The best mortgage lender for you is the one that gives you the lowest total cost on a written Loan Estimate for the loan type you qualify for, so get estimates from at least three lenders on the same day and compare the rate, points and lender fees line by line. For low upfront lender costs, look at Better and NBKC Bank; for in-person help and a closing guarantee, Chase; for down payment programs, Guild Mortgage; for the widest mix of loan types, New American Funding; for VA loans, Veterans United. Mortgage Research Network is a free matching site, not a lender, so use it to find quotes, then compare them yourself.
This guide is for anyone buying a home or refinancing who wants to compare lenders on cost and fit. It covers lenders ranging from online-only lenders and a national bank to assistance-focused lenders and a VA specialist, plus one free matching site that is not a lender at all.
Two things matter most. First, the lender has to offer the loan type you qualify for, whether that is conventional, FHA, VA, USDA or jumbo. Second, the lender's own charges, shown in Section A of the Loan Estimate, are where offers differ most, so that is the line to compare.
Below you will find each pick's loan types, published credit score and down payment minimums and NMLS ID, followed by a cost breakdown, a loan type comparison, what changes by state, red flags and where to get free counseling.
Company reviews
- Loan types
- Covers conventional
Why we picked it. Mortgage Research Network is a free starting point if you want a few lenders to contact you without researching each one. According to its own disclosures, it makes money when you are matched with a lender through a web form or rate table, and it may be paid by the companies it ranks. Treat it as a way to collect quotes, not as a lender or an adviser.
More details, pros and cons
What it is: Lead-generation site run by Three Creeks Media that matches you with lenders; not a lender
Cost to you: Free, as listed October 2026; the site says it is paid when you are matched with a lender
Rate data: Daily rate averages come from RateUpdate.com, not from loans it makes
Pros
- Free to use, according to the company
- Plain-English guides on loan types and qualifying
- Connects you with several lenders from one form
- Says clearly that it is not affiliated with any federal agency
Cons
- Not a lender: it does not underwrite or fund loans, and no NMLS ID is shown on its site
- Paid when you are matched, so expect calls or emails from partner lenders
- Bought in 2025 by Three Creeks Media from Mortgage Research Center, LLC, which is the legal name used by Veterans United Home Loans; check who you are matched with
Free expert guides
Skip it if: You already have a short list of lenders and don't want your contact details shared for marketing.
More about Mortgage Research Network
Mortgage Research Network is a free educational platform that publishes expert-written guides, mortgage calculators, and daily rate data across FHA, VA, USDA, and conventional loans. It is not a direct lender; it connects users with third-party lenders through rate tables and web forms. It suits first-time buyers and homeowners who want to understand their options before applying.
Best for an online bank with no lender fees on VA loans: NBKC Bank
- Loan types
- Conventional
Why we picked it. NBKC is an FDIC-insured bank based in Kansas City that runs an all-online application and lends nationwide. It advertises no lender fees on VA loans and a $5,000 Close-On-Time Guarantee, which gives you a written number to hold it to if your closing slips.
More details, pros and cons
Lender fees: No lender fees on VA loans, according to NBKC, as listed October 2026; other loans not published
Pros
- All-online application with loan officer help when you want it
- No lender fees on VA loans
- $5,000 Close-On-Time Guarantee, according to the company
- Lends in all 50 states, according to the company
Cons
- Minimum credit score and down payment are not published on the pages we checked
- No USDA loans listed, and jumbo availability is not stated
- Home equity loans have limited availability
On-time closing guarantee
Skip it if: You need a USDA loan or want to meet a loan officer at a local branch.
More about NBKC Bank
NBKC Bank delivers a strong digital mortgage experience with exceptional perks for veterans and a highly competitive on-time closing guarantee.
Best for no lender fees and a quick online start: Better
- Loan types
- Conventional
- Min credit score
- 580 for FHA with 3.5% down
- Min down payment
- 3.5%
Why we picked it. Better Mortgage advertises zero lender fees and no loan officer commission, which can lower the origination charges on your Loan Estimate. Its application starts online in about three minutes with no credit impact, according to the company, so it is easy to add as one of your three quotes.
