Best Mortgage Lenders 2026: Top 10 Compared
Published January 11, 2026 · Updated monthly · 12 min read
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Choosing the right mortgage lender can save you thousands in interest and fees. We’ve evaluated 10 top lenders based on rates, closing costs, minimum credit scores, digital experience, and customer reviews to help you find the best fit for your situation.
Quick Answer
Best Overall: Navy Federal Credit Union (6.60% rate, 4.7/5 rating)
Lowest Fees: Better.com ($1,500-$2,500 closing costs)
Best for Digital: Rocket Mortgage (fully online)
Best Rates: Vary by market; compare all 10 lenders for current quotes
Average APR in January 2026: 6.55%-6.90% depending on credit and loan type
Our Evaluation Methodology
We assessed each lender across 8 key criteria:
- Interest rates: Competitiveness vs. market averages
- Fees: Origination, application, and closing costs
- Credit requirements: Minimum credit scores
- Loan types: Conventional, FHA, VA, jumbo
- Digital experience: Online application and tracking
- Customer service: Reviews from J.D. Power and Trustpilot
- Approval speed: Time to closing
- Geographic availability: States served
Note: Rates and terms updated monthly. Check each lender’s website for current offers.
Quick Comparison Table
| Lender | Best For | Min Credit | Avg Rate | Closing Costs | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rocket Mortgage | Digital experience | 620 | 6.75% | $3,000-$4,000 | 4.5/5 |
| Quicken Loans | Customer service | 620 | 6.80% | $3,500-$4,500 | 4.4/5 |
| Better.com | Low fees | 640 | 6.65% | $1,500-$2,500 | 4.3/5 |
| LoanDepot | Fast closing | 600 | 6.85% | $2,500-$3,500 | 4.2/5 |
| Chase | Existing customers | 620 | 6.70% | $3,000-$4,000 | 4.1/5 |
| Bank of America | Down payment assistance | 600 | 6.90% | $3,500-$4,500 | 4.0/5 |
| Navy Federal | Military members | 580 | 6.60% | $2,000-$3,000 | 4.7/5 |
| Wells Fargo | Refinancing | 620 | 6.75% | $3,000-$4,000 | 3.9/5 |
| PenFed Credit Union | Low rates | 620 | 6.55% | $2,000-$3,000 | 4.6/5 |
| Guild Mortgage | FHA loans | 580 | 6.70% | $2,500-$3,500 | 4.4/5 |
Detailed Lender Reviews
1. Rocket Mortgage — Best Digital Experience
Rating: 4.5/5 | Min Credit: 620 | Avg Rate: 6.75%
Rocket Mortgage revolutionized online mortgage applications with their fully digital platform. Upload documents via app, track progress in real-time, and close in as little as 21 days.
Pros:
- Award-winning mobile app
- 24/7 customer support
- Fast pre-approval (same day)
- All loan types (conventional, FHA, VA, jumbo)
Cons:
- Higher closing costs than some competitors
- Rates slightly above average
2. Quicken Loans — Best Customer Service
Rating: 4.4/5 | Min Credit: 620 | Avg Rate: 6.80%
Part of the Rocket Companies family, Quicken Loans excels at personalized service with dedicated loan officers guiding you through every step.
Pros:
- Personal loan officer assigned to each client
- High J.D. Power satisfaction scores
- Refinancing expertise
Cons:
- Closing costs on the higher end
- Limited branch network
3. Better.com — Best for Low Fees
Rating: 4.3/5 | Min Credit: 640 | Avg Rate: 6.65%
Better.com cuts out traditional overhead by operating entirely online, passing savings to borrowers through lower fees and competitive rates.
Pros:
- Lowest closing costs ($1,500-$2,500)
- No origination fee on most loans
- 3-minute pre-approval
- Transparent pricing (no hidden fees)
Cons:
- No phone support (chat/email only)
- Higher minimum credit score (640)
How to Choose the Right Mortgage Lender
1. Compare APRs, Not Just Interest Rates
APR includes the interest rate plus all fees (origination, application, closing costs). A lender with a 6.5% rate and $4,000 fees might have a higher APR than one with 6.7% and $2,000 fees.
2. Check Minimum Credit Score Requirements
Save time by focusing on lenders that accept your credit score. Most require 620+ for conventional loans, but FHA loans accept 580+.
3. Consider Loan Type Availability
Ensure the lender offers your loan type: conventional, FHA, VA, USDA, or jumbo. Not all lenders serve all markets.
4. Evaluate Digital Experience
If you prefer online applications and digital document uploads, prioritize lenders with strong mobile apps and online portals.
5. Read Customer Reviews
Check J.D. Power, Trustpilot, and Google reviews. Look for patterns in complaints (slow closing, poor communication, unexpected fees).
6. Get Pre-Approved From Multiple Lenders
Apply to 2-3 lenders within a 14-day window to compare rates without hurting your credit score. Multiple mortgage inquiries in 2 weeks count as a single pull.
7. Ask About Rate Locks
A rate lock guarantees your rate for 30-60 days. Essential in rising rate environments. Some lenders charge for locks longer than 30 days.
8. Understand Closing Timeline
Average closing is 30-45 days. If you need to close faster, ask about expedited options. Some lenders (like LoanDepot) specialize in fast closings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good mortgage rate in 2026?
Current average rates: 6.5-7.0% for 30-year fixed, 5.8-6.3% for 15-year fixed (excellent credit). Rates vary by credit score, down payment, and loan type. Check multiple lenders for the best deal.
How much do closing costs typically run?
Expect 2-5% of the loan amount. On a $300,000 mortgage, that’s $6,000-$15,000. Better.com and PenFed have the lowest fees ($1,500-$3,000), while traditional banks average $3,500-$4,500.
Should I use a mortgage broker or direct lender?
Direct lenders (like those listed here) offer their own loan products. Mortgage brokers shop multiple lenders for you but charge a fee (1-2% of loan).
Use a broker if you have unique circumstances (self-employed, low credit) or want someone to handle the shopping. Otherwise, apply directly to save on fees.
How many lenders should I apply to?
Apply to 2-3 lenders to compare rates. More than that becomes time-consuming. Remember: multiple mortgage applications within 14-45 days count as a single credit inquiry.
Can I negotiate mortgage rates and fees?
Yes! Lenders want your business. If you receive a better offer elsewhere, ask your preferred lender to match it. You can also negotiate origination fees, application fees, and rate locks.
What credit score do I need?
Minimum scores vary by lender and loan type:
- Conventional loans: 620+ (better rates at 740+)
- FHA loans: 580+ (some accept 500 with 10% down)
- VA loans: No minimum (but lenders prefer 620+)
- Jumbo loans: 700+
How long does mortgage approval take?
Pre-approval: 1-3 days. Full approval: 30-45 days on average. Fast-track lenders (Rocket, Better, LoanDepot) can close in 21-28 days with all documents ready.