2020's Mortgage
Lender Winners
Whether you're a first-time home buyer or an owner looking to refinance, 2020's best mortgage lenders – some of which are our partners – can help you make the right money move.
Best-Of Awards > Mortgages
Best Mortgage Lender for Refinancing (tie)
at Better
at Better
Min. Credit Score
620
Min. down payment
3%
Pros
- Offers a program allowing qualifying buyers to make cash offers.
- Makes it easy to see customized mortgage rates.
- Average interest rates are on the low end compared to other lenders, according to the latest federal data.
Cons
- Doesn’t offer USDA loans.
- VA loans are not available in every state.
- Doesn't offer home equity loans.
Pros
- Offers a program allowing qualifying buyers to make cash offers.
- Makes it easy to see customized mortgage rates.
- Average interest rates are on the low end compared to other lenders, according to the latest federal data.
Cons
- Doesn’t offer USDA loans.
- VA loans are not available in every state.
- Doesn't offer home equity loans.
Min. Credit Score
620
Min. down payment
3%
Pros
- Offers a program allowing qualifying buyers to make cash offers.
- Makes it easy to see customized mortgage rates.
- Average interest rates are on the low end compared to other lenders, according to the latest federal data.
Cons
- Doesn’t offer USDA loans.
- VA loans are not available in every state.
- Doesn't offer home equity loans.
Pros
- Offers a program allowing qualifying buyers to make cash offers.
- Makes it easy to see customized mortgage rates.
- Average interest rates are on the low end compared to other lenders, according to the latest federal data.
Cons
- Doesn’t offer USDA loans.
- VA loans are not available in every state.
- Doesn't offer home equity loans.
Min. Credit Score
620
Min. down payment
3%
Pros
- Offers a program allowing qualifying buyers to make cash offers.
- Makes it easy to see customized mortgage rates.
- Average interest rates are on the low end compared to other lenders, according to the latest federal data.
Cons
- Doesn’t offer USDA loans.
- VA loans are not available in every state.
- Doesn't offer home equity loans.
Pros
- Offers a program allowing qualifying buyers to make cash offers.
- Makes it easy to see customized mortgage rates.
- Average interest rates are on the low end compared to other lenders, according to the latest federal data.
Cons
- Doesn’t offer USDA loans.
- VA loans are not available in every state.
- Doesn't offer home equity loans.
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)
Min. Credit Score
620
Min. down payment
3%
Pros
- Rates and fees have been lower than most lenders, according to the latest federal data.
Cons
- It’s unclear if the lender is currently processing new loans.
Pros
- Rates and fees have been lower than most lenders, according to the latest federal data.
Cons
- It’s unclear if the lender is currently processing new loans.
Min. Credit Score
620
Min. down payment
3%
Pros
- Rates and fees have been lower than most lenders, according to the latest federal data.
Cons
- It’s unclear if the lender is currently processing new loans.
Pros
- Rates and fees have been lower than most lenders, according to the latest federal data.
Cons
- It’s unclear if the lender is currently processing new loans.
Min. Credit Score
620
Min. down payment
3%
Pros
- Rates and fees have been lower than most lenders, according to the latest federal data.
Cons
- It’s unclear if the lender is currently processing new loans.
Pros
- Rates and fees have been lower than most lenders, according to the latest federal data.
Cons
- It’s unclear if the lender is currently processing new loans.
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
Min. Credit Score
620
Min. down payment
3%
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.
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.
Min. Credit Score
620
Min. down payment
3%
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.
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.
Min. Credit Score
620
Min. down payment
3%
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.
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 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)
Min. Credit Score
660
Min. down payment
5%
National / regional
National
Pros
- Offers down payment and closing cost assistance programs.
- May give existing customers a discount on mortgage lender origination fees and HELOC interest rates.
- Receives high marks for customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power and Zillow.
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 and HELOC interest rates.
- Receives high marks for customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power and Zillow.
Cons
- Doesn't offer renovation loans that roll costs into a mortgage.
Min. Credit Score
660
Min. down payment
5%
National / regional
National
Pros
- Offers down payment and closing cost assistance programs.
- May give existing customers a discount on mortgage lender origination fees and HELOC interest rates.
- Receives high marks for customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power and Zillow.
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 and HELOC interest rates.
