Easy Preapproval: 12 Best Online Mortgage Lenders of 2026
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Easy Preapproval: 12 Best Online Mortgage Lenders of 2026

Dawnielle Robinson-Walker
Jeanette Margle
Dawnielle Robinson-Walker
+1
Written by 

Dawnielle Robinson-Walker

Edited by 

Jeanette Margle

Written by 

Dawnielle Robinson-Walker

 and 
Last updated 06/07/2026
NerdWallet’s top-rated online mortgage lenders make it easy to shop around for mortgage rates and get preapproved. Our picks include traditional banks and nonbank lenders with user-friendly technology and tools.
 

This service is free and will not affect your credit score.

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Can you get a mortgage completely online?

Yes, getting a mortgage online is easier than ever. Most lenders have websites and let you apply online. The best ones go beyond the basics, with easy-to-use tools to take you from preapproval to closing.
An online mortgage lender can be a bank, credit union or nonbank lender. Simply put: It’s any lender that offers easy, self-service digital tools — whether the lender has in-person branches or not.
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Best for borrowers in the mid-Atlantic

Andrews Federal Credit Union

NMLS#410421

NerdWallet rating

5.0

Home loans overall
Min. credit score

620

Min. down payment

3%

Our take on Andrews Federal Credit Union

The Nerdy headline

Andrews Federal Credit Union is on the smaller side, but offers big value through low rates and good customer support. Its online rate quote tool is exceptionally informative. Renovation loans aren’t available.

What we like
  • Offers free, one-time “float down” if mortgage rates drop while your loan is in progress.
  • Online rate tool is exceptionally user-friendly and detailed.
What we don't like
  • No renovation loans.
  • U.S. branches limited to Maryland, Virginia, Washington, D.C. and New Jersey.
Read our full review of Andrews Federal Credit Union

Best for first-time home buyers

PNC Bank

NMLS#446303

NerdWallet rating

5.0

Home loans overall
Min. credit score

620

Min. down payment

3%

Our take on PNC Bank

The Nerdy headline

PNC Bank offers a wide selection of loans and refinance options, with a streamlined digital experience and comprehensive rates tool.

What we like
  • Solid variety of mortgage types, both standard and harder-to-find.
  • Online rate quotes are informative and easy to customize.
  • Offers down payment grants and no-PMI loans for low-income borrowers.
What we don't like
  • Mobile app has limited mortgage features.
  • In-person service not available in all states.
  • Construction loans are only available in AL, AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, NJ, NM, NC, OH, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA and WA.
Read our full review of PNC Bank

Best for Bank of America customers

Bank of America

NMLS#399802

NerdWallet rating

4.0

Home loans overall
Min. credit score

660

Min. down payment

5%

Our take on Bank of America

The Nerdy headline

Bank of America offers standard big-bank benefits: loan variety, nationwide branches and a mobile app. It’s a solid pick for existing banking customers, and some borrowers can qualify for down payment assistance.

What we like
  • Interest rates are on the lower side, according to the latest federal data.
  • Offers up to $17,500 in homebuying assistance to qualified borrowers.
  • Banking customers can get discounted interest rates or fees.
What we don't like
  • Mortgage origination fees are on the higher side, according to the latest federal data.
  • Online rate quote tool doesn’t personalize by credit score.
  • Doesn’t offer home equity loans.
Read our full review of Bank of America

Best for military borrowers

Navy Federal

NMLS#399807

NerdWallet rating

5.0

Home loans overall
Min. credit score

N/A

Min. down payment

5%

Our take on Navy Federal

The Nerdy headline

Navy Federal is known for VA lending, but its flexible VA-like loan options truly stand out. You'll need a military connection to join the credit union.

What we like
  • Offers unique no-down-payment and no-mortgage-insurance loan options for military and civilian members.
  • 24/7 customer service supports borrowers stationed overseas.
  • Has both home equity loans and lines of credit.
What we don't like
  • Borrowers must join the credit union before applying for a mortgage, and all borrowers on the loan must be members for the loan to close.
  • Does not offer FHA, renovation or construction loans.
Read our full review of Navy Federal

Best for borrowers in GA, NC, SC, TN or VA

State Employees' Credit Union

NMLS#430055

NerdWallet rating

5.0

Home loans overall
Min. credit score

N/A

Min. down payment

0%

Our take on State Employees' Credit Union

The Nerdy headline

State Employees’ Credit Union in North Carolina is worth checking out for those in the Southeast who meet its narrow membership criteria — especially first-time home buyers eligible for generous grants and specialty loans. But it doesn’t offer government-backed mortgages.

