MORTGAGE
WINNERS for 2021
First-time home buyer? Looking to refinance to get some more breathing room? Need an FHA or VA loan? If your goals involve home, our list of winners — some of which are our partners — can help you tackle your mortgage goals. While many of the winners are our partners, this didn't influence our decisions or opinions. Our opinions are our own.
Best-Of Awards > Mortgages
Best Mortgage Lender for Refinancing (TIE)
at Better
at Better
Min. Credit Score
620
National / Regional
National
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 loan won’t change even if appraisal is lower than expected.
Cons
- Doesn't do VA or USDA loans.
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 loan won’t change even if appraisal is lower than expected.
Cons
- Doesn't do VA or USDA loans.
Min. Credit Score
620
National / Regional
National
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 loan won’t change even if appraisal is lower than expected.
Cons
- Doesn't do VA or USDA loans.
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 loan won’t change even if appraisal is lower than expected.
Cons
- Doesn't do VA or USDA loans.
Min. Credit Score
620
National / Regional
National
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 loan won’t change even if appraisal is lower than expected.
Cons
- Doesn't do VA or USDA loans.
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 loan won’t change even if appraisal is lower than expected.
Cons
- Doesn't do VA or USDA loans.
Why this LENDER made the list
Better.com makes it easy to compare customized rates for all loan products and offers a fully digital refinance process, all without charging origination fees.
Read our methodologyBest Mortgage Lender for Refinancing (TIE)
at Guaranteed Rate
at Guaranteed Rate
Min. Credit Score
620
National / Regional
National
Pros
- Offers the ability to securely upload and digitally sign loan documents.
- Displays detailed sample rates for many of its refinance loan products.
Cons
- May charge an application fee.
Pros
- Offers the ability to securely upload and digitally sign loan documents.
- Displays detailed sample rates for many of its refinance loan products.
Cons
- May charge an application fee.
Min. Credit Score
620
National / Regional
National
Pros
- Offers the ability to securely upload and digitally sign loan documents.
- Displays detailed sample rates for many of its refinance loan products.
Cons
- May charge an application fee.
Pros
- Offers the ability to securely upload and digitally sign loan documents.
- Displays detailed sample rates for many of its refinance loan products.
Cons
- May charge an application fee.
Min. Credit Score
620
National / Regional
National
Pros
- Offers the ability to securely upload and digitally sign loan documents.
- Displays detailed sample rates for many of its refinance loan products.
Cons
- May charge an application fee.
Pros
- Offers the ability to securely upload and digitally sign loan documents.
- Displays detailed sample rates for many of its refinance loan products.
Cons
- May charge an application fee.
Why this LENDER made the list
Guaranteed Rate delivers customized refinance rates in seconds and a fully digital application process via its website, while charging low origination fees.
Read our methodologyBest Mortgage Lender for Online Loans (TIE)
at Guaranteed Rate
at Guaranteed Rate
Min. Credit Score
620
Min. Down Payment
3%
Pros
- Offers the ability to securely upload and digitally sign loan documents.
- Displays detailed sample rates for many of its loan products.
Cons
- Doesn't offer home equity loans or lines of credit.
Pros
- Offers the ability to securely upload and digitally sign loan documents.
- Displays detailed sample rates for many of its loan products.
Cons
- Doesn't offer home equity loans or lines of credit.
Min. Credit Score
620
Min. Down Payment
3%
Pros
- Offers the ability to securely upload and digitally sign loan documents.
- Displays detailed sample rates for many of its loan products.
Cons
- Doesn't offer home equity loans or lines of credit.
Pros
- Offers the ability to securely upload and digitally sign loan documents.
- Displays detailed sample rates for many of its loan products.
Cons
- Doesn't offer home equity loans or lines of credit.
Min. Credit Score
620
Min. Down Payment
3%
Pros
- Offers the ability to securely upload and digitally sign loan documents.
- Displays detailed sample rates for many of its loan products.