More details, pros and cons
Lender fees: Zero lender fees and zero commission, according to Better, as listed October 2026
Pros
- No lender fees or loan officer commission
- Starts online with no credit impact, according to Better
- Offers HELOCs as well as purchase and refinance loans
- Publishes FHA and jumbo credit score minimums
Cons
- Parent company in turmoil: CEO stepped down August 2026, five directors removed September 30, interim CEO removed October 5, and a Nasdaq governance notice October 8, 2026 (SEC 8-Ks); it is still taking applications
- No USDA loans, according to Better's own loan guide
- VA availability is unclear: the site menu lists VA loans, but the loan guide says VA is not currently offered
- Not available in all states, and no branch to visit
Zero lender fees
Skip it if: You need a USDA loan or want face-to-face help through closing.
More about Better
Better Mortgage offers a fully digital, streamlined process with no lender fees, making it an excellent choice for tech-savvy borrowers seeking speed and transparency.
Show all 5 picks2 more, ranked 4 to 5
Best for existing Chase customers and buyers who want a closing guarantee: Chase Bank
- Loan types
- Conventional
- Min down payment
- 3%
Why we picked it. Chase pairs a full set of loan types with help in branches and online. Its Chase Homebuyer Grant of $2,500 or $5,000 can go toward points, closing costs or the down payment for buyers in eligible areas, and it promises an on-time closing or $5,000.
More details, pros and cons
HELOC: Offered: 680 minimum credit score, up to 80% of home value minus your mortgage; not available in Texas
Pros
- Down payments as low as 3%
- Homebuyer grant in eligible census tracts
- On-time closing guarantee, according to Chase
- Branch network plus online preapproval
Cons
- Minimum credit score is not published
- No USDA loans listed
- The grant depends on where the home is, so use Chase's eligibility tool before counting on it
Nationwide branch access
Skip it if: You are buying in a rural area and want a USDA loan, or you only care about the lowest fees.
More about Chase Bank
Chase Bank provides a reliable mortgage experience with extensive loan programs, nationwide branch access, and a valuable closing guarantee for qualified buyers.
Best for lower credit scores and down payment assistance programs: Guild Mortgage
- Loan types
- Conventional
- Min credit score
- 540 for FHA, per Guild
- Min down payment
- 3.5%
Why we picked it. Guild lists one of the widest menus of loan programs among our picks, including USDA, ITIN loans and its own 1% Down and Zero Down assistance programs. It also publishes a 540 FHA credit floor, lower than many lenders, though you need at least 10% down at that score.
More details, pros and cons
Pros
- 540 minimum FHA score, according to Guild
- Its own 1% Down and Zero Down programs, plus state down payment assistance
- USDA, VA and jumbo loans
- Local loan officers in branches
Cons
- Lender fees are not published
- At a 540 to 579 score, FHA requires at least 10% down
- Assistance program terms vary by state and income
First-time buyer programs
Skip it if: You want a fully online process with published, flat lender fees.
More about Guild Mortgage
Guild Mortgage stands out for its vast selection of loan options and unparalleled access to hundreds of down payment assistance programs, perfect for first-time buyers.
What a mortgage costs
The interest rate is only part of the price. Your total cost includes the rate, any discount points you pay to lower it, the lender’s own charges (origination, application, underwriting), and third-party costs like the appraisal, title insurance and government recording fees.
Every lender must give you a Loan Estimate, on the same standard form, within three business days of receiving your application. That form is the fairest way to compare offers. Look at these lines side by side:
- Interest rate and APR. APR folds in some fees, so it helps compare offers with different points.
- Origination charges (Section A). This is what the lender itself charges, and it is where lenders differ most.
- Points. Make sure each quote uses the same number of points, or you are comparing different prices.
- Cash to close. What you bring to the table, including your down payment.
Rates change daily. We do not list rates on this page because a rate quoted without your credit score, down payment and loan amount is not a real offer.
How to choose a mortgage lender
- Pick the loan type first. If you are VA eligible, start with VA lenders. If you are buying in a rural area on a modest income, check USDA. If you have lower credit or a small down payment, look at FHA. With strong credit and 3% to 20% down, consider conventional.
