Check out the winning mortgage lenders
BEST MORTGAGE LENDER FOR HOME EQUITY LINES OF CREDIT
National
80%
680
Pros
- Customizable sample rates available online.
- Available for second homes in most states.
- Offers a rate discount for autopay from a PNC checking account.
Cons
- Not available in all states.
- Charges an annual fee.
Why We Like It
Good for: PNC customers and those looking to take advantage of a fixed-rate option.Why our Nerds love it
PNC Bank offers a home equity line of credit with a fixed-rate repayment option, a rate discount for bank customers using autopay and a smooth online application process.
Read our methodologyBEST MORTGAGE LENDER FOR REFINANCING
620
National
Pros
- Streamlined online process with document and asset retrieval capabilities, as well as the ability to edit your preapproval letter.
- Mortgage interest rates are on the low side compared to other lenders, according to the latest federal data.
- Offers the option to work with loan officers by phone if desired.
Cons
- Getting a customized interest rate requires a credit check, which can affect your credit score.
- Doesn't offer home equity lines of credit.
- Origination fees are on the high side compared with other lenders, according to the latest federal data.
Why We Like It
Good for: borrowers who appreciate a fully digital home loan experience with mortgage rates lower than other lenders’.Why our Nerds love it
Rocket Mortgage offers a wide variety of refinancing options, with low rates compared with other lenders and a smooth online application process.
Read our methodologyBEST MORTGAGE LENDER FOR CASH-OUT REFINANCING
National
620
Pros
- Offers a Combination Loan Refinance, which combines a rate-and-term refinance with a home equity line of credit.
- Has lower-than-average cash-out refinance interest rates, according to the latest data.
Cons
- You’ll have to create an account or supply personal data to get customer service over the phone.
- In-person service is not available in every state.
Why We Like It
Good for: borrowers looking for non-traditional cash-out options.Why our Nerds love it
PNC Bank offers cash-out refinancing with transparent rates, a smooth online application process and low rates compared with other lenders.
Read our methodologyBEST MORTGAGE LENDER FOR HOME EQUITY LOANS
660
90%
Pros
- Borrowers can access up to 90% of home equity.
- Offers a variety of loan terms.
- No appraisal required.
Cons
- Sample rates for purchase mortgages, but not home equity loans, available online.
Why We Like It
Good for: homeowners who want a lump sum with a convenient process and relatively low closing costs.Why our Nerds love it
Network Capital offers home equity loans with a high borrowing limit, flexible terms and low fees compared with other lenders.
Read our methodologyBEST MORTGAGE LENDER FOR FHA LOANS
620
3.5%
Pros
- Lender fees and interest rates for FHA mortgages are lower than average, according to the latest federal data.
- Easy to get custom mortgage rate quotes on its website.
- Offers FHA streamline and cash-out refinance mortgages.
Cons
- Doesn't offer FHA renovation mortgages.
- In-person service is not available in every state.
Why We Like It
Good for: borrowers seeking a bank offering FHA purchase and refinance loans with lower-than-average lender fees and interest rates.Why our Nerds love it
PNC Bank offers several FHA loans, a smooth online application process, and FHA rates and fees on the low side compared with other lenders.
Read our methodologyBEST MORTGAGE LENDER FOR JUMBO LOANS
National
5%
Pros
- Offers several low-down-payment loan options, including FHA, VA, USDA and the PNC Community Loan.
- Receives high marks for customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power and Zillow.
- Mortgage rates are lower than the industry average, according to the latest federal data.
- Jumbo loans available with 5% down payment.
Cons
- Doesn't offer renovation mortgages or home equity loans.
- In-person service is not available in every state.
- You’ll have to create an account or supply personal data to get answers by phone.
Why We Like It
Good for: borrowers with low to moderate incomes or limited down payments, as well as home buyers seeking mortgages in higher-priced regions of the nation.Why our Nerds love it
PNC Bank originates a significant volume and variety of jumbo loans, with low mortgage rates compared with other lenders.
Read our methodologyBEST MORTGAGE LENDER FOR FIRST-TIME HOME BUYERS
620
3%
Pros
- Offers several low-down-payment loan options, including FHA, VA, USDA and the PNC Community Loan.
- Receives high marks for customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power and Zillow.
- Mortgage rates are lower than the industry average, according to the latest federal data.
- Jumbo loans available with 5% down payment.
Cons
- Doesn't offer renovation mortgages or home equity loans.
- In-person service is not available in every state.
- You’ll have to create an account or supply personal data to get answers by phone.
Why We Like It
Good for: borrowers with low to moderate incomes or limited down payments, as well as home buyers seeking mortgages in higher-priced regions of the nation.Why our Nerds love it
PNC Bank offers first-time buyers a grant and a specialized loan program, with mortgage rates on the low side compared with other lenders.
Read our methodologyBEST MORTGAGE LENDER FOR VA LOANS
620
0%
Pros
- Offers government-backed loans and some harder-to-find products, such as construction loans and specialty mortgages for pilots.
- Offers low rates and fees compared with other lenders, according to the latest federal data.
- Displays customized rates, with fee estimates, without requiring contact information.
Cons
- HELOCs and construction-to-permanent loans are available only in the Kansas City metro area.
Why We Like It
Good for: borrowers who want low rates and fees and an online experience with phone support. VA loans are an emphasis.Why our Nerds love it
NBKC Bank originates fewer VA loans than some lenders, but it wins again with comparatively low VA rates and fees and a convenient online application process.
Read our methodologyBEST MORTGAGE LENDER OVERALL
620
3%
Pros
- Multiple loans for those who are renovating or building a home, including loans with interest-only payments during construction.
- Offers home equity loans and lines of credit.
- Offers down payment assistance and loans for underserved borrowers, including ITIN loans and loans with flexible qualifications in certain communities.
- Interest rates are on the low side relative to other lenders, according to the latest federal data.
- Borrowers can enter their information (including their desired loan amount, down payment and zip code) into the lender’s Mortgage Quote Comparison tool and receive a customized rate quote.
Cons
- Home equity loans are not available in all locations served by Flagstar.
- In 2022, the lender was fined for violating laws regarding properties in flood zones.
Why We Like It
Good for: Borrowers who may benefit from Flagstar’s unique loan options, such as ITIN loans, loans for manufactured homes or physician loans.Why our Nerds love it
Flagstar Bank offers a variety of loan types with relatively low rates, including FHA, VA and USDA mortgages. It’s simple to browse options and apply online.
Read our methodologyFrequently asked questions
NerdWallet's award winners are chosen through a rigorous evaluation process involving 39 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, we evaluate loan average rates and fees, loan types and products, online rate information, ease of application and other factors. For more info, see our methodologies.
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