Cons
- Doesn't offer home equity loans or lines of credit.
Pros
- Offers the ability to securely upload and digitally sign loan documents.
- Displays detailed sample rates for many of its loan products.
Cons
- Doesn't offer home equity loans or lines of credit.
Why this LENDER made the list
Guaranteed Rate offers multiple digital conveniences, including instant rate quotes and online preapproval, and its fees are highly competitive.
Read our methodologyBEST MORTGAGE LENDER FOR ONLINE LOANS (TIE)
Min. Credit Score
620
Min. Down Payment
3%
Pros
- Provides numerous online conveniences, including loan application and process updates.
- Current rates clearly posted for various loan products.
- Offers a wide variety of loan types and products.
Cons
- Home equity loans and lines of credit suspended due to COVID-19 are still unavailable.
- Scandals and government actions have damaged consumer trust in recent years.
- No home improvement loans offered.
Pros
- Provides numerous online conveniences, including loan application and process updates.
- Current rates clearly posted for various loan products.
- Offers a wide variety of loan types and products.
Cons
- Home equity loans and lines of credit suspended due to COVID-19 are still unavailable.
- Scandals and government actions have damaged consumer trust in recent years.
- No home improvement loans offered.
Min. Credit Score
620
Min. Down Payment
3%
Pros
- Provides numerous online conveniences, including loan application and process updates.
- Current rates clearly posted for various loan products.
- Offers a wide variety of loan types and products.
Cons
- Home equity loans and lines of credit suspended due to COVID-19 are still unavailable.
- Scandals and government actions have damaged consumer trust in recent years.
- No home improvement loans offered.
Pros
- Provides numerous online conveniences, including loan application and process updates.
- Current rates clearly posted for various loan products.
- Offers a wide variety of loan types and products.
Cons
- Home equity loans and lines of credit suspended due to COVID-19 are still unavailable.
- Scandals and government actions have damaged consumer trust in recent years.
- No home improvement loans offered.
Min. Credit Score
620
Min. Down Payment
3%
Pros
- Provides numerous online conveniences, including loan application and process updates.
- Current rates clearly posted for various loan products.
- Offers a wide variety of loan types and products.
Cons
- Home equity loans and lines of credit suspended due to COVID-19 are still unavailable.
- Scandals and government actions have damaged consumer trust in recent years.
- No home improvement loans offered.
Pros
- Provides numerous online conveniences, including loan application and process updates.
- Current rates clearly posted for various loan products.
- Offers a wide variety of loan types and products.
Cons
- Home equity loans and lines of credit suspended due to COVID-19 are still unavailable.
- Scandals and government actions have damaged consumer trust in recent years.
- No home improvement loans offered.
Why this LENDER made the list
Wells Fargo offers a slew of loan options, has an online mortgage application process, publishes easy-to-shop rates and charges competitive fees.
Read our methodologyBest Mortgage Lender for First-Time Home Buyers (TIE)
at Chase
at Chase
Min. Credit Score
620
Min. Down Payment
3%
Pros
- Allows electronic submission and tracking of loan documents.
- Carries a wide variety of mortgage types and products.
- Generally offers competitive rates, according to the latest data.
Cons
- Doesn't offer home improvement loans, such as FHA 203(k) and HomeStyle.
- You have to speak with a home loan adviser to complete the application.
- Home equity lines of credit (HELOC) are currently unavailable.
Pros
- Allows electronic submission and tracking of loan documents.
- Carries a wide variety of mortgage types and products.
- Generally offers competitive rates, according to the latest data.
Cons
- Doesn't offer home improvement loans, such as FHA 203(k) and HomeStyle.
- You have to speak with a home loan adviser to complete the application.
- Home equity lines of credit (HELOC) are currently unavailable.
Min. Credit Score
620
Min. Down Payment
3%
Pros
- Allows electronic submission and tracking of loan documents.
- Carries a wide variety of mortgage types and products.
- Generally offers competitive rates, according to the latest data.
