The best in mortgages

Chase is the nation’s largest bank and a major mortgage lender. Combining branch and online service, the bank makes it easy to determine your specific mortgage rate online, and tends to offer attractive home loan deals overall, especially for banking customers. The bank also rates well in customer service.

New American Funding is a non-bank, or independent, mortgage lender that works with qualified borrowers across the U.S. It’s especially focused on underserved communities and first-time homebuyers. In addition to the usual array of loan types, the lender also offers non-qualified mortgages (non-QM) and options for self-employed borrowers.

Along with home purchase loans that helped make it our pick for best mortgage lender overall, Chase offers several refinancing options, plus a custom rate tool and other features on its website to make it easy to compare offers and estimate costs.

Chase caters to all types of borrowers, including first-time homebuyers. The bank provides affordable loan programs and grants — including one up to $7,500 for homebuyers in 8,500 eligible minority communities nationwide — as well as comprehensive resources on its website to help first-timers navigate the process.

Formerly known as Guaranteed Rate, Rate works with qualified borrowers in all U.S. states. While the lender offers most mortgage programs, it’s particularly active as an FHA lender, originating nearly 21,000 FHA loans in 2023 (the latest year for which data is available).

Veterans United Home Loans has been the leading VA lender for some time, originating more than 100,000 VA loans in 2023 (the latest year for which data is available). It boasts rave reviews, including five out of five star ratings from 99 percent of borrowers on Bankrate.

Better is an entirely online mortgage lender promising convenience and speed without the fees many other lenders charge. Its advertised rates tend to run slightly lower than Bankrate’s averages, too.

Editor’s note: At the time Bankrate assessed mortgage lenders for our 2025 Awards, Better did not charge origination fees. It has since introduced this fee on some types of mortgages.

Veterans United Home Loans is a major player in VA loans, mortgages often geared to borrowers with lower credit scores. The lender also offers FHA and USDA loans, with similarly flexible credit requirements.

Bank of America has prioritized building opportunities for homeownership with several initiatives, including up to $10,000 in down payment assistance and up to $7,500 in closing cost discounts for eligible borrowers. The bank also routinely helps finance affordable housing projects around the country.