What we like
  • Offers a zero-down mortgage without private mortgage insurance.
  • Participates in multiple first-time buyer assistance programs.
  • Low average mortgage rates and fees, according to the latest federal data.
What we don't like
  • Credit union membership eligibility is limited.
  • Loans only available in five states.
  • Doesn’t offer government-backed mortgages.
Read our full review of State Employees' Credit Union

Best for mobile users

Rocket Mortgage, LLC

NMLS#3030

NerdWallet rating

4.5

Home loans overall
Min. credit score

620

Min. down payment

3%

Our take on Rocket Mortgage, LLC

The Nerdy headline

Rocket Mortgage is the Goliath of home loans in the U.S. It's the largest mortgage lender by volume, and keeps expanding its reach. Fortunately for borrowers, Rocket is a gentle giant, offering affordable borrowing options including a 1% down payment loan.

What we like
  • Offers down payment and closing cost assistance.
  • Largest lender, by volume, of FHA loans in 2025.
  • Borrowers can apply via mobile app.
What we don't like
  • Average origination fees are on the higher side, according to the latest federal data.
  • No HELOCs.
  • No physical branches.
Read our full review of Rocket Mortgage, LLC

Best for current SoFi customers

SoFi

NMLS#696891

NerdWallet rating

4.0

Home loans overall
Min. credit score

620

Min. down payment

3%

Our take on SoFi

The Nerdy headline

SoFi offers online conveniences and a range of customer service options, though combined rates and fees are higher than many other options.

What we like
  • Sample rates and terms are comparable online.
  • Offers a variety of customer service options.
  • Customers can complete an application online or via mobile app.
What we don't like
  • Combined rates and fees are high, making SoFi a more expensive choice than many competitors.
  • Closing times may be slow.
Read our full review of SoFi

Best for fast closing

Network Capital

NMLS#11712

NerdWallet rating

4.5

Home loans overall
Min. credit score

620

Min. down payment

3%

Our take on Network Capital

The Nerdy headline

Network Capital stands out for its focus on borrowers with lower credit score, and offering competitive refinance products.

What we like
  • Cash-out refinancing is an uncommon specialty, so Network Capital could appeal to that borrower.
  • Offers HELOCs for homeowners who want to access their equity without refinancing.
What we don't like
  • Home buyers should know the lender doesn’t specialize in purchase loans.
  • Borrowers must be contacted for a quote before completing an online application.
Read our full review of Network Capital

Best for low credit borrowers

First Federal Bank

NMLS#408902

NerdWallet rating

5.0

Home loans overall
Min. credit score

620

Min. down payment

3%

Our take on First Federal Bank

The Nerdy headline

First Federal Bank stands out for its competitive APRs and its emphasis on government loans. Most likely to appeal to borrowers shopping for low rates and fees.

What we like
  • Strong experience in FHA and VA lending.
  • APRs tend to be competitive, according to the latest federal data.
  • Minimum credit score requirement of 580 for some loans, which is lower than some competitors.
What we don't like
  • Home equity lending is not a priority.
  • Does not offer renovation loans, but does offer construction loans.
Read our full review of First Federal Bank

Best for variety of loan types

U.S. Bank

NMLS#402761

NerdWallet rating

4.5

Home loans overall
Min. credit score

620

Min. down payment

3%

Our take on U.S. Bank

The Nerdy headline

U.S. Bank offers a broad selection of mortgages, including some niche options. Rates and fees are middle of the road, per federal data. The bank offers helpful tech for rate shopping and live chat, though its online application could be smoother.

What we like
  • Wide variety of mortgages, including some harder-to-find types.
  • Experience in construction and renovation loans.
  • Offers up to $17,500 in assistance (income/location requirements apply).
What we don't like
  • Rates shown online don’t reflect your credit score.
  • Contact form interrupts online application before you can complete it.
  • Few mortgage options for borrowers with low/bad credit.
Read our full review of U.S. Bank

Best for current Wells Fargo customers

Wells Fargo

NMLS#399801

NerdWallet rating

5.0

Home loans overall
Min. credit score

620

Min. down payment

3%

Our take on Wells Fargo

The Nerdy headline

Wells Fargo has significantly shrunk its mortgage business in recent years, but still offers a range of government-backed and speciality loans, as well as assistance for first-time home buyers.

