Best mortgage lenders of February 2026

• Availability: All U.S. states except Connecticut, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Missouri and Nevada
• Loans offered: Conventional, jumbo, FHA, VA, USDA, non-qualifying mortgages (non-QM), refinances and more
• Credit requirements: 580 minimum
• Down payment minimum: 3% for conventional loans, 3.5% for FHA loans, none for VA or USDA loans
• Where to find: Online only

Morty isn’t an individual lender, but rather an online brokerage that connects you with lenders. The mortgage rates available through Morty are well below the national average. It also lets you lock your rate for 180 days, while most competitors offer 60. This saves you time and money if you’re struggling to find a house. Plus, its customizable rate tool gives you a good idea of the rate you’ll qualify for before you apply.

• Availability: 33 states, plus Washington, D.C.
• Loans offered: Conventional, jumbo, FHA, VA and more
• Credit requirements: 580 for conventional loans
• Down payment minimum: 3% for conventional loans, 3.5% for FHA loans, none for VA loans
• Where to find: Online only

Tomo earned one of our best scores for its borrower-friendly conveniences, including preapprovals in as little as 15 minutes and customizable online rate quotes. Many lenders offer only sample rates online or require you to supply personal information to get a quote. Tomo also doesn’t charge an origination fee, unlike many lenders — but it offers refinancing only for existing customers.

• Availability: All U.S. states
• Loans offered: Conventional, jumbo, FHA, VA, refinancing and more
• Credit requirements: 620 for conventional loans, 680 for jumbo loans, 640 for FHA and VA loans
• Down payment minimum: 3% for conventional loans, 3.5% for FHA loans, none for VA loans
• Where to find: Branch locations and online

Chase gets high marks thanks to its competitive rates and widespread availability. You can work with Chase online or through a branch, and it offers special loans and grants for first-time homebuyers, including one that can help reduce closing costs.

• Availability: All U.S. states
• Loans offered: Conventional, jumbo, FHA, VA, USDA, refinancing and more
• Credit requirements: 620 for conventional loans
• Down payment minimum: 3% for conventional loans, 3.5% for FHA loans, none for VA or USDA loans
• Where to find: Branch locations and online

Wells Fargo scored well for its mortgage rates and general affordability. If you live in one of more than 20 locations across the U.S., you may qualify for up to $10,000 in down payment assistance — one of the more generous programs offered by a large bank. You have the flexibility to work with a representative at a branch, and if you’re a current customer, you may qualify for discounts.

• Availability: Available in all U.S. states except Texas
• Loans offered: Conventional, FHA, VA, jumbo, refinancing and more
• Credit requirements: 580 for conventional loans, 500 for FHA loans
• Down payment minimum: 3% for conventional loans, 3.5% for FHA loans
• Where to find: Branch locations and online

FourLeaf Federal Credit Union combines lower-than-average rates with branch access, and you can easily compare its rates for various loan types online. However, you may sacrifice some tech convenience versus choosing one of its competitors.

• Availability: All U.S. states
• Loans offered: Conventional, jumbo, FHA, VA, USDA, refinancing and more
• Credit requirements: 620 for conventional loans, 620 for jumbo loans, 600 for FHA loans, 640 for USDA loans
• Down payment minimum: 3% for conventional loans, 3.5% for FHA loans, none for VA loans or USDA loans
• Where to find: Branch locations and online

PNC Bank receives top scores due to its low rates, particularly large number of loan options and its unique programs, including a preliminary preapproval that won’t affect your credit score. To go through this process, most lenders require a hard credit check that does ding your score. It also offers grants for low- to middle-income homebuyers and access to branches in almost 30 states.

• Availability: All U.S. states except New York
• Loans offered: Conventional, jumbo, FHA, VA, refinancing
• Credit requirements: 620 for conventional loans, 580 for FHA loans
• Down payment minimum: 3% for conventional loans, 3.5% for FHA loans, none for VA loans
• Where to find: Online only

On top of rates significantly below Bankrate’s averages, Sage Home Loans claims to close mortgages in an average of 27 days, while the industry standard is closer to 30 or more. Sage also offers a transparent fee structure and customizable rate quotes through its website.

