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Best Cash-Out Refinance Lenders of January 2026
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Best Cash-Out Refinance Lenders of January 2026

Kate Wood
Taylor Getler
+1
Kate Wood
+2
Written by 

Kate Wood

Co-Written by 

Taylor Getler

Edited by 

Jeanette Margle

Written by 

Kate Wood

 and 
Last updated 01/12/2026
A cash-out refinance lets you refinance your mortgage and borrow money from your house at the same time.
 

This service is free and will not affect your credit score.

Compare the best debt consolidation loans for you, in one place
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Best for cash-out refinance expertise

Rocket Mortgage, LLC

NMLS#3030

NerdWallet rating

5.0

Cash-out refinancing
Min. credit score

620

National / regional

National

Our take on Rocket Mortgage, LLC

The Nerdy headline

Rocket Mortgage is the Goliath of home loans in the U.S. It's the largest mortgage lender by volume, and keeps expanding its reach. Cash-out refinancing rates are competitve, but fees may be on the higher side.

What we like
  • Major cash-out refinance lender, by loan volume.
  • Offers low cash-out refinancing rates compared with other lenders.
  • Borrowers can apply via mobile app.
What we don't like
  • Average cash-out refinancing fees are on the high side.
  • No HELOCs.
  • No physical branches.
Read our full review of Rocket Mortgage, LLC

Best for military borrowers

Navy Federal

NMLS#399807

NerdWallet rating

5.0

Cash-out refinancing
Min. credit score

Undisclosed

National / regional

National

Our take on Navy Federal

The Nerdy headline

Navy Federal is known for VA lending, and it's a big cash-out refinance lender by volume. You'll need a military connection to join the credit union.

What we like
  • Offers low cash-out refinancing rates and fees compared with other lenders.
  • 24/7 customer service supports borrowers stationed overseas.
What we don't like
  • Borrowers must join the credit union before applying for a mortgage, and all borrowers on the loan must be members for the loan to close.
  • Cash-out refinance loans make up a relatively small share of Navy Federal's total home loans.
Read our full review of Navy Federal

Best for North Carolina borrowers

State Employees' Credit Union

NMLS#430055

NerdWallet rating

5.0

Cash-out refinancing
Min. credit score

600

National / regional

Regional

Our take on State Employees' Credit Union

The Nerdy headline

State Employees’ Credit Union in North Carolina is worth checking out for those who meet its membership criteria — especially its low cash-out refinance rates. But cash-out refi makes up a small share of SECU's total home loans, and it doesn’t offer government-backed mortgages.

What we like
  • Low average cash-out refinance rates compared to other lenders.
  • Big cash-out refinance lender, by loan volume.
What we don't like
  • Credit union membership eligibility is limited.
  • Loans only available in five states.
Read our full review of State Employees' Credit Union

Best for rate transparency

Andrews Federal Credit Union

NMLS#410421

NerdWallet rating

5.0

Cash-out refinancing
Min. credit score

620

National / regional

National

Our take on Andrews Federal Credit Union

The Nerdy headline

Andrews Federal Credit Union is on the smaller side, but offers big value through low cash-out refinancing rates and fast closings. Its online rate quote tool is exceptionally informative.

What we like
  • Low average cash-out refinance rates compared to other lenders.
  • Offers free, one-time “float down” if mortgage rates drop while your loan is in progress.
  • Online rate tool is exceptionally user-friendly and detailed.
What we don't like
  • Cash-out refinance loans make up a relatively small share of Andrews' total home loans.
  • U.S. branches limited to Maryland, Virginia, Washington, D.C. and New Jersey.
Read our full review of Andrews Federal Credit Union

Best for military borrowers

Veterans United

NMLS#1907

Min. credit score

620

National / regional

National

Our take on Veterans United

The Nerdy headline

Veterans United originates more VA mortgages than any other lender. Though average cash-out refinancing fees are on the higher side, rates are low, and it’s a solid pick for borrowers looking for a VA loan with ample support along the way.

What we like
  • Offers low cash-out refinancing rates compared with other lenders.
  • Major cash-out refinance lender, by loan volume.
  • 24/7 customer service line supports servicemembers stationed internationally.
What we don't like
  • Average cash-out refinancing fees are on the high side.
  • Website doesn’t have online chat.
  • Cash-out refinance loans make up a small share of Veterans United's total home loans.
Read our full review of Veterans United

Best for low rates

Pennymac

NMLS#35953

NerdWallet rating

5.0

Cash-out refinancing
Min. credit score

N/A

National / regional

National

Our take on Pennymac

The Nerdy headline

Pennymac, known for government loans, also does big business in cash-out refi. Best for borrowers looking for low rates and an efficient digital experience, though fees may be on the high side.

