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Applying for a mortgage is easier than ever before, and many home buyers can now complete the entire process online. That means no awkward meetings at the bank -- you won't even need to change out of your pjs. (Unless you really want to.)
It's also easier to compare mortgage lenders with today's technology. Thanks to online lending, you can compare multiple mortgage lenders and pick the one that's best for you.
With that in mind, we've researched the top mortgage companies to bring you our picks for the best online mortgage lenders. Check out our shortlist below as well as a rundown of some of the most important things to know about the online mortgage industry.
Lender | Best For | Next Steps |
---|---|---|
Rating image, 5.0 out of 5 stars.
5.0/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best = Excellent = Good = Fair = Poor
Rating image, 5.0 out of 5 stars.
5.0/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best = Excellent = Good = Fair = Poor |
Best For
Streamlined online application |
|
2025 Award Winner
Better
Rating image, 4.5 out of 5 stars.
4.5/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best = Excellent = Good = Fair = Poor
Rating image, 4.5 out of 5 stars.
4.5/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best = Excellent = Good = Fair = Poor |
Best For
No lender fees and online application |
Check Rates for Better
On Better's Secure Website. |
Rating image, 4.0 out of 5 stars.
4.0/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best = Excellent = Good = Fair = Poor
Rating image, 4.0 out of 5 stars.
4.0/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best = Excellent = Good = Fair = Poor |
Best For
Digital experience & down-payment assistance |
|
Rating image, 4.5 out of 5 stars.
4.5/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best = Excellent = Good = Fair = Poor
Rating image, 4.5 out of 5 stars.
4.5/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best = Excellent = Good = Fair = Poor |
Best For
Refinance specialist |
|
Rating image, 4.0 out of 5 stars.
4.0/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best = Excellent = Good = Fair = Poor
Rating image, 4.0 out of 5 stars.
4.0/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best = Excellent = Good = Fair = Poor |
Best For
Fast pre-approval |
|
Rating image, 5.0 out of 5 stars.
5.0/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best = Excellent = Good = Fair = Poor
Rating image, 5.0 out of 5 stars.
5.0/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best = Excellent = Good = Fair = Poor |
Best For
Diverse loan offerings and relationship discounts |
|
Rating image, 4.5 out of 5 stars.
4.5/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best = Excellent = Good = Fair = Poor
Rating image, 4.5 out of 5 stars.
4.5/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best = Excellent = Good = Fair = Poor |
Best For
Diverse options and homebuyers building credit |
Other than interest rates, here are a few other things to consider when comparing mortgage lenders:
These are just a couple of factors to consider, but the point is that you should pick the lender that fits your situation. Also, make sure a lender is licensed in all 50 states (or at least in the state you're buying a home) -- not all online mortgage lenders are nationwide.
Best for: Streamlined online application
Rocket Mortgage®
Bottom Line
Rocket Mortgage led the transition to a full digital experience and online-only applications. Its seamless process is one reason Rocket Mortgage is consistently ranked in the top two on J.D. Power's customer service rankings. Rocket Mortgage has a robust and high-quality app that makes it easy to use.
Min. Credit Score 580 FHA 620 other mortgage products 680 Jumbo
Min. Down Payment 0%-3.5% (FHA & VA loans) 3% (conventional loans)
Key Features
Loan Types
Fixed Rate Terms
Adjustable Rate Terms
Best for: No lender fees and online application
Bottom Line
Better has the right combination of features and perks, including no unnecessary fees, low mortgage rates, and a fast, 100% online application process. Better Mortgage does not charge lender fees such as those for origination, application, processing, and underwriting. As a result, Better states that home buyers save $8,200 and customers who refinance save $8,200 over the life of their loans.In addition, Better states that applicants can get a personalized rate and a pre-approval in minutes. This can help buyers cut their costs while saving time. The lender also offers $150 off closing costs when applying through Motley Fool Money site.
Min. Credit Score 580 FHA 620 Conventional and VA 700 Jumbo
Min. Down Payment
Key Features
Loan Types
Fixed Rate Terms
Adjustable Rate Terms
Best for: Digital experience & down-payment assistance
Guaranteed Rate Mortgage
Bottom Line
Guaranteed Rate does a great job with ease of usability, offering comprehensive loan information during your research phase, plus the option to securely upload and digitally sign loan documents when you're ready to apply. The lender publishes its rates for different loans online, making it easy to compare options.
Min. Credit Score
Min. Down Payment
Key Features
Loan Types
Fixed Rate Terms
Adjustable Rate Terms
Best for: Refinance specialist
loanDepot
Bottom Line
Among the top refinance and FHA/VA lenders in the market. Its mello smartloan™ platform eases the purchase or refinance process by digitally hooking up to confirm your assets, employment, and income. Its proprietary loan engines quickly determine the loan options that will give you the greatest potential cost and/or time savings based on the information it collects.
Min. Credit Score 580 FHA 620 other mortgage products
Min. Down Payment
Key Features
Loan Types
Fixed Rate Terms
Adjustable Rate Terms
Best for: Fast pre-approval
Ally Mortgage
Bottom Line
Ally Mortgage is a strong fit for borrowers looking for a fixed-rate, adjustable-rate (ARM), or jumbo loan. The caveat is you probably need good or excellent credit, and you should be comfortable filing out the application online.
Min. Credit Score
Min. Down Payment
Key Features
Loan Types
Fixed Rate Terms
Adjustable Rate Terms
Best for: Diverse loan offerings and relationship discounts
Bank of America Mortgage
Bottom Line
Bank of America is one of the largest banks in the U.S., offering a wide variety of financial products in addition to its mortgages. Few lenders can match the lineup of loan products and terms. Bank of America offers a Preferred Rewards program for borrowers who have bank accounts at the bank and investment accounts at Merrill. Borrowers can qualify for an origination fee or interest rate reduction based on their eligible tier at the time of application.
