12 Best Online Mortgage Lenders of July 2025
Online mortgage lenders offer convenience, automation and digital tools. Browse our picks for the best online lenderrs.
Many or all of the products on this page are from partners who compensate us when you click to or take an action on their website, but this does not influence our evaluations or ratings. Our opinions are our own.
Online mortgage and refinance companies offer convenience and automation. They might even save you money. And if you want to see a friendly face before you close a deal, online lenders can often provide that, too.
To help you choose an online mortgage lender, NerdWallet has picked some of the best in a variety of categories.
Why trust NerdWallet
- 50+ mortgage lenders reviewed and rated by our team of experts.
- 40+ years of combined experience covering mortgages and financial topics.
- Objective, comprehensive star rating system assessing 120+ categories and 5,000+ data points.
- Governed by NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.
Why trust NerdWallet
- 50+ mortgage lenders reviewed and rated by our team of experts.
- 40+ years of combined experience covering mortgages and financial topics.
- Objective, comprehensive star rating system assessing 120+ categories and 5,000+ data points.
- Governed by NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.
12 Best Online Mortgage Lenders of July 2025
Have you or your spouse served in the military?
We’ve got more home loan options for you. Show me
Lender | NerdWallet Rating | Min. credit score | Min. down payment | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|
620 | 3% | |||
620 | 3% | |||
 Pennymac: NMLS#35953 Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | 620 | 3% | Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | |
 PNC Bank: NMLS#446303 Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | 620 | 3% | Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | |
580 | N/A | See Offers at New American Funding |
Explore all of our lender picks by category
- Why we like itRate boasts a streamlined application process, with full underwriting in as little as one business day, though average fees are higher than many competitors’.Pros
- Fully underwritten mortgage approval in as little as one day for qualified borrowers.
- Generous selection of loans, including government-backed, interest-only, jumbo and renovation.
- Advertises a HELOC that can be funded in as few as five business days.
ConsRead full review- Origination fees are on the high side, according to the latest federal data.
- HELOC requires immediate, full withdrawal of funds.
- Why we like itNBKC has a user-friendly website and low average rates, but the mobile app is not aimed at mortgage borrowers and browsing customized mortgage rates requires supplying your name and contact information.Pros
- Mortgage rates are on the low side compared to other lenders, according to the latest federal data.
- VA loans represent more than a quarter of purchase volume, a larger share than many lenders NerdWallet reviews.
- Offers a variety of loan types for purchase and refinance, including fixed- and adjustable-rate loans and government options
ConsRead full review- HELOCs and no-down-payment loans are available only in the Kansas City metro area.
- Mobile app focuses on online banking, not mortgages.
- You’ll need to share contact information to see customized mortgage rates.
- Why we like itPennymac, known for its government loans, stands out for a transparent digital experience. Interest rates tend to be low, but origination fees may be a bit high.Pros
- Easy to personalize a quote and apply online.
- Can lock in a rate before you’re under contract, earlier than most lenders.
- Perks include a 1% interest rate buydown and “refinance later” cash bonus.
ConsRead full review- Origination fees are on the higher end, according to the latest federal data.
- Online chat is available only in the logged-in experience.
- No home equity lines of credit or renovation loans.
- Why we like itPNC Bank has a variety of appealing mortgage options, including jumbo loans, programs for first-time home buyers and home equity lines of credit.Pros
- Low-down-payment loan options include FHA, VA, USDA and PNC Community Loan.
- Jumbo loans available with minimum down payments of 5%.
- Customizable mortgage rates are posted online.
ConsRead full review- Average mortgage rates are on the high side, according to the latest federal data.
- In-person service is not available in every state.
- You’ll have to supply personal data or account info to get answers by phone.
- Why we like itNew American Funding offers a large menu of loan products, as well as programs like first-time home buyer assistance, but personalized mortgage rates aren't available on its website.Pros
- Offers a wide variety of purchase and refinance mortgages, as well as unique buyer assistance programs.
- Its home equity line of credit can be used for a primary residence or second home.
ConsRead full review- Average origination fees are on the high side, according to the latest federal data.
- Personalized mortgage rates are not available on the website without providing contact information.
- Why we like itGood for: Borrowers interested in a conventional mortgage with low down payment requirements.Pros
- Borrowers can receive a customized rate quote by entering their information (home price, credit score etc.) into a tool on Ally’s website.
- Offers Fannie Mae’s HomeReady loan, which has flexible lending requirements and requires just 3% down.
- Interest rates are on the low side relative to competitors, according to the latest federal data.
ConsRead full review- Borrowers must be preapproved before applying for a loan.
- Does not offer FHA, VA or USDA loans.
- Origination fees are on the high side, according to the latest federal data.
- Why we like itOnline-only lender Better offers fast preapproval and low average interest rates for mortgage refinances, but borrowers must provide contact information to see customized rates.Pros
- Borrowers can apply, lock in a rate and receive a commitment letter within one day.
- Low average interest rates for refinances, according to the latest federal data.
ConsRead full review- No mobile app; customer service is by email or phone only.
- Borrower must provide contact information to see customized rates.
- Why we like itCarrington Mortgage offers loans for people who might have trouble qualifying for a mortgage elsewhere, like self-employed borrowers or those with heavy debt. However, its interest rates are on the high side.Pros
- Considers borrowers with bad credit, foreclosure or bankruptcy.
- Accepts self-employed borrowers.
- Mortgage origination fees are on the low side, according to the latest federal data.
ConsRead full review- Interest rates are on the high side, according to the latest federal data.
- Doesn’t post interest rates online.
- No online chat for customer service.