- Receives high marks for customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power and Zillow.
Cons
- Doesn't offer renovation loans that roll costs into a mortgage.
Min. Credit Score
660
Min. down payment
5%
National / regional
National
Pros
- Offers down payment and closing cost assistance programs.
- May give existing customers a discount on mortgage lender origination fees and HELOC interest rates.
- Receives high marks for customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power and Zillow.
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 and HELOC interest rates.
- Receives high marks for customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power and Zillow.
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)
Min. Credit Score
620
Min. down payment
3%
Pros
- Posts current mortgage rates on its website.
- Offers several affordable loan options, including FHA, VA, USDA and the PNC Community Loan.
- Receives high marks for customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power and Zillow.
Cons
- Doesn't offer renovation mortgages.
- In-person service is not available in every state.
Pros
- Posts current mortgage rates on its website.
- Offers several affordable loan options, including FHA, VA, USDA and the PNC Community Loan.
- Receives high marks for customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power and Zillow.
Cons
- Doesn't offer renovation mortgages.
- In-person service is not available in every state.
Min. Credit Score
620
Min. down payment
3%
Pros
- Posts current mortgage rates on its website.
- Offers several affordable loan options, including FHA, VA, USDA and the PNC Community Loan.
- Receives high marks for customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power and Zillow.
Cons
- Doesn't offer renovation mortgages.
- In-person service is not available in every state.
Pros
- Posts current mortgage rates on its website.
- Offers several affordable loan options, including FHA, VA, USDA and the PNC Community Loan.
- Receives high marks for customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power and Zillow.
Cons
- Doesn't offer renovation mortgages.
- In-person service is not available in every state.
Min. Credit Score
620
Min. down payment
3%
Pros
- Posts current mortgage rates on its website.
- Offers several affordable loan options, including FHA, VA, USDA and the PNC Community Loan.
- Receives high marks for customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power and Zillow.
Cons
- Doesn't offer renovation mortgages.
- In-person service is not available in every state.
Pros
- Posts current mortgage rates on its website.
- Offers several affordable loan options, including FHA, VA, USDA and the PNC Community Loan.
- Receives high marks for customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power and Zillow.
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 / regional
National
Min. down payment
3%
Pros
- Offers a wide variety of loan options, including low-down-payment mortgages and jumbo mortgages.
- Offers low rates compared with other lenders, according to the latest data.
- Receives high marks for customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power and Zillow.
Cons
- Requires help from a loan officer to complete an online mortgage application.
- Customized mortgage rates not available without making contact.
- Doesn’t offer renovation loans, or home equity loans or lines of credit.
Pros
- Offers a wide variety of loan options, including low-down-payment mortgages and jumbo mortgages.
- Offers low rates compared with other lenders, according to the latest data.
- Receives high marks for customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power and Zillow.
Cons
- Requires help from a loan officer to complete an online mortgage application.
- Customized mortgage rates not available without making contact.
- Doesn’t offer renovation loans, or home equity loans or lines of credit.
National / regional
National
Min. down payment
3%
Pros
- Offers a wide variety of loan options, including low-down-payment mortgages and jumbo mortgages.
- Offers low rates compared with other lenders, according to the latest data.
- Receives high marks for customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power and Zillow.
Cons
- Requires help from a loan officer to complete an online mortgage application.
- Customized mortgage rates not available without making contact.
- Doesn’t offer renovation loans, or home equity loans or lines of credit.
Pros
- Offers a wide variety of loan options, including low-down-payment mortgages and jumbo mortgages.
- Offers low rates compared with other lenders, according to the latest data.
- Receives high marks for customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power and Zillow.
Cons
- Requires help from a loan officer to complete an online mortgage application.
- Customized mortgage rates not available without making contact.
- Doesn’t offer renovation loans, or home equity loans or lines of credit.
National / regional
National
Min. down payment
3%
Pros
- Offers a wide variety of loan options, including low-down-payment mortgages and jumbo mortgages.
- Offers low rates compared with other lenders, according to the latest data.
- Receives high marks for customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power and Zillow.
Cons
- Requires help from a loan officer to complete an online mortgage application.
- Customized mortgage rates not available without making contact.
- Doesn’t offer renovation loans, or home equity loans or lines of credit.