Cons
- Doesn't offer home improvement loans, such as FHA 203(k) and HomeStyle.
- You have to speak with a home loan adviser to complete the application.
- Home equity lines of credit (HELOC) are currently unavailable.
Pros
- Allows electronic submission and tracking of loan documents.
- Carries a wide variety of mortgage types and products.
- Generally offers competitive rates, according to the latest data.
Cons
- Doesn't offer home improvement loans, such as FHA 203(k) and HomeStyle.
- You have to speak with a home loan adviser to complete the application.
- Home equity lines of credit (HELOC) are currently unavailable.
Min. Credit Score
620
Min. Down Payment
3%
Pros
- Allows electronic submission and tracking of loan documents.
- Carries a wide variety of mortgage types and products.
- Generally offers competitive rates, according to the latest data.
Cons
- Doesn't offer home improvement loans, such as FHA 203(k) and HomeStyle.
- You have to speak with a home loan adviser to complete the application.
- Home equity lines of credit (HELOC) are currently unavailable.
Pros
- Allows electronic submission and tracking of loan documents.
- Carries a wide variety of mortgage types and products.
- Generally offers competitive rates, according to the latest data.
Cons
- Doesn't offer home improvement loans, such as FHA 203(k) and HomeStyle.
- You have to speak with a home loan adviser to complete the application.
- Home equity lines of credit (HELOC) are currently unavailable.
Why this LENDER made the list
Chase offers first-time buyers a variety of low-down-payment loans with competitive fees, and participates in community-specific housing assistance programs.
Read our methodologyBest Mortgage Lender First-Time Home Buyers (TIE)
at NASB
at NASB
Min. Credit Score
620
Min. Down Payment
3%
Pros
- Devotes much of its business to serving military families with VA loans.
- Considers nontraditional income sources, in some cases.
- Offers competitive rates and origination fees.
Cons
- Does not offer home improvement mortgages.
- Doesn't offer home equity loans and lines of credit.
Pros
- Devotes much of its business to serving military families with VA loans.
- Considers nontraditional income sources, in some cases.
- Offers competitive rates and origination fees.
Cons
- Does not offer home improvement mortgages.
- Doesn't offer home equity loans and lines of credit.
Min. Credit Score
620
Min. Down Payment
3%
Pros
- Devotes much of its business to serving military families with VA loans.
- Considers nontraditional income sources, in some cases.
- Offers competitive rates and origination fees.
Cons
- Does not offer home improvement mortgages.
- Doesn't offer home equity loans and lines of credit.
Pros
- Devotes much of its business to serving military families with VA loans.
- Considers nontraditional income sources, in some cases.
- Offers competitive rates and origination fees.
Cons
- Does not offer home improvement mortgages.
- Doesn't offer home equity loans and lines of credit.
Min. Credit Score
620
Min. Down Payment
3%
Pros
- Devotes much of its business to serving military families with VA loans.
- Considers nontraditional income sources, in some cases.
- Offers competitive rates and origination fees.
Cons
- Does not offer home improvement mortgages.
- Doesn't offer home equity loans and lines of credit.
Pros
- Devotes much of its business to serving military families with VA loans.
- Considers nontraditional income sources, in some cases.
- Offers competitive rates and origination fees.
Cons
- Does not offer home improvement mortgages.
- Doesn't offer home equity loans and lines of credit.
Why this LENDER made the list
NASB offers multiple loans for first-time home buyers who might need flexible down payment or credit score requirements, and charges competitive fees.
Read our methodologyBest Mortgage Lender for Jumbo Loans (TIE)
at Chase
at Chase
National / Regional
National
Min. Down Payment
20%
Pros
- Allows electronic submission and tracking of loan documents.
- Carries a wide variety of mortgage types and products.
- Generally offers competitive rates, according to the latest data.
Cons
- Doesn't offer home improvement loans, such as FHA 203(k) and HomeStyle.
- You have to speak with a home loan adviser to complete the application.