What we like
  • Offers low cash-out refinancing rates compared with other lenders.
  • Major cash-out refinance lender, by loan volume.
  • Rates are easy to browse online.
What we don't like
  • Average cash-out refinancing fees are on the high side.
  • Home equity loans, but no HELOCs.
Read our full review of Pennymac

Best for cash-out refinance expertise

loanDepot

NMLS#174457

NerdWallet rating

4.5

Cash-out refinancing
Min. credit score

520

National / regional

National

Our take on loanDepot

The Nerdy headline

LoanDepot, one of the country’s largest mortgage lenders, has faced negative headlines recently. Average cash-out refinancing rates are low, but fees may be on the high side. LoanDepot doesn’t post rates on its website.

What we like
  • Offers low cash-out refinancing rates compared with other lenders.
  • Major cash-out refinance lender, by loan volume.
  • Multiple options to fund home renovations, including construction loans and equity products.
What we don't like
  • Average cash-out refinancing fees are on the high side.
  • No mortgage rates posted online.
  • Recent headlines have damaged consumer trust.
Read our full review of loanDepot

Best for cash-out refinance specialization

Network Capital

NMLS#11712

NerdWallet rating

4.5

Cash-out refinancing
Min. credit score

N/A

National / regional

Regional

Our take on Network Capital

The Nerdy headline

Network Capital stands out for its focus on refinancing, especially cash-out transactions — only 6% of Network Capital customers got a purchase mortgage in 2024. Average cash out refi rates are low, but fees may be high.

What we like
  • Big cash-out refinance lender, by loan volume.
  • Offers low cash-out refinancing rates compared with other lenders.
What we don't like
  • Borrowers must be contacted for a quote before completing an online application.
  • Average cash-out refinancing fees are on the high side.
Read our full review of Network Capital

Best for cash-out refinance expertise

Citibank

NMLS#412915

NerdWallet rating

4.5

Cash-out refinancing
Min. credit score

N/A

National / regional

National

Our take on Citibank

The Nerdy headline

As a large national bank, Citi offers solid customer support, a highly rated mobile app and discounts for existing banking customers.

What we like
  • Very low average interest rates compared to other lenders, according to the latest federal data.
  • Closing cost credits and interest rate discounts available.
  • Highly rated mobile app.
What we don't like
  • Preapproval and application require a phone call to complete.
  • Must contact the lender for customized rate quote.
Read our full review of Citibank

Best for rate shopping

Carrington

NMLS#2600

NerdWallet rating

5.0

Cash-out refinancing
Min. credit score

550

National / regional

National

Our take on Carrington

The Nerdy headline

Carrington Mortgage offers specialty loans for people who might have trouble getting a mortgage elsewhere, like self-employed borrowers. Average cash-out refi rates are low, though fees are on the higher side.

What we like
  • Major cash-out refinance lender, by loan volume.
  • Considers borrowers with bad credit, foreclosure or bankruptcy.
  • Options for self-employed borrowers and alternative income documentation.
What we don't like
  • Average cash-out refinancing fees are on the high side.
  • Rates are posted online, but website navigation is clunky.
  • Offers home equity loans, but no HELOCs.
Read our full review of Carrington

Best for cash-out refinance specialization

AmeriSave

NMLS#1168

NerdWallet rating

4.5

Cash-out refinancing
Min. credit score

500

National / regional

National

Our take on AmeriSave

The Nerdy headline

AmeriSave offers low average cash-out refinancing interest rates, but fees are higher than competitors’. Borrowers with low credit will find flexibility here.

What we like
  • Major cash-out refinance lender, by loan volume.
  • Low average cash-out refinance rates compared to other lenders.
  • Accepts borrowers with credit scores as low as 500 for certain loan types.
What we don't like
  • Average cash-out refinancing fees are on the high side.
  • No mobile app.
  • Getting custom rates and applying for mortgage preapproval both require contacting a loan expert.
Read our full review of AmeriSave

Best for rate shopping

PNC Bank

NMLS#446303

NerdWallet rating

4.5

Cash-out refinancing
Min. credit score

620

National / regional

National

Our take on PNC Bank

The Nerdy headline

PNC Bank has a wide selection of loans (even for lower credit scores) and a streamlined digital experience. It's a big player in the cash out refinance market, but this loan type does not represent a large share of the bank's overall home lending.

What we like
  • Big cash-out refinance lender, by loan volume.
  • Online rate quotes are informative and easy to customize.
What we don't like
  • Cash-out refinance loans make up a small share of PNC's total home loans.
  • In-person service not available in all states.
Read our full review of PNC Bank

Best for low interest rates

Bank of America

NMLS#399802

NerdWallet rating

4.5

Refinancing
Min. credit score

N/A

National / regional

National

Our take on Bank of America

The Nerdy headline

Bank of America offers standard big-bank benefits: loan variety, nationwide branches and a mobile app. It’s a solid pick for existing banking customers, and cash-out refi rate shoppers.

