA, USDA and the PNC Community Loan.
Cons
- Doesn't offer renovation mortgages.
- In-person service is not available in every state.
620
3%
Pros
- Posts current mortgage rates on its website.
- Has an online application for mortgage preapproval and a digital tool to track application progress.
- Offers several affordable loan options, including FHA, VA, USDA and the PNC Community Loan.
Cons
- Doesn't offer renovation mortgages.
- In-person service is not available in every state.
Pros
- Posts current mortgage rates on its website.
- Has an online application for mortgage preapproval and a digital tool to track application progress.
- Offers several affordable loan options, including FHA, VA, USDA and the PNC Community Loan.
Cons
- Doesn't offer renovation mortgages.
- In-person service is not available in every state.
Why this LENDER made the list
PNC offers jumbo financing for a variety of property types, engages in asset-based financing for qualified borrowers and charges low origination fees.
Read our methodologyBest Mortgage Lender for Jumbo Loans (tie)
National
3%
Pros
- Offers a wide variety of loan options, including low-down-payment mortgages and jumbo mortgages.
- Offers low rates and typical fees compared to other lenders, according to the latest data.
Cons
- Requires help from a loan officer to complete an online mortgage application.
- Customized mortgage rates not available without making contact.
Pros
- Offers a wide variety of loan options, including low-down-payment mortgages and jumbo mortgages.
- Offers low rates and typical fees compared to other lenders, according to the latest data.
Cons
- Requires help from a loan officer to complete an online mortgage application.
- Customized mortgage rates not available without making contact.
National
3%
Pros
- Offers a wide variety of loan options, including low-down-payment mortgages and jumbo mortgages.
- Offers low rates and typical fees compared to other lenders, according to the latest data.
Cons
- Requires help from a loan officer to complete an online mortgage application.
- Customized mortgage rates not available without making contact.
Pros
- Offers a wide variety of loan options, including low-down-payment mortgages and jumbo mortgages.
- Offers low rates and typical fees compared to other lenders, according to the latest data.
Cons
- Requires help from a loan officer to complete an online mortgage application.
- Customized mortgage rates not available without making contact.
National
3%
Pros
- Offers a wide variety of loan options, including low-down-payment mortgages and jumbo mortgages.
- Offers low rates and typical fees compared to other lenders, according to the latest data.
Cons
- Requires help from a loan officer to complete an online mortgage application.
- Customized mortgage rates not available without making contact.
Pros
- Offers a wide variety of loan options, including low-down-payment mortgages and jumbo mortgages.
- Offers low rates and typical fees compared to other lenders, according to the latest data.
Cons
- Requires help from a loan officer to complete an online mortgage application.
- Customized mortgage rates not available without making contact.
Why this LENDER made the list
Citibank originates a high volume of jumbo loans, allows down payments under 20%, has strong online capabilities and charges low origination fees.
Read our methodologyBest Mortgage Lender for VA Loans (tie)
at Veterans United
at Veterans United
620
0%
Pros
- Offers 24/7 customer service over the phone.
- Has online application and pre-qualification.
- Offers a free credit counseling service.
- Employs advisors from each branch of the armed forces.
Cons
- Doesn’t offer home equity loans or HELOCs.
- Veterans United has physical branch offices in only 17 states.
- Information on FHA, USDA and conventional loans is harder to find on its website.
Pros
- Offers 24/7 customer service over the phone.
- Has online application and pre-qualification.
- Offers a free credit counseling service.
- Employs advisors from each branch of the armed forces.
Cons
- Doesn’t offer home equity loans or HELOCs.
- Veterans United has physical branch offices in only 17 states.
- Information on FHA, USDA and conventional loans is harder to find on its website.
620
0%
Pros
- Offers 24/7 customer service over the phone.
- Has online application and pre-qualification.
- Offers a free credit counseling service.
- Employs advisors from each branch of the armed forces.
Cons
- Doesn’t offer home equity loans or HELOCs.