• Availability: All U.S. states and Washington, D.C.
• Loans offered: Conventional, FHA, VA, refinancing and more
• Credit requirements: 620 for conventional loans, 580 for FHA loans, 620 for VA loans
• Down payment minimum: 5% for conventional loans, 3.5% for FHA loans, none for VA loans
• Where to find: Limited branch locations and online

Better Mortgage offers several noteworthy programs, including One Day Mortgage, which provides eligible borrowers with full mortgage approval in 24 hours — a process that typically takes at least a few days. It also promises to match or beat certain competitor loan terms, or it will credit the borrower $100 — and it claims that its hybrid closings halve the time customers must spend with a notary on closing day. However, Better has received some poor customer reviews, which may be concerning for some potential buyers.

• Availability: All U.S. states
• Loans offered: Conventional, jumbo, FHA, VA, refinancing and more
• Credit requirements: 620 for conventional loans, 700 for jumbo loans, 580 for FHA loans, 500 for VA loans
• Down payment minimum: 3% for conventional, 3.5% for FHA loans, none for VA loans
• Where to find: At Sun West Mortgage branch locations and online

Lowrates.com is worth checking out for its quick turnaround times — with closings that can be more than 10 days faster than industry averages — as well as a wider range of loans than many of its competitors. And if your credit score needs work, you may still be eligible for a loan from Lowrates.com, which touts minimum credit scores for FHA and VA loans as low as 580 and 500, much lower than some other lenders.

• Availability: All U.S. states
• Loans offered: Conventional, jumbo, FHA, VA, USDA, refinancing and more
• Credit requirements: 620 for conventional loans, 580 for FHA loans, 620 for VA loans
• Down payment minimum: 3% for conventional loans, 3.5% for FHA loans, none for VA or USDA loans
• Where to find: Online only

PennyMac is worth considering especially if you’re after a government-backed loan, as it lends a much higher volume of these than many competitors. Its low rates and numerous discounts — including a unique program that gives borrowers who buy and quickly refinance with the lender a bonus — also make it a top contender. However, according to some past users, its customer service could be better.

• Availability: All U.S. states except Maryland
• Loans offered: Conventional, jumbo, FHA, VA, USDA, refinancing and more
• Credit requirements: Typically 620 for conventional loans
• Down payment minimum: Usually 3% for conventional loans
• Where to find: Online only

If you’re looking for a mortgage with few surprises, consider Alliant: The lender reports many rates and fees online and discloses closing costs upfront. Its rates are competitive, and to see how they apply to your specific circumstances, you can use the lender’s comprehensive online tool. It also offers a proprietary mortgage that doesn’t charge private mortgage insurance. On the downside, Alliant’s mortgage application process isn’t entirely online, unlike many of its competitors.

• Availability: 24 states
• Loans offered: Conventional, jumbo, FHA, VA, USDA, refinancing and more
• Credit requirements: 620 for conventional loans
• Down payment minimum: 3% for conventional loans, 3.5% for FHA loans, none for VA or USDA loans
• Where to find: Branch locations and online

First Rate’s low rates, selection of niche loan options — including FHA 203(k) loans —  and hybrid closings earn it strong scores across the board. It also offers the convenience of branch locations. That said, its preapprovals take much longer than many other top lenders, and you’ll need to speak with a loan officer to get a rate quote.

• Availability: All. U.S. states
• Loans offered: Conventional, jumbo, FHA, VA, refinancing and more
• Credit requirements: 620 for conventional loans, 700 for jumbo loans, 620 for FHA loans
• Down payment minimum: 3% conventional loans, 3.5% for FHA loans, none for VA or USDA loans
• Where to find: Branch locations and online

PenFed Credit Union scores highly thanks to its low rates and transparent fee structure, including opportunities for discounts on closing costs. And if you’re in the market for a VA loan, note that PenFed offers certain VA refinancing options that many other lenders don’t. What’s more, if you’re buying in a competitive market, PenFed’s Power Buyer certification can help you stand out against cash offers.

• Availability: All U.S. states
• Loans offered: Conventional, jumbo, FHA, VA, USDA, refinancing and more
• Credit requirements: 620 for conventional loans and VA loans
• Down payment minimum: 3% for conventional loans, 3.5% for FHA loans, none for VA or USDA loans
• Where to find: Branch locations and online

Veterans United Home Loans receives top ratings for its VA loan rates, stellar reputation and information-packed website, which answers virtually any question you might have about VA loans. If you’re interested in managing your application on your phone, its mobile app has a near-perfect score — an asset when some lenders don’t even have a mortgage-specific app. The lender also offers other types of mortgages, and its customer support team is available 24/7.