Best mortgage refinance lenders in 2026

Written by

Andrew Dehan

and

Karen Bennett,

Edited by

Katie Lowery, CFHC

Published on July 06, 2026 | 2 min read

Bankrate is always editorially independent. While we adhere to strict , this post may contain references to products from our partners. Here's an explanation for . Our is to ensure everything we publish is objective, accurate and trustworthy.

The lender you pick matters less than how many you compare. Most borrowers who overpay didn’t pick a bad lender — they just stopped shopping too soon.

If you took out a mortgage between 2022 and 2025, you’re likely overpaying. Bankrate’s Hidden Homeownership Tax research, based on 3.2 million 2025 mortgage originations, found that 87% of borrowers paid above the most competitive rate available — mainly because they stopped comparing lenders too early. For refinance borrowers specifically, that number was 78.7%. The typical overpaying borrower loses $3,343 a year, or $278 a month, over the life of the loan.

Use Bankrate’s list below to start your comparison. Getting quotes from just one or two lenders is exactly how most borrowers end up in that 87%.

A document headed with "refinance" and a calculator

Compare today's refinance rates

The average homeowner leaves thousands on the table by not comparing rates. Compare refinance offers and see what you could actually save before you commit.

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Our rankings are based on our independent rating methodology — lender partnerships never influence list order or inclusion. Based on our benchmarks, here is our guide to the best mortgage refinance lenders in 2026.

Best mortgage refinance lenders

Lender	Credit requirements	Bankrate score
Chase	620 for conventional loans; 680 for jumbo loans; 620 for FHA loans and VA loans	4.9
FourLeaf Federal Credit Union	580 for conventional loans, 500 for FHA loans	4.9
PNC Bank	620 for conventional loans; 620 for jumbo loans; 600 for FHA loans; 640 for USDA loans	4.9
Sage Home Loans	620 for conventional loans; 580 for FHA loans	4.9
Wells Fargo	620 for conventional loans	4.9
PenFed Credit Union	620 for conventional loans; 700 for jumbo loans; 620 for FHA loans	4.8
Pennymac	620 for conventional loans; 580 for FHA loans; 620 for VA loans	4.8
SoFi	620 for conventional loans; 600 for FHA loans and VA loans	4.8
Bison State Bank	620 for conventional loans; 580 for FHA loans; 580 for VA loans	4.7
New American Funding	620 for conventional loans	4.7
Rocket Mortgage	620 for conventional loans; 680 for jumbo loans; 580 for FHA loans; 580 for VA loans	4.6
Watermark Home Loans	620 for conventional loans; 680 for jumbo loans; 580 for FHA loans; 580 for VA loans; 620 for USDA loans	4.6

Chase

4.9

Learn more in our Bankrate review

Chase scores well for affordability, availability and borrower experience. As the largest bank in the U.S., it offers a range of services at thousands of branch locations, including help refinancing your mortgage with a rate-and-term or cash-out loan. The bank also makes it easy to compare current refinance rates right on its website, without needing to log in or create an account.
- Availability: All contiguous U.S. states
- Loans offered: Conventional, jumbo, FHA, VA, refinancing
- Credit requirements: 620 for conventional loans; 680 for jumbo loans; 620 for FHA loans and 620 for VA loans
- Where to find: Branch locations and online
Pros

Available to borrowers in all states, with nearly 5,000 branch locations

New and existing Chase customers might receive rate discount

$5,000 closing guarantee on home purchase loans
Cons

Bank might not be a fit for borrowers with unique credit or financial circumstances

No branch locations in Alaska or Hawaii

FourLeaf Federal Credit Union

4.9

Learn more in our Bankrate review

FourLeaf Federal Credit Union scored well in our review for loan variety and availability, offering both purchase and refinance loans nationwide (excluding Texas). The credit union stands out for borrowers seeking flexible mortgage and refinance options, such as cash-out refinancing and HELOCs, along with competitive member-focused lending programs.
- Availability: Nationwide except Texas
- Loans offered: Conventional, jumbo, FHA, VA, refinancing, HELOCs
- Credit requirements: 580 for conventional loans, 500 for FHA loans
- Where to find: Online, phone or branch network
Pros

Displays daily rates online

Rates tend to be lower than the national average

Offers HELOCs
Cons

Must be a member to get a mortgage (though this can be done by opening a $5 savings account)

Doesn’t offer USDA loans

Mortgage products not offered in Texas

PNC Bank

4.9

Learn more in our Bankrate review

PNC Bank scores well for affordability, availability and borrower experience. Conveniently, you can review the bank’s current refinance rates on its website, as well as take advantage of its calculator to help you estimate potential refi savings. In addition, although you’re refinancing, you might still be eligible for the bank’s closing cost grant.
- Availability: All U.S. states
- Loans offered: Conventional, jumbo, FHA, VA, USDA, refinancing
- Credit requirements: 620 for conventional loans; 620 for jumbo loans; 600 for FHA loans; 640 for USDA loans
- Where to find: Branch locations and online
Pros

Online and in-person options to apply

Application can be tracked online

Wide availability with many loan options
Cons

Higher credit minimum on FHA loans

Limited mobile app functionality

Below-average J.D. Power score for mortgage origination

sage home loans

Sage Home Loans

4.9

Learn more in our Bankrate review

Sage Home Loans scored well in Bankrate’s review for affordability and digital experience, reflecting its streamlined online lending platform and competitive pricing. As a fully digital lender, Sage stands out for borrowers who prefer a fast, online refinance process, along with a range of conventional and government-backed refinance options designed to fit different borrower profiles.
- Availability: Nationwide except New York
- Loans offered: Conventional, jumbo, FHA, VA and refinance loans
- Credit requirements: 620 for conventional loans; 580 for FHA loans
- Where to find: Online
Pros

Streamlined digital application and processing experience

Offers verified approvals

Most mortgages close within 27 days
Cons

No branch locations

Not available in New York

Wells Fargo

Wells Fargo

4.9

Learn more in our Bankrate review

Wells Fargo scored well in Bankrate’s review for availability and borrower experience, reflecting its nationwide branch footprint and multiple application channels. The lender stands out for borrowers who value in-person guidance alongside digital mortgage tools, as well as a broad lineup of refinance options, including cash-out refinancing and government-backed programs. The company offers low-down-payment options and may consider nontraditional forms of credit.
- Availability: Nationwide
- Loans offered: Conventional, jumbo, FHA, VA and refinance loans
- Credit requirements: 620 for conventional loans
- Where to find: Branch locations and online
Pros

Displays mortgage rates online

Massive branch network

Considers nontraditional forms of credit

Offers low-down payment options
Cons

Below-average customer satisfaction scores

Negative past customer reviews and history of regulatory action

PenFed Credit Union

4.8

Learn more in our Bankrate review

PenFed Credit Union scores well for affordability, availability and borrower experience, and its refinance options include rate-and-term, cash-out and the VA streamline, or Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan (IRRRL). Notably, you won’t pay lender fees on IRRRLs.
- Availability: All U.S. states
- Loans offered: Conventional, jumbo, FHA, VA, refinancing
- Credit requirements: 620 for conventional loans; 700 for jumbo loans; 620 for FHA loans
- Where to find: Branch locations and online
Pros

Competitive rates

Expedited closing available

Partnership with home repair and remodel agency
Cons

No ability to customize rates online

Higher minimum credit score requirements for FHA loans

Must become a credit union member to borrow

Pennymac

4.8

Learn more in our Bankrate review

Pennymac scored highly in Bankrate’s review for affordability and availability, with APRs lower than Bankrate’s average at the time of evaluation. The lender stands out for borrowers seeking competitive refinance pricing along with a broad selection of refinance options, including streamline and cash-out refinancing programs designed to fit a range of borrower needs.
- Availability: Nationwide
- Loans offered: Conventional, jumbo, FHA, VA, USDA and refinance loans
- Credit requirements: 620 for conventional loans; 580 for FHA loans; 620 for VA loans
- Where to find: Online
Pros

Large lender with national presence

$2,000 if you purchase your home with Pennymac and refinance within three years

Offers multiple government-backed and low-down-payment loan programs
Cons

No branch locations

Below-average customer service ranking

SoFi

4.8

Learn more in our Bankrate review

SoFi scores well for affordability, availability and borrower experience, with mortgage refinance options like rate-and-term and cash-out. If you’re a SoFi member, you could get a $500 discount on refi fees, too.
- Availability: All U.S. states except New York
- Loans offered: Conventional, jumbo, FHA, VA, refinancing
- Credit requirements: 620 for conventional loans; 600 for FHA loans and VA loans
- Where to find: Online
Pros

Close on time or receive up to $10,000 to cover additional costs

Potential rebate of up to $9,500 if you work with a SoFi partner real estate agent
Cons

Not available in New York

No branch locations

Bison State Bank

4.7

Learn more in our Bankrate review

Bison State Bank scored highly for affordability in Bankrate’s review, driven by competitive interest rates and the absence of origination fees. The lender could be a good option for refinance borrowers seeking lower-fee mortgage options, and it stands out for its online rate-quote tools that let borrowers quickly compare pricing before applying.
- Availability: Nationwide
- Loans offered: Conventional, FHA, VA and refinance loans
- Credit requirements: 620 for conventional loans, 580 for FHA loans, 580 for VA loans
- Where to find: Online, plus branches in Kansas and Missouri
Pros

Customized online quote tool

No origination or hidden fees

Available nationwide
Cons

Not as many customer service contact options as other lenders

New American Funding

4.7

Learn more in our Bankrate review

New American Funding scored well for availability and borrower experience, reflecting its nationwide lending footprint and flexible loan programs. The lender stands out for refinance borrowers seeking a wide range of loan options, including cash-out refinancing and government-backed refinance programs, as well as personalized support from dedicated loan officers. Its specialty loan options, such as those for self-employed borrowers, may appeal to some.
- Availability: Nationwide
- Loans offered: Conventional, jumbo, FHA, VA, USDA and refinance loans
- Credit requirements: 620 for conventional loans
- Where to find: Online
Pros

More than 285 branch locations

Financing initiatives for Latino, Black and LGBTQ+ buyers

Wide range of loan options, including programs for self-employed borrowers and USDA loans
Cons

Lowest advertised rates require paying points and a hefty 40% down payment

Doesn’t disclose lender fees online

Rocket Mortgage

4.6

Learn more in our Bankrate review

Rocket Mortgage scores well for customer experience, reflecting its streamlined digital platform and end-to-end online process. The lender stands out for refinance borrowers who want an efficient, tech-driven experience, with a broad set of refinance options and strong tools for tracking applications and managing documents.
- Availability: Nationwide
- Loans offered: Conventional, jumbo, FHA, VA, and refinance loans
- Credit requirements: 620 for conventional loans, 680 for jumbo loans, 580 for FHA loans, 580 for VA loans
- Where to find: Online
Pros

Scores above average for customer service

Contact options include chat and screen-sharing

Offers a one-percent-down conventional loan
Cons

Rates often higher than competitors'

No branch locations

No USDA loans

Watermark Home Loans

4.6

Learn more in our Bankrate review

Watermark Home Loans scored particularly well for affordability and digital accessibility, offering competitive refinance pricing and a variety of mortgage products suited to a range of borrower needs. As a lender with a solid nationwide footprint and digital support tools, Watermark may appeal to borrowers looking for flexible options alongside personalized guidance from loan officers.
- Availability: Nationwide, except Alaska, Missouri, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont
- Loans offered: Conventional, jumbo, FHA, VA, USDA, and refinance loans
- Credit requirements: 620 for conventional loans, 680 for jumbo loans, 580 for FHA loans, 580 for VA loans, 620 for USDA loans
- Where to find: Online
Pros

