The best in mortgage lending

You deserve the best in mortgage
Whether it’s your first or fifth time buying a home or refinancing, getting a mortgage is a process. Because a mortgage is likely the largest loan you’ll ever take on, it pays to have the right lender in your corner. To help you determine the one that fits your needs, we reviewed and scored more than 85 lenders, including some of the biggest banks and brand names, credit unions and even regional players, to choose the best lenders across categories like jumbo loans and refinancing.
These are the winners of the 2023 Bankrate Awards for Best Mortgage Lenders.
How we rated these banks
- Bankrate assessed lenders for affordability, including APR (which encompasses fees and interest rate) and diversity of loan products.
- We considered factors such as convenience and speed in terms of approvals and closings.
- We also evaluated the borrower’s experience, focusing on the application process and access to customer service.
Best mortgage lender overall

PNC Bank
- Strong customer service
- Branch and online service
- Online personalized rate tool
Best mortgage lender for first-time homebuyers

Homefinity
- Bench of low-down payment mortgages
- Participates in down payment assistance programs
- Loan officers available around the clock
Best mortgage lender for refinancing

U.S. Bank
- Countrywide footprint
- Online rate tool
- Also offers home equity lines of credit and loans
Best mortgage lender for borrowers with low or bad credit

Cardinal Financial
- Available nationwide
- Offers more flexible FHA, VA and USDA loans, along with many other loan options
- Excellent track record with past customers
Best VA mortgage lender

Veterans United Home Loans
- Experienced in VA loans
- Very competitive pricing
- Credits available for returning borrowers
Best no-fee mortgage lender

LowRates.com
- No lender fees
- Fully online application process
- Updates mortgage and refinance rates online daily
Best FHA mortgage lender

Mr. Cooper
- Experienced in FHA loans
- Available in every state and some U.S. territories
- Combination of app and website helps streamline loan process overall
Best lender for jumbo loans

Ally Bank
- Relatively high jumbo loan amounts
- Lower jumbo down payment requirements
- Convenient digital experience