- Home equity lines of credit (HELOC) are currently unavailable.
Pros
- Allows electronic submission and tracking of loan documents.
- Carries a wide variety of mortgage types and products.
- Generally offers competitive rates, according to the latest data.
Cons
- Doesn't offer home improvement loans, such as FHA 203(k) and HomeStyle.
- You have to speak with a home loan adviser to complete the application.
- Home equity lines of credit (HELOC) are currently unavailable.
National / Regional
National
Min. Down Payment
20%
Pros
- Allows electronic submission and tracking of loan documents.
- Carries a wide variety of mortgage types and products.
- Generally offers competitive rates, according to the latest data.
Cons
- Doesn't offer home improvement loans, such as FHA 203(k) and HomeStyle.
- You have to speak with a home loan adviser to complete the application.
- Home equity lines of credit (HELOC) are currently unavailable.
Pros
- Allows electronic submission and tracking of loan documents.
- Carries a wide variety of mortgage types and products.
- Generally offers competitive rates, according to the latest data.
Cons
- Doesn't offer home improvement loans, such as FHA 203(k) and HomeStyle.
- You have to speak with a home loan adviser to complete the application.
- Home equity lines of credit (HELOC) are currently unavailable.
National / Regional
National
Min. Down Payment
20%
Pros
- Allows electronic submission and tracking of loan documents.
- Carries a wide variety of mortgage types and products.
- Generally offers competitive rates, according to the latest data.
Cons
- Doesn't offer home improvement loans, such as FHA 203(k) and HomeStyle.
- You have to speak with a home loan adviser to complete the application.
- Home equity lines of credit (HELOC) are currently unavailable.
Pros
- Allows electronic submission and tracking of loan documents.
- Carries a wide variety of mortgage types and products.
- Generally offers competitive rates, according to the latest data.
Cons
- Doesn't offer home improvement loans, such as FHA 203(k) and HomeStyle.
- You have to speak with a home loan adviser to complete the application.
- Home equity lines of credit (HELOC) are currently unavailable.
Why this LENDER made the list
Chase originates a significant volume of jumbo loans, offers jumbo loans for various property types and charges low origination fees.
Read our methodologyBest Mortgage Lender for Jumbo Loans (TIE)
Min. Credit Score
N/A
Min. Down Payment
10%
Pros
- Has a full suite of online conveniences.
- Does well with rate transparency, and monthly payment estimates add mortgage insurance, when applicable.
Cons
- Availability of some loan products may be geographically limited.
Pros
- Has a full suite of online conveniences.
- Does well with rate transparency, and monthly payment estimates add mortgage insurance, when applicable.
Cons
- Availability of some loan products may be geographically limited.
Min. Credit Score
N/A
Min. Down Payment
10%
Pros
- Has a full suite of online conveniences.
- Does well with rate transparency, and monthly payment estimates add mortgage insurance, when applicable.
Cons
- Availability of some loan products may be geographically limited.
Pros
- Has a full suite of online conveniences.
- Does well with rate transparency, and monthly payment estimates add mortgage insurance, when applicable.
Cons
- Availability of some loan products may be geographically limited.
Min. Credit Score
N/A
Min. Down Payment
10%
Pros
- Has a full suite of online conveniences.
- Does well with rate transparency, and monthly payment estimates add mortgage insurance, when applicable.
Cons
- Availability of some loan products may be geographically limited.
Pros
- Has a full suite of online conveniences.
- Does well with rate transparency, and monthly payment estimates add mortgage insurance, when applicable.
Cons
- Availability of some loan products may be geographically limited.
Why this LENDER made the list
Flagstar allows down payments under 20% on jumbos, offers conveniences like an online application and document uploads and has competitive origination fees.
Read our methodologyBest Mortgage Lender Overall
at NASB
at NASB
Min. Credit Score
620
Min. Down Payment
3%
Pros
- Devotes much of its business to serving military families with VA loans.
- Considers nontraditional income sources, in some cases.