What we like
  • Borrowers can see customized mortgage rate estimates online.
  • Offers relatively low interest rates and fees, according to the latest federal data.
  • Discounts may be available for existing Wells Fargo customers.
What we don't like
  • Does not offer home equity loans or HELOCs.
  • Borrowers need at least $250,000 in assets with the bank to qualify for a rate discount.
  • Prospective borrowers may be put off by the lender’s past legal issues.
Read our full review of Wells Fargo

Best for easy online rate shopping

Chase

NMLS#399798

NerdWallet rating

5.0

Home loans overall
Min. credit score

620

Min. down payment

3%

Our take on Chase

The Nerdy headline

Chase mortgage has an above-average reputation for consumer satisfaction, and offers a number of programs that can make home buying more affordable and accessible.

What we like
  • Offers a wide range of loan types, including options with low down payment requirements.
  • Home buyer grants up to $5,000 may apply for qualified borrowers.
  • Receives above-average ratings for customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power and Zillow.
What we don't like
  • Borrowers must create an account or speak with a home loan expert before completing an online application.
  • Parts of the prequal and preapproval process cannot be done solely online.
Read our full review of Chase

How we chose the best online home loan lenders

Our team of mortgage experts follows an objective, consumer-first methodology to assess online loan lenders and pick the best.

40+

Lenders reviewed

We review 40 lenders, including major banks, credit unions, and online lenders operating across multiple states.

11

Categories assessed

Each lender is evaluated across four weighted categories covering rates and fees, types of home loans offered, rate transparency and customer experience.

11,000+

Data points analyzed

Our team tracks and reassesses hundreds of data points annually for reviewed lenders, ensuring up-to-date, accurate comparisons.

Star rating categories

We evaluate the following categories and carefully weigh how each factor impacts your experience. Read more about how we determine those ratings.
NerdWallet rates mortgage lenders based on what matters most to borrowers: rates and fees, product accessibility, customer experience, rate transparency and the range of loan options.
We review more than 40 lenders and score them using a weighted system that prioritizes affordability and a smooth borrowing experience. Lenders earn higher scores for offering lower borrowing costs, making loans widely available, clearly displaying rate information and supporting borrowers from application through closing.
We use a mix of lender-provided information, publicly available data and our own research and analysis to evaluate each lender. Recent regulatory actions may affect a lender’s score.
To be included in this roundup, lenders must:
  • Score above average in key areas of the mortgage application experience, including an easily accessible online application, phone support, and online chat or have a highly-rated mobile app
  • Post rates online that are easily accessible without digging through fine print and can be personalized by location and credit score
  • Display rates with at least two clearly spelled-out details or assumptions, such as APR, discount points, down payment amount, closing costs, or fees
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Which is the easiest lender to get a mortgage with?

NerdWallet’s best online mortgage lenders stood out in our research of 40+ lenders for their easy-to-use websites, apps and tools. Here’s what the best ones have in common:
  • Display mortgage rates clearly online — no digging through fine print
  • Let people customize their own quote using credit score, location and other factors
  • Offer a fully online, do-it-yourself mortgage application
  • Provide customer support via online chat and phone
  • Have a highly rated mobile app
To speed up the process, many online mortgage lenders can pull needed documents from government agencies, banks and employers with your permission.

Do online mortgage lenders have better rates?

Some online lenders have lower costs and pass the savings to you with lower rates and fees. But the best way to get a low mortgage rate is to compare offers from multiple lenders.
However, it’s not always simple to compare mortgage rates. Some lenders don’t show sample rates online. Instead, they ask you to call or fill out a form.
The best online lenders let you see sample rates and adjust them based on your location and credit score. This makes shopping and comparing easier. Learn how to get the best mortgage rate.
More from NerdWallet:

Frequently asked questions

  • How do I find online mortgage lenders?

    Most lenders have some online capabilities. Look for a lender that offers the type of mortgage and services you need that does business in your area. Even if you're just looking for online convenience, location matters. Some top online mortgage lenders aren't available to borrowers in every state.
  • What types of online mortgages can I get?

    Offerings vary by lender, but with a bit of searching, you can find an online mortgage lender for virtually any type of home loan, including those geared to first-time home buyers, veterans and borrowers with low credit scores.
  • How do I choose an online lender?

    Compare rates and fees among lenders that offer the type of mortgage you want. Check out customer service options to make sure they meet your needs, and apply for preapproval with at least three lenders. Choose the lender that offers the best rate at the lowest cost.
  • Can I get an online mortgage loan with bad credit?

    It's possible to get an online mortgage with a low or "bad" credit score, but you'll want to look at lenders’ minimum credit scores before submitting an application. You should also know that a lower credit score generally means you'll be offered a higher mortgage interest rate, making your home loan more expensive. It might make more sense to hold off on purchasing a home while you work on building your credit.