The best in mortgages

Veterans United boasts a winning combination of competitive rates, widespread availability and superior service. While it specializes in VA loans, the lender also offers conventional and other types of mortgages for a variety of borrower needs. 

Open to anyone for a nominal $5, PenFed Credit Union offers conventional loans with as little as 3 percent down, FHA loans with as little as 3.5 percent down and no-down payment VA loans. The credit union participates in some down payment assistance programs, as well, and pays out $500 to first-time buyers who consistently pay their loan for five years.

Rocket Mortgage is one of the leading FHA lenders in the U.S. This experience, plus a user-friendly app and richly informative website, gave it an edge over other FHA lenders assessed by Bankrate.

USAA works exclusively with military borrowers and was a top 10 VA loan lender as of October 2023. It consistently receives high marks from customers.

First Mortgage Direct, a stamp of community bank Bison State Bank in Kansas City, doesn’t charge origination fees or any other hidden costs. The online lender takes applications via its website, and its APRs were considerably lower than those of some other lenders assessed by Bankrate.

Old National Bank can help you qualify for an FHA, VA and USDA loans, three types of mortgages that can have low credit requirements. The bank also offers its own down payment assistance, as well as participates in other assistance programs in some areas, which can help your eligibility for a loan even with poorer credit.

Better is an all-digital mortgage lender that works with borrowers nationwide. Its website showcases up-to-the-minute refinance rates, which were competitive compared to other refinance lenders assessed by Bankrate. As an alternative to refinancing, the lender also offers home equity lines of credit.

Mr. Cooper is a non-bank mortgage lender that works with borrowers across the U.S. It advertised the lowest APR of the independent lenders assessed by Bankrate.

New American Funding is a major lender that offers non-qualifying mortgages (non-QM), which could help you qualify for a loan with income from your LLC, freelance business or side hustle. It provides conventional and government loans for well-qualified self-employed borrowers, as well. The lender has launched several initiatives aimed at minority borrowers, including homebuying grants.