Pros
- Offers a wide variety of loan options, including low-down-payment mortgages and jumbo mortgages.
- Offers low rates compared with other lenders, according to the latest data.
- Receives high marks for customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power and Zillow.
Cons
- Requires help from a loan officer to complete an online mortgage application.
- Customized mortgage rates not available without making contact.
- Doesn’t offer renovation loans, or home equity loans or lines of credit.
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)
Min. Credit Score
620
Min. down payment
0%
Pros
- Offers 24/7 customer service over the phone.
- Offers a free credit counseling service.
- Mortgage rates are on the low side, according to the latest federal data.
Cons
- Doesn’t offer home equity loans or HELOCs.
- Veterans United has physical branch offices in only 17 states.
- Focus on VA loans, so may not be the strongest choice for those seeking other loan types.
Pros
- Offers 24/7 customer service over the phone.
- Offers a free credit counseling service.
- Mortgage rates are on the low side, according to the latest federal data.
Cons
- Doesn’t offer home equity loans or HELOCs.
- Veterans United has physical branch offices in only 17 states.
- Focus on VA loans, so may not be the strongest choice for those seeking other loan types.
Min. Credit Score
620
Min. down payment
0%
Pros
- Offers 24/7 customer service over the phone.
- Offers a free credit counseling service.
- Mortgage rates are on the low side, according to the latest federal data.
Cons
- Doesn’t offer home equity loans or HELOCs.
- Veterans United has physical branch offices in only 17 states.
- Focus on VA loans, so may not be the strongest choice for those seeking other loan types.
Pros
- Offers 24/7 customer service over the phone.
- Offers a free credit counseling service.
- Mortgage rates are on the low side, according to the latest federal data.
Cons
- Doesn’t offer home equity loans or HELOCs.
- Veterans United has physical branch offices in only 17 states.
- Focus on VA loans, so may not be the strongest choice for those seeking other loan types.
Min. Credit Score
620
Min. down payment
0%
Pros
- Offers 24/7 customer service over the phone.
- Offers a free credit counseling service.
- Mortgage rates are on the low side, according to the latest federal data.
Cons
- Doesn’t offer home equity loans or HELOCs.
- Veterans United has physical branch offices in only 17 states.
- Focus on VA loans, so may not be the strongest choice for those seeking other loan types.
Pros
- Offers 24/7 customer service over the phone.
- Offers a free credit counseling service.
- Mortgage rates are on the low side, according to the latest federal data.
Cons
- Doesn’t offer home equity loans or HELOCs.
- Veterans United has physical branch offices in only 17 states.
- Focus on VA loans, so may not be the strongest choice for those seeking other loan types.
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 / regional
National
Min. down payment
0%
Pros
- Offers a wide range of affordable mortgage products, including 0% down payment loans, designed for military members.
- Offers HELOCs and home equity loans.
- Offers low rates compared with most lenders, according to the latest federal 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, including 0% down payment loans, designed for military members.
- Offers HELOCs and home equity loans.
- Offers low rates compared with most lenders, according to the latest federal 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, including 0% down payment loans, designed for military members.
- Offers HELOCs and home equity loans.
- Offers low rates compared with most lenders, according to the latest federal 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, including 0% down payment loans, designed for military members.
- Offers HELOCs and home equity loans.
- Offers low rates compared with most lenders, according to the latest federal 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, including 0% down payment loans, designed for military members.
- Offers HELOCs and home equity loans.
- Offers low rates compared with most lenders, according to the latest federal 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, including 0% down payment loans, designed for military members.
- Offers HELOCs and home equity loans.
- Offers low rates compared with most lenders, according to the latest federal 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 / regional
National
Min. down payment
3%
Pros
- Offers a wide variety of loan options, including low-down-payment mortgages and jumbo mortgages.
- Offers low rates compared with other lenders, according to the latest data.
- Receives high marks for customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power and Zillow.
Cons
- Requires help from a loan officer to complete an online mortgage application.
- Customized mortgage rates not available without making contact.
- Doesn’t offer renovation loans, or home equity loans or lines of credit.
Pros
- Offers a wide variety of loan options, including low-down-payment mortgages and jumbo mortgages.
- Offers low rates compared with other lenders, according to the latest data.
- Receives high marks for customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power and Zillow.