- Offers competitive rates and origination fees.
Cons
- Does not offer home improvement mortgages.
- Doesn't offer home equity loans and lines of credit.
Pros
- Devotes much of its business to serving military families with VA loans.
- Considers nontraditional income sources, in some cases.
- Offers competitive rates and origination fees.
Cons
- Does not offer home improvement mortgages.
- Doesn't offer home equity loans and lines of credit.
Min. Credit Score
620
Min. Down Payment
3%
Pros
- Devotes much of its business to serving military families with VA loans.
- Considers nontraditional income sources, in some cases.
- Offers competitive rates and origination fees.
Cons
- Does not offer home improvement mortgages.
- Doesn't offer home equity loans and lines of credit.
Pros
- Devotes much of its business to serving military families with VA loans.
- Considers nontraditional income sources, in some cases.
- Offers competitive rates and origination fees.
Cons
- Does not offer home improvement mortgages.
- Doesn't offer home equity loans and lines of credit.
Min. Credit Score
620
Min. Down Payment
3%
Pros
- Devotes much of its business to serving military families with VA loans.
- Considers nontraditional income sources, in some cases.
- Offers competitive rates and origination fees.
Cons
- Does not offer home improvement mortgages.
- Doesn't offer home equity loans and lines of credit.
Pros
- Devotes much of its business to serving military families with VA loans.
- Considers nontraditional income sources, in some cases.
- Offers competitive rates and origination fees.
Cons
- Does not offer home improvement mortgages.
- Doesn't offer home equity loans and lines of credit.
Why this LENDER made the list
NASB offers a wide variety of loan types — including harder-to-find options — a fully digital loan application with preapproval and competitive rates and fees.
Read our methodologyBest Mortgage Lender for VA Loans (TIE)
at NASB
at NASB
Min. Credit Score
640
Min. Down Payment
0%
Pros
- Devotes much of its business to serving military families with VA loans.
- Considers nontraditional income sources, in some cases.
- Offers competitive rates and origination fees.
Cons
- Does not offer home improvement mortgages.
- Doesn't offer home equity loans and lines of credit.
Pros
- Devotes much of its business to serving military families with VA loans.
- Considers nontraditional income sources, in some cases.
- Offers competitive rates and origination fees.
Cons
- Does not offer home improvement mortgages.
- Doesn't offer home equity loans and lines of credit.
Min. Credit Score
640
Min. Down Payment
0%
Pros
- Devotes much of its business to serving military families with VA loans.
- Considers nontraditional income sources, in some cases.
- Offers competitive rates and origination fees.
Cons
- Does not offer home improvement mortgages.
- Doesn't offer home equity loans and lines of credit.
Pros
- Devotes much of its business to serving military families with VA loans.
- Considers nontraditional income sources, in some cases.
- Offers competitive rates and origination fees.
Cons
- Does not offer home improvement mortgages.
- Doesn't offer home equity loans and lines of credit.
Min. Credit Score
640
Min. Down Payment
0%
Pros
- Devotes much of its business to serving military families with VA loans.
- Considers nontraditional income sources, in some cases.
- Offers competitive rates and origination fees.
Cons
- Does not offer home improvement mortgages.
- Doesn't offer home equity loans and lines of credit.
Pros
- Devotes much of its business to serving military families with VA loans.
- Considers nontraditional income sources, in some cases.
- Offers competitive rates and origination fees.
Cons
- Does not offer home improvement mortgages.
- Doesn't offer home equity loans and lines of credit.
Why this LENDER made the list
NASB originates a significant volume of VA loans, charges low fees and offers online conveniences like a digital application and document uploads.
Read our methodologyBEST MORTGAGE LENDER FOR VA LOANS (TIE)
National / Regional
National
Min. Down Payment
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 / Regional
National
Min. Down Payment
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 / Regional
National
Min. Down Payment
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 originates a high volume of VA loans, offers veterans a variety of VA purchase and refi loans and charges low origination fees
Read our methodologyBest Mortgage Lender for FHA Loans (TIE)
Min. Credit Score
580
Min. Down Payment
3.5%
Pros
- Full online application includes document uploads and automated loan updates.