- Check that the lender offers that loan. Not every lender does USDA, VA or jumbo. In our list, Better does not offer USDA and its loan guide says VA is not currently offered, and Veterans United focuses on VA.
- Get at least three Loan Estimates on the same day. Rates move, so same-day quotes are the only fair comparison. Mortgage credit checks within 45 days count as a single inquiry, so shopping does not add extra hits to your credit.
- Compare Section A and points. Ask each lender to quote with zero points, then compare.
- Ask about the rate lock. Locks usually last 30, 45 or 60 days. Ask what an extension costs and what could change a locked rate.
- Verify the license. Look up the company and your loan officer on NMLS Consumer Access before you send documents.
Conventional, FHA, VA, USDA and jumbo loans compared
| Loan type |
Who it fits |
Typical minimum down |
| Conventional |
Good credit, steady income |
3% at some lenders (Chase, New American Funding) |
| FHA |
Lower credit scores or higher debt |
3.5% at a 580 score; 10% at lower scores where allowed |
| VA |
Eligible veterans, service members and some surviving spouses |
0% for eligible borrowers |
| USDA |
Low to moderate income buyers in eligible rural and suburban areas |
0% for eligible borrowers |
| Jumbo |
Loans above the conforming limit |
Often 10% or more |
FHA, VA and USDA loans are insured or guaranteed by federal programs, but they are made by private lenders. None of the companies on this page is a government agency.
How the best lender changes by state
Search for the best mortgage lender and you will mostly see city and state lists, because the right answer depends on where the home is.
- Licensing. Lenders and loan officers must be licensed in the state where the property sits. A lender that works in 49 states may not serve yours. Check the company and the individual on NMLS Consumer Access (nmlsconsumeraccess.org), which is free and also shows public disciplinary actions.
- State housing finance agency programs. Every state has a housing finance agency, and many offer down payment assistance, first-time buyer loans or mortgage credit certificates. These programs only work through approved lenders, so ask each lender which state programs it can offer. HUD lists homebuying programs by state.
- Closing costs and transfer taxes. Title insurance, recording fees and transfer taxes are set or regulated locally and vary a lot from state to state, and even county to county. Two Loan Estimates for the same loan can show different cash to close in different states.
- Local lenders and credit unions. Local banks and credit unions often know county programs, local appraisers and rural property quirks. Add at least one to your three quotes.
Red flags when shopping for a mortgage
- A lender or loan officer you cannot find on NMLS Consumer Access.
- A rate quote with no Loan Estimate, or a refusal to put it in writing.
- Pressure to lock before you have compared other offers.
- Fees that appear or jump between the Loan Estimate and the Closing Disclosure without an explanation.
- Anyone who says approval is guaranteed, or implies they are part of the VA, FHA or another government agency.
- Matching sites that hand your details to many lenders. That can be useful, but expect to be contacted, and know the site is paid for the match.
Free help before you apply
A HUD-approved housing counselor can review your budget, credit and loan offers, often at little or no cost. Find one with the CFPB’s housing counselor search by ZIP code, or through HUD’s buying a home page. Many state down payment assistance programs require a homebuyer education course, and counselors can tell you which one counts.
Terms to know
- Loan Estimate
- A standard form lenders must send within three business days of your application that shows the rate, payment and closing costs.
- APR
- The annual percentage rate, which adds certain fees to the interest rate so you can compare the cost of loans with different fees.
- Discount points
- Upfront fees you pay at closing to lower your interest rate.
- Origination charges
- The fees a lender charges for making the loan, shown in Section A of the Loan Estimate.
- Rate lock
- A lender's promise to hold your interest rate for a set period, usually 30 to 60 days, while your loan closes.
- NMLS ID
- The unique number assigned to each mortgage company and loan officer by the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System.
- Non-QM loan
- A mortgage outside standard qualified mortgage rules, often used by self-employed borrowers who document income with bank statements.
- Housing finance agency
- A state agency that runs affordable homebuying programs such as down payment assistance and first-time buyer loans.