Min. Credit Score
Min. Down Payment 0% VA loans 3.5% FHA 3% Conventional loans, Affordable Loan Solution® mortgage, Freddie Mac Home Possible® mortgage 5% Other loans
Key Features
Loan Types
Fixed Rate Terms
Adjustable Rate Terms
Best for: Diverse options and homebuyers building credit
New American Funding
Bottom Line
New American Funding is one of the largest privately owned direct mortgage lenders in the country. The lender offers competitive rates. Its selection of loans and customizable loan terms is broader than many other lenders'. The lender also has a highly efficient lending process that allows for quicker closing times. What's more, New American can be a good solution for people building credit and wanting a good mortgage. It focuses on lending to underserved communities.
Min. Credit Score 500 FHA 620 other mortgage products
Min. Down Payment 0% VA 3% Conventional 3.5% FHA
Key Features
Loan Types
Fixed Rate Terms
Adjustable Rate Terms
First, make a short list of online mortgage lenders (let's say three to five) that meet your needs. Then, apply for pre-qualification or pre-approval with each. This will allow you to get an estimated rate based on your financial situation.
You might be surprised at how much of a difference a seemingly small difference in rates can make.
If you're applying for a $400,000 mortgage, the difference between 6.5% and 6.75% interest rates translates to almost $24,000 in interest savings over a 30-year fixed-rate loan term when adding up your monthly mortgage payments. Comparing pre-qualification or pre-approval offers is a good way to catch these savings before you commit to a loan.
For more information, see our guide: How to choose a mortgage lender
The online mortgage process depends on the bank or lender.
Some lenders allow you to complete the entire home loan process online from start to finish.
Other lenders might allow you to check your mortgage rates online and upload documentation, but might require you to speak with a loan officer by phone before your application can be processed. (Note: Due to notary requirements, closings generally still take place in person, although a lender might send someone to your home instead of making you go anywhere.)
Whatever the level of online services available, an online mortgage loan follows the same basic steps in most cases. In general, here are the steps you may encounter.
This is typically referred to as a prequalification, and it involves your bank or lender performing a soft credit check to verify your credit score. This does not include verifying income, employment, or assets. Typically, you can fill out a lender's prequalification form in a matter of minutes. Provided you have the lender's minimum credit score or higher, you'll then be able to see the loan products you qualify for.
Are you looking for 15 years, 30 years, or another length? Conventional, FHA loan, VA? Select the type of mortgage loan that fits your needs and formally apply.
You'll likely be able to do this entirely online. Many lenders will allow you to directly link to your bank accounts and other sources to make it as easy as possible.
After you submit your documentation to your mortgage company, the lender's underwriting department will verify it. Once your documentation is verified, you'll be cleared to close.
Schedule your closing time and date and sign your loan documents. This will likely need to take place in person, but many online lenders will send a notary to you, so you won't have to go anywhere.
It's also worth noting that if your mortgage is a refinance loan, you'll have the added step of scheduling an appraisal of your home to confirm its value.
This happens with a purchase mortgage as well, but it's more of a behind-the-scenes step (as opposed to an appraiser coming to the home you're living in when refinancing).
Like most things in life, using online mortgage lenders has pros and cons. Here are a few things to consider.
An online mortgage lender aims to simplify the mortgage process by allowing people to complete the application online. Home buyers can check rates, submit an application, sign documents, and upload documents without leaving their home. And many online mortgage lenders pride themselves on closing loans in less time than the typical office-based lender or bank.
Throughout most of modern history, if you applied for a mortgage, you'd have to physically drive to a lender's office or to a bank branch. The process could be a very time-consuming experience, to put it mildly.
The lender would give you an application packet, which you'd have to fill out and return before your loan could enter processing. You'd then be given a list of necessary documents (tax returns, for example), and have to physically get them to your lender's office. Along the way, if anything needed to be modified, you'd probably have to make another trip to sign paperwork. In all, it wasn't uncommon for a home buyer to physically visit their lender's office 10 or more times -- I made at least this many visits when I bought my first house in 2011.
An online mortgage lender aims to simplify the mortgage process by allowing people to complete the application online. Home buyers can check rates, submit an application, sign documents, and upload documents without leaving their home. And many online mortgage lenders pride themselves on closing loans in less time than the typical office-based lender or bank.
Research: If you prefer a big lender, check out Motley Fool Money's research piece on the largest mortgage providers.
You can get the same mortgage loan products online that you could get through a traditional lender. This includes conventional mortgages, jumbo loans, VA loans, FHA mortgage loans, and USDA loans, just to name a few.
There are several steps you can take. First, check the lender's profile on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and see if you can find some customer reviews (if you can't, it's a big red flag). In addition, the Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System & Registry (NMLS) has a database of licensed mortgage brokers, where you can find information about licenses and disciplinary action against them.
Usually. They generally have less overhead, such as fewer office spaces and administrative employees. Their other operating costs are generally cheaper, so online mortgage lenders often pass the savings to the consumer. These savings can look like lower fees and/or more competitive rate offers when compared with traditional financial institutions.
The application process depends on the lender. But generally, you'll fill out a prequalification form, the lender will perform a soft credit check, and you'll be shown your loan offers. If you choose to proceed, you'll formally apply. Most online lenders let you upload all needed documentation directly through their websites.
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Please note that this calculator is not personalized financial advice and should not be considered or used as such. Nor are we promising that by use of this calculator, will you be able to save more money, preserve wealth, or otherwise.