- Offers a "float-down" interest rate lock.
- Offers a proprietary closing-cost assistance program.
Cons
- No online mortgage rates — you have to contact the lender for info.
Pros
- Full online application includes document uploads and automated loan updates.
- Offers a "float-down" interest rate lock.
- Offers a proprietary closing-cost assistance program.
Cons
- No online mortgage rates — you have to contact the lender for info.
Min. Credit Score
580
Min. Down Payment
3.5%
Pros
- Full online application includes document uploads and automated loan updates.
- Offers a "float-down" interest rate lock.
- Offers a proprietary closing-cost assistance program.
Cons
- No online mortgage rates — you have to contact the lender for info.
Pros
- Full online application includes document uploads and automated loan updates.
- Offers a "float-down" interest rate lock.
- Offers a proprietary closing-cost assistance program.
Cons
- No online mortgage rates — you have to contact the lender for info.
Min. Credit Score
580
Min. Down Payment
3.5%
Pros
- Full online application includes document uploads and automated loan updates.
- Offers a "float-down" interest rate lock.
- Offers a proprietary closing-cost assistance program.
Cons
- No online mortgage rates — you have to contact the lender for info.
Pros
- Full online application includes document uploads and automated loan updates.
- Offers a "float-down" interest rate lock.
- Offers a proprietary closing-cost assistance program.
Cons
- No online mortgage rates — you have to contact the lender for info.
Why this LENDER made the list
PrimeLending offers a variety of FHA loans for purchase and refinance, including 203k renovation loans, and has a full online application process.
Read our methodologyBest Mortgage Lender for FHA Loans (TIE)
Min. Down Payment
3.5%
National / Regional
Regional
Pros
- Offers an ITIN qualification path for borrowers ineligible for Social Security numbers.
- Has a digital application process.
- Offers several mortgage options for low- to moderate-income borrowers.
- Borrowers can qualify with income from self-employment and other nontraditional sources.
Cons
- No mortgage rates published online.
- No home equity loans or lines of credit.
- Generally has higher rates and fees than other lenders.
- Branch offices not available in all states.
Pros
- Offers an ITIN qualification path for borrowers ineligible for Social Security numbers.
- Has a digital application process.
- Offers several mortgage options for low- to moderate-income borrowers.
- Borrowers can qualify with income from self-employment and other nontraditional sources.
Cons
- No mortgage rates published online.
- No home equity loans or lines of credit.
- Generally has higher rates and fees than other lenders.
- Branch offices not available in all states.
Min. Down Payment
3.5%
National / Regional
Regional
Pros
- Offers an ITIN qualification path for borrowers ineligible for Social Security numbers.
- Has a digital application process.
- Offers several mortgage options for low- to moderate-income borrowers.
- Borrowers can qualify with income from self-employment and other nontraditional sources.
Cons
- No mortgage rates published online.
- No home equity loans or lines of credit.
- Generally has higher rates and fees than other lenders.
- Branch offices not available in all states.
Pros
- Offers an ITIN qualification path for borrowers ineligible for Social Security numbers.
- Has a digital application process.
- Offers several mortgage options for low- to moderate-income borrowers.
- Borrowers can qualify with income from self-employment and other nontraditional sources.
Cons
- No mortgage rates published online.
- No home equity loans or lines of credit.
- Generally has higher rates and fees than other lenders.
- Branch offices not available in all states.
Min. Down Payment
3.5%
National / Regional
Regional
Pros
- Offers an ITIN qualification path for borrowers ineligible for Social Security numbers.
- Has a digital application process.
- Offers several mortgage options for low- to moderate-income borrowers.
- Borrowers can qualify with income from self-employment and other nontraditional sources.
Cons
- No mortgage rates published online.
