Smart mortgage decisions start here
Our Nerds reviewed rates, fees and more from a variety of lenders — including HELOC lenders — to bring you the best mortgage lenders of 2023. While some winners may be partners, this didn't influence our decisions.
Check out the winners
Best Mortgage Lender Overall
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 our Nerds love it
NBKC offers a variety of loan types with low rates and fees, including government-backed mortgages. It’s easy to browse options and apply online.
Read our methodologyBest Mortgage Lender for Home Equity Lines of Credit
at Bethpage Federal Credit Union
at Bethpage Federal Credit Union
National / regional
National
Max LTV
85%
Min. Credit Score
670
Pros
- Offers a fixed-rate option.
- Max CLTV over 80%.
- No annual fees.
- Offers a fixed introductory rate.
Cons
- Minimum draw required for best rate.
Pros
- Offers a fixed-rate option.
- Max CLTV over 80%.
- No annual fees.
- Offers a fixed introductory rate.
Cons
- Minimum draw required for best rate.
National / regional
National
Max LTV
85%
Min. Credit Score
670
Pros
- Offers a fixed-rate option.
- Max CLTV over 80%.
- No annual fees.
- Offers a fixed introductory rate.
Cons
- Minimum draw required for best rate.
Pros
- Offers a fixed-rate option.
- Max CLTV over 80%.
- No annual fees.
- Offers a fixed introductory rate.
Cons
- Minimum draw required for best rate.
National / regional
National
Max LTV
85%
Min. Credit Score
670
Pros
- Offers a fixed-rate option.
- Max CLTV over 80%.
- No annual fees.
- Offers a fixed introductory rate.
Cons
- Minimum draw required for best rate.
Pros
- Offers a fixed-rate option.
- Max CLTV over 80%.
- No annual fees.
- Offers a fixed introductory rate.
Cons
- Minimum draw required for best rate.
Why our Nerds love it
Bethpage offers a home equity line of credit with a high borrowing limit, no annual fee and a fixed-rate option. It’s easy to see HELOC qualifications, too.
Read our methodologyBest Mortgage Lender for First-Time Home Buyers
Min. Credit Score
620
Min. down payment
3%
Pros
- Sample rates clearly posted for various loan products.
- Offers a wide variety of loan types and products.
- Mortgage rates tend to be on the low side compared with other lenders, according to the latest federal data.
Cons
- Home loans business is broadly focused on bank customers.
- Doesn’t offer home improvement loans, or home equity loans or lines of credit.
- Scandals and government actions have damaged consumer trust in recent years.
Pros
- Sample rates clearly posted for various loan products.
- Offers a wide variety of loan types and products.
- Mortgage rates tend to be on the low side compared with other lenders, according to the latest federal data.
Cons
- Home loans business is broadly focused on bank customers.
- Doesn’t offer home improvement loans, or home equity loans or lines of credit.
- Scandals and government actions have damaged consumer trust in recent years.
Min. Credit Score
620
Min. down payment
3%
Pros
- Sample rates clearly posted for various loan products.
- Offers a wide variety of loan types and products.
- Mortgage rates tend to be on the low side compared with other lenders, according to the latest federal data.
Cons
- Home loans business is broadly focused on bank customers.
- Doesn’t offer home improvement loans, or home equity loans or lines of credit.
- Scandals and government actions have damaged consumer trust in recent years.
Pros
- Sample rates clearly posted for various loan products.
- Offers a wide variety of loan types and products.
- Mortgage rates tend to be on the low side compared with other lenders, according to the latest federal data.
Cons
- Home loans business is broadly focused on bank customers.
- Doesn’t offer home improvement loans, or home equity loans or lines of credit.
- Scandals and government actions have damaged consumer trust in recent years.
Min. Credit Score
620
Min. down payment
3%
Pros
- Sample rates clearly posted for various loan products.
- Offers a wide variety of loan types and products.
- Mortgage rates tend to be on the low side compared with other lenders, according to the latest federal data.
Cons
- Home loans business is broadly focused on bank customers.
- Doesn’t offer home improvement loans, or home equity loans or lines of credit.
