Best mortgage lenders of September 2026
You have many choices when shopping for a home loan, from big banks to online lenders or local credit unions and more. Bankrate has ranked more than 70 providers to determine the best, based on their availability, mortgage rates and fees, and borrower experience. Here are our picks for the best mortgage lenders in September 2026.
Best mortgage lenders
| Lender | Bankrate score | Credit requirements | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tomo Mortgage | 4.9 | 580 for conventional loans | 41 states, plus Washington, D.C. |
| Chase Home Lending | 4.9 | 620 for conventional loans, 680 for jumbo loans, 620 for FHA and VA loans | National |
| Wells Fargo | 4.9 | 620 for conventional loans | National |
| FourLeaf Federal Credit Union | 4.9 | 580 for conventional loans, 500 for FHA loans | National (except Texas) |
| PNC Bank | 4.9 | 650 for conventional loans, 700 for jumbo 620 for conventional loans, 620 for jumbo loans, 600 for FHA loans, 640 for USDA loans | National |
| Sage Home Loans | 4.9 | 620 for conventional loans, 580 for FHA loans | National (except New York) |
| Better | 4.9 | 620 for conventional loans, 580 for FHA loans, 620 for VA loans | National |
| Lowrates.com | 4.8 | 620 for conventional loans, 700 for jumbo loans, 580 for FHA loans, 500 for VA loans | National |
| Pennymac | 4.8 | 620 for conventional loans, 580 for FHA loans, 620 for VA loans | National |
| Alliant Credit Union | 4.8 | Typically 620 for conventional loans | National (except Maryland) |
| First Rate Mortgage | 4.8 | 620 for conventional loans | 24 states |
| Pentagon Federal Credit Union | 4.8 | 620 for conventional loans, 700 for jumbo loans, 620 for FHA loans | National |
| Veterans United Home Loans | 4.8 | 620 for conventional and VA loans | National |
Tomo Mortgage
Chase
FourLeaf Federal Credit Union
PNC Bank
Sage Home Loans
Better Mortgage
Lowrates.com
PennyMac
Alliant Credit Union
First Rate Mortgage
PenFed Credit Union
Veterans United Home Loans
How to qualify for a mortgage
The specific minimum requirements to qualify for a mortgage vary by lender — and if you want to earn the best mortgage rate, you’ll want your financials to be better than the minimum. But to get an approval, lenders often mandate at least:
- A credit score of 620
- A debt-to-income (DTI) ratio of 43%
- Evidence of two years of stable employment
- Enough cash for 3% of the home’s purchase price, plus reserves to cover the mortgage for at least a few months
That said, you’ll have a better chance at qualifying, and you’ll likely get a better rate if you qualify, if your score is higher than 700, you carry less debt, and you can afford to make a larger down payment.
How to compare mortgage lenders
-
Comparison shop:
Your first step to finding the best mortgage lender is to shop around. Borrowers who compare at least three lenders tend to save more money than those who go with the first lender they find. If possible, try to get quotes from all the lenders on the same day, as rates fluctuate frequently. Some lenders offer rate estimates right on their websites, while others require you to apply for preapproval before getting a rate. Note that applying with multiple lenders within 45 days will only count as one hard inquiry on your credit report.
-
Compare loan estimates:
One of the most important factors about your loan is the mortgage rate — you’ll likely want to go with the lowest one you find, as that will save you money over the life of your loan. But don’t forget to review the fees associated with the loan as well. The lender’s APR (annual percentage rate) reflects the rate and some of the fees.
-
Consider your circumstances:
Beyond cost, consider your experience with the lender so far and online reviews. And if you have specific needs or financing preferences — for example, you want an FHA loan or you need a long rate lock — you might want to focus on the top mortgage lenders who specialize in those areas.
Bankrate staff insights
“If you’re considering a home purchase, try to ignore the noise around mortgage rates. Homeownership is a long-term hold, and mortgage rates move by the day.”
Jeff Ostrowski, Writer and housing market analyst, Bankrate
What to know about getting a mortgage today
If you’ve been sitting on the homebuying sidelines, waiting for rates to come down, you’ll have to keep waiting: Although experts predicted in 2025 that rates would fall — perhaps below 6% — in 2026, that hasn’t been the case. Ever since the conflict in Iran began and disruptions in oil supplies began raising prices across the board, mortgage rates have also been on the rise. While the average rate for a 30-year mortgage sat just above 6% earlier this year, it’s now well above 6.5%.
That said, if you’re in the market for a home, there’s no reason not to buy now. Remain focused on the fundamentals — low costs, good service — when you’re shopping for a lender and budget for your home with the thought that rates will remain in this range. Make sure the home you do buy is one you can afford today.
“If you’re considering a home purchase, try to ignore the noise around mortgage rates,” says Jeff Ostrowski, writer and housing market analyst at Bankrate. “Homeownership is a long-term hold, and mortgage rates move by the day.”
FAQ
Next steps
Why we ask for feedback Your feedback helps us improve our content and services. It takes less than a minute to complete.
Your responses are anonymous and will only be used for improving our website.
Up next
We appreciate your feedback
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience.