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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.
Alice has covered personal finance topics, from the perspective of a writer and an editor, for almost 13 years, and she has spent the past five years focusing on the homebuying, homeownership and mortgage rate trends.
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Worawee Meepian/Getty Images; Illustration by Bankrate
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.
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
Pros
No origination or processing fees
Displays mortgage rates online
Offers a rate-lock option and a price-match guarantee
Does e-closings and remote notarization
Cons
Doesn’t offer USDA loans
Standard rate lock is only 30 days
Tomo Mortgage 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 Mortgage also doesn’t charge an origination fee, unlike many lenders — but it’s not yet available in every state.
Might not be a fit for borrowers with unique credit or financial circumstances
Branches not located in all states
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.
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
Pros
Displays mortgage rates online
Massive branch network
Will consider non-traditional credit references in application process
Offers low-down-payment options for lower-income borrowers
Cons
Below-average customer satisfaction scores
Negative reviews from past customers
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
Pros
Displays 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
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.
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
Pros
Can apply online and in-person
Application trackable online
Wide availability with many loan options
Cons
Higher credit minimum on FHA loans
Limited mobile app functionality
Below-average J.D. Power rating for mortgage servicing
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.
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
Pros
Dedicated loan officer works with borrowers throughout the entire process
Offers verified approvals
Most mortgages close within 27 days
Cons
No branch locations
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
Pros
Mostly online, with real-time online rates, three-minute preapprovals and hybrid closings
One Day Mortgage with approval in 24 hours for eligible borrowers
Price Guarantee matches or beats competitor offers
Cons
Limited branch locations
No USDA loans
Some Better Mortgage reviews cite poor customer service.
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.
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
Pros
Has a 24-hour loan center to accommodate fast loan approvals
Closings in as few as 20 days
Down payment assistance available
Cons
Sun West Mortgage branch locations only available in some states
No USDA loans (though Sun West offers them)
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.
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
Pros
Large lender with national presence
$1,000 off closing costs if preapproved (not applicable to jumbo loans or refinancing) and a rate reduction of 1 percent for 12 months
$2,000 if you purchase your home with Pennymac and refinance within three years
Additional discounts if using a partner agent
Cons
No branch locations
Below-average customer service ranking
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.
You must become a member of the credit union to get a mortgage.
Some mortgage products not available in all markets
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.
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
Pros
Rates are significantly lower than Bankrate averages at the time of writing
Offers e-signature and hybrid closings
Closings on new loans take around 30 days
Cons
Not available in every state
Preapprovals take 72 hours
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.
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
Pros
Competitive rates
Offers closing cost credits for using an affiliated agent
First-time homebuyer program
Cons
No ability to customize rates online
Higher minimum credit score requirements
No USDA loans
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.
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
Pros
Specializes in VA loans
24/7 customer service over the phone
Lower VA rates than the national average
Cons
Limited number of branches
Lack of information about non-VA loans
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
“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.”
There are several types of mortgage loans. Conventional loans, offered by private financial institutions, are ideal for borrowers with strong credit scores. Jumbo loans are for higher-priced homes that exceed Federal Housing Finance Agency borrowing limits. FHA, VA and USDA loans are either government-guaranteed or government-insured and designed for, respectively, borrowers with lower credit scores; military members; or those buying in a rural area. Fixed-rate mortgages have the same interest rate for the life of the loan, while the rate on an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) can fluctuate.
Before applying for a mortgage, consider building your credit score and savings. Having a stronger financial profile will typically earn you a better rate. Gathering documents about your income and debts will also prepare you to apply for a mortgage when you’re ready. In addition, you should have a clear understanding of how much you can afford before looking at houses and contacting lenders. Once you’ve taken these initial steps, begin comparing mortgage lenders based on factors such as annual percentage rate (APR), fees and your overall experience. It’s best to get rate quotes from at least three different lenders. When you know which lender you want to work with, get preapproved so you can start house-hunting with confidence.
The minimum down payment requirement for a home purchase varies based on loan type. If you qualify, you can obtain a 3%-down conventional loan, a 3.5%-down FHA loan or a no-down payment VA or USDA loan. If you want to avoid paying mortgage insurance on a conventional, however, you’ll need to make a down payment of 20% — but know that most people, especially first-time homebuyers, tend to put down less.
To identify the best mortgage lenders, 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 4.8 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 4.8 or higher, due to eligibility restrictions or limited availability (15 or fewer states).
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Dehan, A. (2026, September 01). Best mortgage lenders of September 2026. Bankrate. Retrieved September 01, 2026, from https://www.bankrate.com/mortgages/best-lenders/best-mortgage-lenders/
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Dehan, Andrew. "Best mortgage lenders of September 2026." Bankrate. September 01, 2026. https://www.bankrate.com/mortgages/best-lenders/best-mortgage-lenders/.
Jeff Ostrowski, Writer and housing market analyst, Bankrate