- Scandals and government actions have damaged consumer trust in recent years.
Pros
- Sample rates clearly posted for various loan products.
- Offers a wide variety of loan types and products.
- Mortgage rates tend to be on the low side compared with other lenders, according to the latest federal data.
Cons
- Home loans business is broadly focused on bank customers.
- Doesn’t offer home improvement loans, or home equity loans or lines of credit.
- Scandals and government actions have damaged consumer trust in recent years.
Why our Nerds love it
Wells Fargo offers loans for first-time buyers seeking flexible down payment or credit score options, with relatively low rates and fees.
Read our methodologyBest Mortgage Lender for FHA Loans
at Pennymac
at Pennymac
Min. Credit Score
580
Min. down payment
3.5%
Pros
- Offers a wide variety of loan products, including government-backed and refinance options.
- Displays custom rate quotes based on home value, down payment or equity, ZIP code and credit score range.
- “Lock & Shop” lets you secure a rate for up to 60 days, even if you don’t have a purchase contract yet.
Cons
- Origination fees across all loan types are on the higher end, according to the latest federal data.
- Doesn't offer home equity products or renovation loans.
Pros
- Offers a wide variety of loan products, including government-backed and refinance options.
- Displays custom rate quotes based on home value, down payment or equity, ZIP code and credit score range.
- “Lock & Shop” lets you secure a rate for up to 60 days, even if you don’t have a purchase contract yet.
Cons
- Origination fees across all loan types are on the higher end, according to the latest federal data.
- Doesn't offer home equity products or renovation loans.
Min. Credit Score
580
Min. down payment
3.5%
Pros
- Offers a wide variety of loan products, including government-backed and refinance options.
- Displays custom rate quotes based on home value, down payment or equity, ZIP code and credit score range.
- “Lock & Shop” lets you secure a rate for up to 60 days, even if you don’t have a purchase contract yet.
Cons
- Origination fees across all loan types are on the higher end, according to the latest federal data.
- Doesn't offer home equity products or renovation loans.
Pros
- Offers a wide variety of loan products, including government-backed and refinance options.
- Displays custom rate quotes based on home value, down payment or equity, ZIP code and credit score range.
- “Lock & Shop” lets you secure a rate for up to 60 days, even if you don’t have a purchase contract yet.
Cons
- Origination fees across all loan types are on the higher end, according to the latest federal data.
- Doesn't offer home equity products or renovation loans.
Min. Credit Score
580
Min. down payment
3.5%
Pros
- Offers a wide variety of loan products, including government-backed and refinance options.
- Displays custom rate quotes based on home value, down payment or equity, ZIP code and credit score range.
- “Lock & Shop” lets you secure a rate for up to 60 days, even if you don’t have a purchase contract yet.
Cons
- Origination fees across all loan types are on the higher end, according to the latest federal data.
- Doesn't offer home equity products or renovation loans.
Pros
- Offers a wide variety of loan products, including government-backed and refinance options.
- Displays custom rate quotes based on home value, down payment or equity, ZIP code and credit score range.
- “Lock & Shop” lets you secure a rate for up to 60 days, even if you don’t have a purchase contract yet.
Cons
- Origination fees across all loan types are on the higher end, according to the latest federal data.
- Doesn't offer home equity products or renovation loans.
Why our Nerds love it
Pennymac is a repeat winner in this category with several FHA loans and transparent rates, a fully digital application and low FHA origination fees compared with other lenders.
Read our methodologyBest Mortgage Lender for Cash-Out Refinancing
at NBKC
at NBKC
Min. Credit Score
660
National / regional
National
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
660
National / regional
National
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
660
National / regional
National
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 our Nerds love it
NBKC has easy-to-find rates and a convenient online application. It offers a significant volume of cash-out refinancing with unusually low origination fees.
Read our methodologyBest Mortgage Lender for Refinancing
at NBKC
at NBKC
Min. Credit Score
620
National / regional
National
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
National / regional
National
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
National / regional
National
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 our Nerds love it
NBKC offers several refinance options, including government-backed loans, with easy-to-find rates and low origination fees compared with other lenders.