- No home equity loans or lines of credit.
- Generally has higher rates and fees than other lenders.
- Branch offices not available in all states.
Pros
- Offers an ITIN qualification path for borrowers ineligible for Social Security numbers.
- Has a digital application process.
- Offers several mortgage options for low- to moderate-income borrowers.
- Borrowers can qualify with income from self-employment and other nontraditional sources.
Cons
- No mortgage rates published online.
- No home equity loans or lines of credit.
- Generally has higher rates and fees than other lenders.
- Branch offices not available in all states.
Why this LENDER made the list
Alterra originates a high volume of FHA loans and has a wide variety of options. It offers flexible credit and income requirements, and a digital application.
Read our methodologyBest Mortgage Lender for Home Equity Lines of Credit
National / Regional
National
Min. Credit Score
640
Pros
- Offers both traditional and interest-only HELOCs.
- Displays sample rates for its entire array of loan products, and you don't need to provide personal information to get a custom rate quote.
Cons
- Lacks document upload and online loan tracking capabilities.
Pros
- Offers both traditional and interest-only HELOCs.
- Displays sample rates for its entire array of loan products, and you don't need to provide personal information to get a custom rate quote.
Cons
- Lacks document upload and online loan tracking capabilities.
National / Regional
National
Min. Credit Score
640
Pros
- Offers both traditional and interest-only HELOCs.
- Displays sample rates for its entire array of loan products, and you don't need to provide personal information to get a custom rate quote.
Cons
- Lacks document upload and online loan tracking capabilities.
Pros
- Offers both traditional and interest-only HELOCs.
- Displays sample rates for its entire array of loan products, and you don't need to provide personal information to get a custom rate quote.
Cons
- Lacks document upload and online loan tracking capabilities.
National / Regional
National
Min. Credit Score
640
Pros
- Offers both traditional and interest-only HELOCs.
- Displays sample rates for its entire array of loan products, and you don't need to provide personal information to get a custom rate quote.
Cons
- Lacks document upload and online loan tracking capabilities.
Pros
- Offers both traditional and interest-only HELOCs.
- Displays sample rates for its entire array of loan products, and you don't need to provide personal information to get a custom rate quote.
Cons
- Lacks document upload and online loan tracking capabilities.
Why this LENDER made the list
Connexus offers multiple HELOC options with no prepayment penalties, offers discounts for existing customers and charges low origination fees.
Read our methodologyDisclaimer
NMLS Consumer Access: NerdWallet Compare, Inc. NMLS ID# 1617539
Frequently Asked Questions
NerdWallet's award winners are chosen through a rigorous evaluation process involving more than four dozen of our writers and editors. NerdWallet's ratings formulas for credit cards, for example, consider the type of card being reviewed (such as cash back, travel or balance transfer) and the card's rates, fees, rewards and other features. For mortgages, our evaluation includes loan types, loan products, online capabilities, online rate information, customer service and complaints filed with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. For more info, see our methodologies.
Our team of Nerdy experts is composed of writers and editors — based all across the country — who have years of experience reviewing and writing about personal finance products for consumers.
Writers and editors use comprehensive scoring formulas that assess each financial product’s key features, weighting them according to their importance to consumers.
Nope. Editorial team members are solely responsible for creating all product reviews and ratings, and these assessments reflect their opinions alone. Only products that meet the editorial team’s standards appear in our Best-Of Awards lists, meaning no company can “buy” an award.
NerdWallet’s awards are given annually to the best of the best. Our other lists of top financial products throughout the year may be longer than the list of award winners, offer additional consumer choices and get updated as products change, products are discontinued and new products emerge. This year's winners were chosen in mid-November 2020 (except for Taxes, which are chosen in January 2021).
Our 2020 Best-Of Award winners are still live. If you’d like to see who won last year, feel free to take a look and compare with this year’s winners.
See the latest rates.
Easily compare today's mortgage rates and find the right one for you with our personalized mortgage tool.