Cons
- Requires help from a loan officer to complete an online mortgage application.
- Customized mortgage rates not available without making contact.
- Doesn’t offer renovation loans, or home equity loans or lines of credit.
National / regional
National
Min. down payment
3%
Pros
- Offers a wide variety of loan options, including low-down-payment mortgages and jumbo mortgages.
- Offers low rates compared with other lenders, according to the latest data.
- Receives high marks for customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power and Zillow.
Cons
- Requires help from a loan officer to complete an online mortgage application.
- Customized mortgage rates not available without making contact.
- Doesn’t offer renovation loans, or home equity loans or lines of credit.
Pros
- Offers a wide variety of loan options, including low-down-payment mortgages and jumbo mortgages.
- Offers low rates compared with other lenders, according to the latest data.
- Receives high marks for customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power and Zillow.
Cons
- Requires help from a loan officer to complete an online mortgage application.
- Customized mortgage rates not available without making contact.
- Doesn’t offer renovation loans, or home equity loans or lines of credit.
National / regional
National
Min. down payment
3%
Pros
- Offers a wide variety of loan options, including low-down-payment mortgages and jumbo mortgages.
- Offers low rates compared with other lenders, according to the latest data.
- Receives high marks for customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power and Zillow.
Cons
- Requires help from a loan officer to complete an online mortgage application.
- Customized mortgage rates not available without making contact.
- Doesn’t offer renovation loans, or home equity loans or lines of credit.
Pros
- Offers a wide variety of loan options, including low-down-payment mortgages and jumbo mortgages.
- Offers low rates compared with other lenders, according to the latest data.
- Receives high marks for customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power and Zillow.
Cons
- Requires help from a loan officer to complete an online mortgage application.
- Customized mortgage rates not available without making contact.
- Doesn’t offer renovation loans, or home equity loans or lines of credit.
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
Min. Credit Score
620
Min. down payment
3%
Pros
- Offers a robust suite of loan products, including ITIN loans for borrowers without Social Security numbers, renovation loans, government-backed mortgages and loans for self-employed borrowers.
- Receives high marks for customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power and Zillow.
Cons
- Mortgage rates for different types of loans aren't posted online.
- Origination fees are on the high side compared with other lenders, according to the latest federal data.
Pros
- Offers a robust suite of loan products, including ITIN loans for borrowers without Social Security numbers, renovation loans, government-backed mortgages and loans for self-employed borrowers.
- Receives high marks for customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power and Zillow.
Cons
- Mortgage rates for different types of loans aren't posted online.
- Origination fees are on the high side compared with other lenders, according to the latest federal data.
Min. Credit Score
620
Min. down payment
3%
Pros
- Offers a robust suite of loan products, including ITIN loans for borrowers without Social Security numbers, renovation loans, government-backed mortgages and loans for self-employed borrowers.
- Receives high marks for customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power and Zillow.
Cons
- Mortgage rates for different types of loans aren't posted online.
- Origination fees are on the high side compared with other lenders, according to the latest federal data.
Pros
- Offers a robust suite of loan products, including ITIN loans for borrowers without Social Security numbers, renovation loans, government-backed mortgages and loans for self-employed borrowers.
- Receives high marks for customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power and Zillow.
Cons
- Mortgage rates for different types of loans aren't posted online.
- Origination fees are on the high side compared with other lenders, according to the latest federal data.
Min. Credit Score
620
Min. down payment
3%
Pros
- Offers a robust suite of loan products, including ITIN loans for borrowers without Social Security numbers, renovation loans, government-backed mortgages and loans for self-employed borrowers.
- Receives high marks for customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power and Zillow.
Cons
- Mortgage rates for different types of loans aren't posted online.
- Origination fees are on the high side compared with other lenders, according to the latest federal data.
Pros
- Offers a robust suite of loan products, including ITIN loans for borrowers without Social Security numbers, renovation loans, government-backed mortgages and loans for self-employed borrowers.
- Receives high marks for customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power and Zillow.
Cons
- Mortgage rates for different types of loans aren't posted online.
- Origination fees are on the high side compared with other lenders, according to the latest federal 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)
Min. Credit Score
660
Min. down payment
5%
National / regional
National
Pros
- Offers down payment and closing cost assistance programs.
- May give existing customers a discount on mortgage lender origination fees and HELOC interest rates.