- Why we like itFlagstar Bank stands out for its range of accessible loans and programs, including loans with flexible requirements and down payment grant options. Its mortgage operations were acquired by Mr. Cooper in 2024.Pros
- Conventional loan terms extend to 40 years, which is unusually flexible.
- Offers options for high-balance mortgages.
- Offers specialized mortgages for professionals, such as doctors and lawyers, starting their careers.
- Reported average time to close (20-30 days) is faster than industry standard.
ConsRead full review- The lender’s mobile app is focused on banking, not mortgages.
- Conventional fixed-rate mortgages require a 5% minimum down payment, higher than some competitors.
- Why we like itAlliant Credit Union offers some harder-to-find mortgage types and lets you customize interest rates online, but navigating their customer service options can be tricky as a non-member.Pros
- Mortgage borrowers do not need to become members of the credit union until they’ve reached the closing process, so interested home buyers can apply without committing to membership.
- Sample rates are displayed upfront, and it's easy to get detailed, personalized rates without providing any personally identifying information.
- No application fee.
ConsRead full review- Customer service can be difficult to access as a non-member and may require sharing personal information.
- Home equity loans are not available.
- Why we like itGolden 1, a California-based credit union, specializes in down payment and closing cost assistance in the Golden State, where its experience with jumbo loans will be a plus for buyers navigating the state’s high home prices.Pros
- Experienced with first-time home buyer assistance programs in California.
- Closing cost discount when you buy through a preferred real estate agent network.
- Interest rate discounts available to account holders.
ConsRead full review- Membership is mostly limited to California residents.
- Can’t customize rates online.
- No VA or USDA loans.
- Why we like itGood for: Californians who are looking for a conventional or jumbo mortgage and want to shop rates online.Pros
- Offers purchase, refinance and jumbo mortgages, plus loans for second homes and home equity products.
- Provides customized rate and fee quotes without requiring contact information.
- Interest rates are notably low, according to the latest federal data.
ConsRead full review- No FHA, VA or USDA mortgages.
- Loans are available in California only.
- Mobile app has low ratings.
What is an online mortgage lender?
An online mortgage lender is a bank, credit union or other lender that provides digital convenience, for example, the ability to apply for a mortgage or track your application online. Most lenders offer some degree of online capability, but the best online lenders go a step further.
Online lenders also make it easy for borrowers to get preapproved for a mortgage online through a mobile-friendly website or app. Some online lenders do business strictly online while others also have brick-and-mortar branches.
Can an online mortgage lender get me a better rate?
Comparing mortgage rates from multiple lenders is the best way to secure the lowest rate, but not all mortgage lenders post rates online. Some require potential borrowers to complete a contact form or make a phone call for sample rates. The best online mortgage lenders on this page allow borrowers to see sample rates online, as well as customize rates by location and credit score. Learn how to get the best mortgage rate.
How does an online mortgage lender work?
Generally, an online mortgage lender should allow you to get rate quotes, fill out an application and upload documents from your computer or mobile device. In some cases, you may not even need to dig up all of the documents yourself.
Many lenders can access necessary information from government agencies, financial institutions and employers with your permission, and take days off the closing process. And with e-closings, you can even close the loan remotely in a little as 15 minutes..
More from NerdWallet:
Last updated on August 1, 2023
Frequently asked questions
Most lenders have some online capabilities. Look for a lender that offers the type of mortgage and the services you need and does business in your area. Even if you're just looking for online convenience, location matters. Some top online mortgage lenders aren't available to borrowers in every state.
Offerings vary by lender, but with a bit of searching, you can find an online mortgage lender for virtually any type of home loan, including those geared to first-time home buyers, veterans and borrowers with low credit scores.
Compare rates and fees among lenders that offer the type of mortgage you want. Check out customer service options to make sure they meet your needs, and apply for preapproval with at least three lenders. Choose the lender that offers the best rate at the lowest cost.
It's possible to get an online mortgage with a low or "bad" credit score, but you'll want to look at lenders’ minimum credit scores before submitting an application.
Methodology
The star ratings on this page reflect each lender's overall star ratings. Read more about how we determine those ratings.
The lenders on this page are chosen using this methodology:
NerdWallet reviewed more than 50 mortgage lenders, including the majority of the largest U.S. mortgage lenders by annual loan volume (measured among lenders with at least a 1% market share), lenders with significant online search volume and those that specialize in serving various audiences across the country.
For inclusion in this roundup, lenders must have an app or mobile-friendly website which allow customers to apply for mortgage preapproval, upload documents, electronically sign documents and track loan progress. Lenders must also post rates online that are easily accessible and can be personalized by location and credit score. Displayed rates must have at least two assumptions, such as down payment amount, discount points, closing costs or other details, clearly spelled out.
NerdWallet solicits information from reviewed lenders on a recurring basis throughout the year. All lender-provided information is verified through lender websites and interviews. We also utilized 2021 Home Mortgage Disclosure Act data for origination volume, origination fee, rate spread and share-of-product data.
NerdWallet's Best Online Mortgage Lenders of July 2025
- Rate: Best for variety of loan types
- NBKC: Best for overall mortgage experience
- Pennymac: Best for FHA loans
- PNC Bank: Best for traditional lending experience
- New American Funding: Best for FHA loans
- Ally Bank: Best for low interest rates
- Better: Best for refinancing
- Carrington: Best for borrowers with weaker credit
- Flagstar: Best for variety of loan types
- Alliant: Best for low down payment options
- Golden 1 Credit Union: Best for California residents
- San Diego County Credit Union: Best for credit union lending