- Veterans United has physical branch offices in only 17 states.
- Information on FHA, USDA and conventional loans is harder to find on its website.
Pros
- Offers 24/7 customer service over the phone.
- Has online application and pre-qualification.
- Offers a free credit counseling service.
- Employs advisors from each branch of the armed forces.
Cons
- Doesn’t offer home equity loans or HELOCs.
- Veterans United has physical branch offices in only 17 states.
- Information on FHA, USDA and conventional loans is harder to find on its website.
620
0%
Pros
- Offers 24/7 customer service over the phone.
- Has online application and pre-qualification.
- Offers a free credit counseling service.
- Employs advisors from each branch of the armed forces.
Cons
- Doesn’t offer home equity loans or HELOCs.
- Veterans United has physical branch offices in only 17 states.
- Information on FHA, USDA and conventional loans is harder to find on its website.
Pros
- Offers 24/7 customer service over the phone.
- Has online application and pre-qualification.
- Offers a free credit counseling service.
- Employs advisors from each branch of the armed forces.
Cons
- Doesn’t offer home equity loans or HELOCs.
- Veterans United has physical branch offices in only 17 states.
- Information on FHA, USDA and conventional loans is harder to find on its website.
Why this LENDER made the list
Veterans United truly focuses on veterans: VA loans make up nearly 100% of its mortgage business. It also offers a digital application process and low fees.
Read our methodologyBest Mortgage Lender for VA Loans (tie)
National
0%
Pros
- Offers a wide range of affordable mortgage products designed for military members.
- Has an online application for preapproval.
- Offers low rates compared with most lenders, according to the latest data.
Cons
- Website does not provide customized mortgage rates based on credit score or other factors before you apply.
- Credit union membership is limited to veterans and current military members, their families, and certain federal employees, retirees and contractors.
Pros
- Offers a wide range of affordable mortgage products designed for military members.
- Has an online application for preapproval.
- Offers low rates compared with most lenders, according to the latest data.
Cons
- Website does not provide customized mortgage rates based on credit score or other factors before you apply.
- Credit union membership is limited to veterans and current military members, their families, and certain federal employees, retirees and contractors.
National
0%
Pros
- Offers a wide range of affordable mortgage products designed for military members.
- Has an online application for preapproval.
- Offers low rates compared with most lenders, according to the latest data.
Cons
- Website does not provide customized mortgage rates based on credit score or other factors before you apply.
- Credit union membership is limited to veterans and current military members, their families, and certain federal employees, retirees and contractors.
Pros
- Offers a wide range of affordable mortgage products designed for military members.
- Has an online application for preapproval.
- Offers low rates compared with most lenders, according to the latest data.
Cons
- Website does not provide customized mortgage rates based on credit score or other factors before you apply.
- Credit union membership is limited to veterans and current military members, their families, and certain federal employees, retirees and contractors.
National
0%
Pros
- Offers a wide range of affordable mortgage products designed for military members.
- Has an online application for preapproval.
- Offers low rates compared with most lenders, according to the latest data.
Cons
- Website does not provide customized mortgage rates based on credit score or other factors before you apply.
- Credit union membership is limited to veterans and current military members, their families, and certain federal employees, retirees and contractors.
Pros
- Offers a wide range of affordable mortgage products designed for military members.
- Has an online application for preapproval.
- Offers low rates compared with most lenders, according to the latest data.
Cons
- Website does not provide customized mortgage rates based on credit score or other factors before you apply.
- Credit union membership is limited to veterans and current military members, their families, and certain federal employees, retirees and contractors.
Why this LENDER made the list
Navy Federal Credit Union originates a high volume of VA loans and offers a variety of loan options and services tailored to veterans.
Read our methodologyBest Mortgage Lender for Home Equity Lines of Credit
National
3%
Pros
- Offers a wide variety of loan options, including low-down-payment mortgages and jumbo mortgages.
