Disclaimer: The partners on Finder's mortgage comparison tables are sorted in alphabetical order.
Best mortgage lenders
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.
Buying a new home is an exciting time at any stage of life. But amid a multitude of mortgage lenders, choosing the right one can be a challenge. To point you in the right direction, here are our picks for America’s top lenders.
What are the best mortgage lenders?
- Best for first-time buyers: Rocket Mortgage
- Best for low rates: Guaranteed Rate
- Best for refinancing: Better
- Best for veterans: Veterans United
- Best for lending marketplace: Credible
How we picked the best lenders
We chose these five lenders based on several criteria, including fees, loan amounts, interest rates and eligibility requirements. We also considered customer reviews from sites such as Trustpilot and the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Learn more about our home loan rating methodology.
Best for first-time buyers
Rocket Mortgage
Minimum credit score | Conventional: 620 FHA: 580 VA: 620 Jumbo: 680 |
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Minimum credit score | Conventional: 620 FHA: 580 VA: 620 Jumbo: 680 |
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AmeriSave
Minimum credit score | Conventional: 620 FHA: 600 VA: 600 USDA: 600 |
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Minimum credit score | Conventional: 620 FHA: 600 VA: 600 USDA: 600 |
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Guaranteed Rate
Minimum credit score | Conventional: 620 Other mortgages: As low as 580, depending on type |
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Minimum credit score | Conventional: 620 Other mortgages: As low as 580, depending on type |
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Best for refinancing
Better
Minimum credit score | Conventional: 620 Refinance: 620 FHA: 580 VA: 620 |
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Minimum credit score | Conventional: 620 Refinance: 620 FHA: 580 VA: 620 |
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Best for veterans
Veterans United
Minimum credit score | Conventional: 620 FHA: 620 VA: 620 |
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Minimum credit score | Conventional: 620 FHA: 620 VA: 620 |
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Best lending marketplace
Credible
Minimum credit score | Mid-600s (varies by lender) |
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Minimum credit score | Mid-600s (varies by lender) |
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How do I choose the best mortgage lender?
Choosing the right lender can be a challenge if you’re not sure what to look for. A few features to compare while you’re shopping around:
- Types of loans. There are several types of mortgages — including jumbo, conventional, fixed rate, adjustable rate and government insured. Not all lenders offer all types, so knowing which kind you want can help you narrow down your options.
- Mortgage rates. Generally speaking, the lower the rate on a home loan, the less you’ll pay over time.
- Down payment requirement. If the amount you’re able to put down on a home is limited, the lender’s requirements based on your financial situation can make or break your purchasing power.
- Cost and fees. Some are less than transparent. Comb through the fine print and ask about all fees involved.
- Prepayment penalties. Some lenders penalize you for paying off your loan early, while others don’t. If you plan on paying off your mortgage ahead of time, look for a lender that won’t charge you a fee for it.
- Credit score flexibility. Different lenders have different requirements when it comes to credit scores, and some are more strict than others. Knowing where your score stands can help you find the lenders most likely to approve you.
- Face-to-face service. Many modern digital lenders lack brick-and-mortar branches. If in-person service is important to you, a more traditional lender might be a better fit.
Bottom line
Our top five mortgage lender picks offer some of the lowest rates and best loan terms around — and they’re each well-reviewed by their customers. But if they don’t align with your needs, continue comparing your mortgage options until you find the right fit.
Home loans ratings
★★★★★ — Excellent
★★★★★ — Good
★★★★★ — Average
★★★★★ — Subpar
★★★★★ — Poor
We analyze top home loan providers and rate them one to five stars based on factors that are most important to you. These factors include: rates and fees, product selection and borrower experience.
Read the full methodology of how we rate home loan providers.
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