Free rate watch notifications

Numerous government-backed and non-QM loan options

Offers e-closings and remote notarizations
Cons

Very minimal website, especially for an online-only lender

No customized rate information available online

No physical branches

How to choose the best refinance lender for you

Compare multiple lenders: Get refinance rate and fee quotes from at least three lenders. Check each one’s requirements for credit score, equity and debt-to-income ratio too.
Consider your current lender: Check with your current mortgage provider for possible refinancing perks like relationship discounts or reduced fees.
Understand the fees. Refinance closing costs typically run 2% to 5% of your loan amount. On a $300,000 loan, that’s $6,000 to $15,000. A no-closing-cost refinance skips the upfront bill by charging a higher interest rate for the life of the loan.
Be wary of the hard sell. Loan officers are required to verify your ability to repay, but some will still push a refinance that doesn’t actually benefit you. A reputable loan officer helps you run the math and decide for yourself.

Woman using a calculator

Mortgage refinance calculator

Ready to visualize your savings? Try Bankrate's refinance calculator to find your break-even point.

Learn more

Additional mortgage refinance resources

To identify the best lenders for mortgage refinances, Bankrate analyzed Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA) data to determine the amount of lenders’ mortgage volume that was made up of refinance mortgages in 2024, the most recent year for which data is available. At least 20% of a lender’s mortgages must have been refinances for consideration. Lenders must report to HMDA directly, not through a parent company, to qualify for inclusion.

We then considered each lender’s Bankrate score. Bankrate surveyed 75 lenders nationwide and scored each based on its self-reported data and research by Bankrate staff. We assigned scores based on a lender’s affordability, availability and borrower experience, giving equal weight to each category. Lenders that received a Bankrate Score of 4.5 out of 5 or higher appear on this page.

To receive a top score from Bankrate, lenders must offer mortgage rates lower than Bankrate’s tracked averages, and they generally also offer low-down-payment loan options and assistance for first-time homebuyers. In addition, lenders are usually licensed in more than 30 U.S. states, offer conventional and government-backed loans and typically provide at least one product for borrowers with credit scores of 620 or lower. Finally, our top-scoring lenders tend to make it easy for borrowers to compare rates and manage much of the loan process online, and they offer multiple options for customer support and generous rate-lock periods. Lenders receive penalties against their total scores for each consent decree, penalty in a case brought by a federal regulator or in a certified, federal class-action lawsuit, or adverse federal judgment for harming mortgage borrowers. Bankrate’s evaluations are independent and are not influenced by lender partnerships or advertising relationships. Read more about how Bankrate scores are determined here.

Some lenders may appear as honorable mentions, despite earning a Bankrate score of 4.5 or higher, due to eligibility restrictions or limited availability (15 or fewer states).

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Written by

Former Senior Writer, Home Lending

Connect with Andrew Dehan on LinkedIn

Read more from Andrew

Andrew Dehan is a former Bankrate housing reporter. He's taken the NMLS Loan Originator education classes and passed the MLO SAFE test. Besides Bankrate, his work has been published by Rocket Mortgage, Forbes Advisor and Business Insider. He’s also a poet, musician and nature-lover. He lives in metro Detroit with his wife and children.

Co-written by

Consumer Banking Reporter

Read more from Karen

Karen Bennett is a senior consumer banking reporter at Bankrate where she uses her years of banking and personal finance experience to help inform readers about money-related decisions. She’s been a reporter at Bankrate since 2021.

Images by Getty Images; Illustration by Hunter Newton/Bankrate

Bankrate is always editorially independent. While we adhere to strict , this post may contain references to products from our partners. Here's an explanation for . Our is to ensure everything we publish is objective, accurate and trustworthy.

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