Disclaimer: The partners on Finder's mortgage comparison tables are sorted in alphabetical order.
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Key takeaways
- Better charges $0 in lender fees — LoanDepot’s $1,240 in combined processing and underwriting fees makes Better significantly cheaper upfront.
- LoanDepot covers all 50 states and offers USDA loans; Better is not yet fully nationwide and doesn’t offer USDA.
- Better’s fully digital process delivers preapprovals in minutes with rates published upfront; LoanDepot requires a loan officer consultation to get started.
- LoanDepot holds an A+ BBB rating versus Better’s B, though Better scores higher on Trustpilot for day-to-day customer satisfaction.
Better and LoanDepot are both strong options — the best lender for you depends on a few factors
Both Better and LoanDepot are highly rated mortgage lenders that have gathered frequent praise from their respective customers. Based on customer feedback, we think you’re more likely than not to have a positive experience, whichever of the two lenders you choose to go with.
With that in mind, here are some reasons you might choose one lender over the other.
- Choose LoanDepot for its greater accessibility. LoanDepot is licensed in all 50 states, whereas Better isn’t yet available nationwide. For more, see our guide on better vs guaranteed rate mortgages. For more, see our guide on better vs ally mortgages.
- Choose LoanDepot for access to more government home loan options. LoanDepot offers all three popular government-backed mortgage options — FHA, VA and USDA loans. Better offers only FHA loans.
- Choose Better to avoid lender fees. Better doesn’t charge any lender fees — no processing, underwriting or origination fees. LoanDepot charges $1,240 in lender fees, which comprises a $695 processing fee and a $545 underwriting fee.
- Choose Better if you want upfront rate information and a fully digital application process. Better publishes its rates online, preapprovals can take just a few minutes and you can handle most of the mortgage process online and entirely yourself. While you can apply online with LoanDepot, you’ll need a loan officer to go over your rates and loan options.
Better |
LoanDepot |
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| At a quick glance |
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| Loan products offered | Conventional, Jumbo, FHA, VA, Refinance, HELOC, Equity Unlocker | Conventional, Jumbo, FHA, VA, Refinance |
| State availability | Available in all states | Available in all states |
| Min. credit score | 620 | 620 |
| BBB Rating | B | A+ |
| Trustpilot Rating | Great | Average |
| Pros |
|
|
| Cons |
|
High origination fees |
| More info | Read Review | Read Review |
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Compare top brands by home loan type, state availability and credit score. Select See rates to provide the lender with basic property and financial details for personalized rates.
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