- Offers low rates and typical fees compared to other lenders, according to the latest data.
Cons
- Requires help from a loan officer to complete an online mortgage application.
- Customized mortgage rates not available without making contact.
Pros
- Offers a wide variety of loan options, including low-down-payment mortgages and jumbo mortgages.
- Offers low rates and typical fees compared to other lenders, according to the latest data.
Cons
- Requires help from a loan officer to complete an online mortgage application.
- Customized mortgage rates not available without making contact.
National
3%
Pros
- Offers a wide variety of loan options, including low-down-payment mortgages and jumbo mortgages.
- Offers low rates and typical fees compared to other lenders, according to the latest data.
Cons
- Requires help from a loan officer to complete an online mortgage application.
- Customized mortgage rates not available without making contact.
Pros
- Offers a wide variety of loan options, including low-down-payment mortgages and jumbo mortgages.
- Offers low rates and typical fees compared to other lenders, according to the latest data.
Cons
- Requires help from a loan officer to complete an online mortgage application.
- Customized mortgage rates not available without making contact.
National
3%
Pros
- Offers a wide variety of loan options, including low-down-payment mortgages and jumbo mortgages.
- Offers low rates and typical fees compared to other lenders, according to the latest data.
Cons
- Requires help from a loan officer to complete an online mortgage application.
- Customized mortgage rates not available without making contact.
Pros
- Offers a wide variety of loan options, including low-down-payment mortgages and jumbo mortgages.
- Offers low rates and typical fees compared to other lenders, according to the latest data.
Cons
- Requires help from a loan officer to complete an online mortgage application.
- Customized mortgage rates not available without making contact.
Why this LENDER made the list
Citibank provides a diverse set of home equity products, offers discounts to existing customers and charges low origination fees.
Read our methodologyBest Mortgage Lender for FHA Loans
at Fairway Independent Mortgage
at Fairway Independent Mortgage
620
3%
Pros
- Offers a robust suite of loan products, including a variety of renovation loans.
- Has a digital application that can be completed in 10 minutes.
- Works with some state housing finance agencies to offer mortgages with down payment and closing cost assistance.
Cons
- Mortgage rates aren't posted online.
- Origination fees are on the high side and are not offset by low rates, according to the latest data.
Pros
- Offers a robust suite of loan products, including a variety of renovation loans.
- Has a digital application that can be completed in 10 minutes.
- Works with some state housing finance agencies to offer mortgages with down payment and closing cost assistance.
Cons
- Mortgage rates aren't posted online.
- Origination fees are on the high side and are not offset by low rates, according to the latest data.
620
3%
Pros
- Offers a robust suite of loan products, including a variety of renovation loans.
- Has a digital application that can be completed in 10 minutes.
- Works with some state housing finance agencies to offer mortgages with down payment and closing cost assistance.
Cons
- Mortgage rates aren't posted online.
- Origination fees are on the high side and are not offset by low rates, according to the latest data.
Pros
- Offers a robust suite of loan products, including a variety of renovation loans.
- Has a digital application that can be completed in 10 minutes.
- Works with some state housing finance agencies to offer mortgages with down payment and closing cost assistance.
Cons
- Mortgage rates aren't posted online.
- Origination fees are on the high side and are not offset by low rates, according to the latest data.
620
3%
Pros
- Offers a robust suite of loan products, including a variety of renovation loans.
- Has a digital application that can be completed in 10 minutes.
- Works with some state housing finance agencies to offer mortgages with down payment and closing cost assistance.
Cons
- Mortgage rates aren't posted online.
- Origination fees are on the high side and are not offset by low rates, according to the latest data.
Pros
- Offers a robust suite of loan products, including a variety of renovation loans.
- Has a digital application that can be completed in 10 minutes.
- Works with some state housing finance agencies to offer mortgages with down payment and closing cost assistance.
Cons
- Mortgage rates aren't posted online.