Read our methodologyBest Mortgage Lender for VA Loans
at NBKC
at NBKC
Min. Credit Score
620
Min. down payment
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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 our Nerds love it
NBKC originates a significant percentage of VA loans, has low fees compared with other lenders and offers a convenient online application process.
Read our methodologyBest Mortgage Lender for Jumbo Loans
Min. Credit Score
620
Min. down payment
10.01%
Pros
- Sample rates clearly posted for various loan products.
- Offers a wide variety of loan types and products.
- Mortgage rates tend to be on the low side compared with other lenders, according to the latest federal data.
Cons
- Home loans business is broadly focused on bank customers.
- Doesn’t offer home improvement loans, or home equity loans or lines of credit.
- Scandals and government actions have damaged consumer trust in recent years.
Pros
- Sample rates clearly posted for various loan products.
- Offers a wide variety of loan types and products.
- Mortgage rates tend to be on the low side compared with other lenders, according to the latest federal data.
Cons
- Home loans business is broadly focused on bank customers.
- Doesn’t offer home improvement loans, or home equity loans or lines of credit.
- Scandals and government actions have damaged consumer trust in recent years.
Min. Credit Score
620
Min. down payment
10.01%
Pros
- Sample rates clearly posted for various loan products.
- Offers a wide variety of loan types and products.
- Mortgage rates tend to be on the low side compared with other lenders, according to the latest federal data.
Cons
- Home loans business is broadly focused on bank customers.
- Doesn’t offer home improvement loans, or home equity loans or lines of credit.
- Scandals and government actions have damaged consumer trust in recent years.
Pros
- Sample rates clearly posted for various loan products.
- Offers a wide variety of loan types and products.
- Mortgage rates tend to be on the low side compared with other lenders, according to the latest federal data.
Cons
- Home loans business is broadly focused on bank customers.
- Doesn’t offer home improvement loans, or home equity loans or lines of credit.
- Scandals and government actions have damaged consumer trust in recent years.
Min. Credit Score
620
Min. down payment
10.01%
Pros
- Sample rates clearly posted for various loan products.
- Offers a wide variety of loan types and products.
- Mortgage rates tend to be on the low side compared with other lenders, according to the latest federal data.
Cons
- Home loans business is broadly focused on bank customers.
- Doesn’t offer home improvement loans, or home equity loans or lines of credit.
- Scandals and government actions have damaged consumer trust in recent years.
Pros
- Sample rates clearly posted for various loan products.
- Offers a wide variety of loan types and products.
- Mortgage rates tend to be on the low side compared with other lenders, according to the latest federal data.
Cons
- Home loans business is broadly focused on bank customers.
- Doesn’t offer home improvement loans, or home equity loans or lines of credit.
- Scandals and government actions have damaged consumer trust in recent years.
Why our Nerds love it
Wells Fargo wins again with jumbo loans for various properties, down payments under 20%, competitive origination fees and low rates compared with other lenders.
Read our methodologyFrequently asked questions
NerdWallet's award winners are chosen through a rigorous evaluation process involving 43 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, 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.
Our team of Nerdy experts is composed of writers and editors — based all across the country — who have a combined 452 years of journalistic experience reviewing and writing about personal finance products for consumers.
Yes. Writers and editors use comprehensive scoring formulas that assess each financial product’s key features, weighting them according to their importance to consumers.
Nope. Editorial team members are solely responsible for creating all product reviews and ratings, and these assessments reflect their opinions alone. Only products that meet the editorial team’s standards appear in our Best-Of Awards lists, meaning no company can “buy” an award.
Our Best-Of Awards are given annually to the top financial products on the market. Our other “best” articles may:
This year's Best-Of-Awards list winners were chosen in mid-October 2022.
- be longer than our Best-Of Awards list
- offer additional consumer choices
- get updated as products change or are discontinued and as new products emerge
This year's Best-Of-Awards list winners were chosen in mid-October 2022.
Our 2022 Best-Of Award winners are still live. If you’d like to see who won last year, feel free to take a look and compare with this year’s winners.
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