- Receives high marks for customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power and Zillow.
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 and HELOC interest rates.
- Receives high marks for customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power and Zillow.
Cons
- Doesn't offer renovation loans that roll costs into a mortgage.
Min. Credit Score
660
Min. down payment
5%
National / regional
National
Pros
- Offers down payment and closing cost assistance programs.
- May give existing customers a discount on mortgage lender origination fees and HELOC interest rates.
- Receives high marks for customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power and Zillow.
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 and HELOC interest rates.
- Receives high marks for customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power and Zillow.
Cons
- Doesn't offer renovation loans that roll costs into a mortgage.
Min. Credit Score
660
Min. down payment
5%
National / regional
National
Pros
- Offers down payment and closing cost assistance programs.
- May give existing customers a discount on mortgage lender origination fees and HELOC interest rates.
- Receives high marks for customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power and Zillow.
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 and HELOC interest rates.
- Receives high marks for customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power and Zillow.
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 / regional
National
Min. down payment
3%
Pros
- Offers a wide variety of loan options, including low-down-payment mortgages and jumbo mortgages.
- Offers low rates compared with other lenders, according to the latest data.
- Receives high marks for customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power and Zillow.
Cons
- Requires help from a loan officer to complete an online mortgage application.
- Customized mortgage rates not available without making contact.
- Doesn’t offer renovation loans, or home equity loans or lines of credit.
Pros
- Offers a wide variety of loan options, including low-down-payment mortgages and jumbo mortgages.
- Offers low rates compared with other lenders, according to the latest data.
- Receives high marks for customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power and Zillow.
Cons
- Requires help from a loan officer to complete an online mortgage application.
- Customized mortgage rates not available without making contact.
- Doesn’t offer renovation loans, or home equity loans or lines of credit.
National / regional
National
Min. down payment
3%
Pros
- Offers a wide variety of loan options, including low-down-payment mortgages and jumbo mortgages.
- Offers low rates compared with other lenders, according to the latest data.
- Receives high marks for customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power and Zillow.
Cons
- Requires help from a loan officer to complete an online mortgage application.
- Customized mortgage rates not available without making contact.
- Doesn’t offer renovation loans, or home equity loans or lines of credit.
Pros
- Offers a wide variety of loan options, including low-down-payment mortgages and jumbo mortgages.
- Offers low rates compared with other lenders, according to the latest data.
- Receives high marks for customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power and Zillow.
Cons
- Requires help from a loan officer to complete an online mortgage application.
- Customized mortgage rates not available without making contact.
- Doesn’t offer renovation loans, or home equity loans or lines of credit.
National / regional
National
Min. down payment
3%
Pros
- Offers a wide variety of loan options, including low-down-payment mortgages and jumbo mortgages.
- Offers low rates compared with other lenders, according to the latest data.
- Receives high marks for customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power and Zillow.
Cons
- Requires help from a loan officer to complete an online mortgage application.
- Customized mortgage rates not available without making contact.
- Doesn’t offer renovation loans, or home equity loans or lines of credit.
Pros
- Offers a wide variety of loan options, including low-down-payment mortgages and jumbo mortgages.
- Offers low rates compared with other lenders, according to the latest data.
- Receives high marks for customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power and Zillow.
Cons
- Requires help from a loan officer to complete an online mortgage application.
- Customized mortgage rates not available without making contact.
- Doesn’t offer renovation loans, or home equity loans or lines of credit.
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
Easily compare today's mortgage rates and find the right one for you with our personalized mortgage tool.
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NerdWallet's award winners are chosen through a rigorous evaluation process involving more than three dozen of our writers and editors. For each financial product, we assess the features that we believe are most important to consumers. 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.
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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. The dates that this year's winners were selected: Auto Insurance, Nov. 1, 2019; Banking, Oct. 1, 2019; Credit Cards, Oct. 1, 2019; Investing, Oct. 17, 2019; Mortgages, Oct. 18, 2019; Personal Loans, Oct. 1, 2019; Student Loans, Sept. 1, 2019; Travel Rewards, Sept. 1, 2019; Taxes, Jan. 9, 2020.
Our 2019 Best-Of Award winners are still live and we encourage companies to continue to celebrate their wins from this year and past years.