- Origination fees are on the high side and are not offset by low rates, according to the latest data.
Why this LENDER made the list
Fairway originates a high volume of FHA loans, has strong online capabilities and flexible credit requirements, and its fees are often lower than the competition's.
Read our methodologyBest Mortgage Lender for First-Time Home Buyers (tie)
660
5%
National
Pros
- Offers down payment and closing cost assistance programs.
- May give existing customers a discount on mortgage lender origination fees.
- Offers home equity line of credit, or HELOC.
Cons
- Doesn't offer renovation loans that roll costs into a mortgage.
Pros
- Offers down payment and closing cost assistance programs.
- May give existing customers a discount on mortgage lender origination fees.
- Offers home equity line of credit, or HELOC.
Cons
- Doesn't offer renovation loans that roll costs into a mortgage.
660
5%
National
Pros
- Offers down payment and closing cost assistance programs.
- May give existing customers a discount on mortgage lender origination fees.
- Offers home equity line of credit, or HELOC.
Cons
- Doesn't offer renovation loans that roll costs into a mortgage.
Pros
- Offers down payment and closing cost assistance programs.
- May give existing customers a discount on mortgage lender origination fees.
- Offers home equity line of credit, or HELOC.
Cons
- Doesn't offer renovation loans that roll costs into a mortgage.
660
5%
National
Pros
- Offers down payment and closing cost assistance programs.
- May give existing customers a discount on mortgage lender origination fees.
- Offers home equity line of credit, or HELOC.
Cons
- Doesn't offer renovation loans that roll costs into a mortgage.
Pros
- Offers down payment and closing cost assistance programs.
- May give existing customers a discount on mortgage lender origination fees.
- Offers home equity line of credit, or HELOC.
Cons
- Doesn't offer renovation loans that roll costs into a mortgage.
Why this LENDER made the list
Bank of America combines the low fees and online convenience first-time home buyers want with the loan programs and assistance options they often need.
Read our methodologyBest Mortgage Lender for First-Time Home Buyers (tie)
National
3%
Pros
- Offers a wide variety of loan options, including low-down-payment mortgages and jumbo mortgages.
- Offers low rates and typical fees compared to other lenders, according to the latest data.
Cons
- Requires help from a loan officer to complete an online mortgage application.
- Customized mortgage rates not available without making contact.
Pros
- Offers a wide variety of loan options, including low-down-payment mortgages and jumbo mortgages.
- Offers low rates and typical fees compared to other lenders, according to the latest data.
Cons
- Requires help from a loan officer to complete an online mortgage application.
- Customized mortgage rates not available without making contact.
National
3%
Pros
- Offers a wide variety of loan options, including low-down-payment mortgages and jumbo mortgages.
- Offers low rates and typical fees compared to other lenders, according to the latest data.
Cons
- Requires help from a loan officer to complete an online mortgage application.
- Customized mortgage rates not available without making contact.
Pros
- Offers a wide variety of loan options, including low-down-payment mortgages and jumbo mortgages.
- Offers low rates and typical fees compared to other lenders, according to the latest data.
Cons
- Requires help from a loan officer to complete an online mortgage application.
- Customized mortgage rates not available without making contact.
National
3%
Pros
- Offers a wide variety of loan options, including low-down-payment mortgages and jumbo mortgages.
- Offers low rates and typical fees compared to other lenders, according to the latest data.
Cons
- Requires help from a loan officer to complete an online mortgage application.
- Customized mortgage rates not available without making contact.
Pros
- Offers a wide variety of loan options, including low-down-payment mortgages and jumbo mortgages.
- Offers low rates and typical fees compared to other lenders, according to the latest data.
Cons
- Requires help from a loan officer to complete an online mortgage application.
- Customized mortgage rates not available without making contact.
Why this LENDER made the list
Citibank offers online tools, a variety of low-down-payment loan options and the affordable fees first-time home buyers are looking for.
Read our methodologySee the latest rates
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