What we like
  • Low average cash-out refinance rates compared to other lenders.
  • Big cash-out refinance lender, by loan volume.
  • Banking customers can get discounted interest rates or fees.
What we don't like
  • Online rate quote tool doesn’t personalize by credit score.
  • Cash-out refinance loans make up a relatively small share of Bank of America's total home loans.
  • Doesn’t offer home equity loans.
Read our full review of Bank of America

Best for cash-out refinance expertise

Newrez

NMLS#3013

NerdWallet rating

4.5

Refinancing
Min. credit score

Did not disclose

National / regional

National

Our take on Newrez

The Nerdy headline

In addition to pretty robust standard offerings, Newrez has loan options for borrowers who have unusual finances or nontraditional income. But there's limited info about these offerings online, plus Newrez doesn't post sample mortgage rates — even for common loan types.

What we like
  • Major cash-out refinance lender, by loan volume.
  • Offers low cash-out refinancing rates and fees compared with other lenders.
  • Offers loans for borrowers who've faced financial challenges or credit events, as well as self-employed borrowers.
What we don't like
  • Average cash-out refinancing fees are on the high side.
  • Doesn’t post mortgage rates online.
  • Online chat is buried deep in the site.
Read our full review of Newrez

Best for low rates

USAA

NMLS#8722

NerdWallet rating

4.5

Refinancing
Min. credit score

620

National / regional

Regional

Our take on USAA

The Nerdy headline

USAA does big business in cash out refi and is among the top VA loan lenders by volume, though conventional loans are available, too. USAA membership is open only to current and former military and eligible family members.

What we like
  • Wide range of VA options, including refinancing.
  • Offers low cash-out refinancing rates compared with other lenders.
What we don't like
  • Cash-out refinance loans make up a small share of USAA's total home loans.
  • Does not offer home equity loans or HELOCs.
Read our full review of USAA
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How we chose the best cash-out refinance lenders

Our team of mortgage experts follows an objective, consumer-first methodology to assess cash-out refinance lenders and pick the best.

40+

Lenders reviewed

We review more than 40 lenders, including major banks, credit unions, and online lenders operating across multiple states.

6

Categories assessed

Each lender is evaluated across six weighted categories covering rates and fees, loan volume, market share, rate transparency and customer experience.

200+

Data points analyzed

Our team tracks and reassesses hundreds of data points annually for reviewed lenders, ensuring up-to-date, accurate comparisons.

Star rating categories

We evaluate the following categories and carefully weigh how each factor impacts your experience.
Average interest rates

25%

Lenders score higher for offering low interest rates for cash-out refinances.

Average fees

25%

Lenders score higher for offering low fees for cash-out refinances.

Percent of business

15%

We evaluate lenders based on the percentage of mortgage loan originations that are cash-out refinances.

Market share

15%

We score lenders based on how big of a player they are in the cash-out refinance market.

Rate transparency

10%

We score lenders on whether sample (or customizable) mortgage rates are posted online.

Customer experience

10%

Lenders are evaluated on customer experience, including ways to apply and get in touch with customer service.

5.0

Overall score

The star ratings on this page reflect each lender's rating for cash-out refinancing. We scored the category and chose lenders for this page using the following methodology:
NerdWallet reviewed more than 40 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.
All reviewed mortgage lenders that offer cash-out refinancing were evaluated based on (1) percent of business dedicated to cash-out refinancing, (2) cash-out refinance loan volume, (3) cash-out refinance rates, (4) cash-out refinance origination fees, (5) rate transparency and (6) customer experience. The highest scoring lenders appear on this page. Lenders may have lost points for recent government actions regarding violations that harmed customers.
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 2024 HMDA data for origination volume, origination fee, average interest rate and share-of-product data.

What's a cash-out refinance?

With a cash-out refinance, you replace your current mortgage with a new, larger loan. The difference between your new loan amount and what you previously owed is how much you "cash out."
This new mortgage will have a different interest rate and repayment terms. You may even switch to a different kind of mortgage with a cash-out refinance.

How much cash you can get

The amount of cash you can get depends on your home equity — how much your home is worth minus how much you owe.
Say your home is worth $400,000 and you owe $100,000. That means you have $300,000 in equity.
Most lenders make you keep at least 20% equity in your home. In the example above, you could borrow a maximum of $220,000.
Home Value
Remaining Mortgage Balance
Home Equity (Subtract Mortgage Balance from Home Value)
Max Borrowing Limit
$400,000
$100,000
$300,000
(0.8 x $400,000) - $100,000 = $220,000
Also, the bank won't lend you more than you can afford to repay every month. That could limit the amount you can borrow.
You'll need an appraisal to determine your home's current value. If your home has increased in value since you bought it, you may have more equity than just what you've gained from paying down principal.
You can use the money from a cash-out refinance however you wish. But this is still a mortgage: since the loan is secured by your house, you risk foreclosure if you can’t pay it back. If your monthly payments will be higher, make sure you can cover them. It’s wise to use any cash you’re taking out for something that will appreciate, like renovations to your home that will boost its value.
🤓

Nerdy Tip

Just bought your home and wondering if you can borrow from your equity yet? Most loans have a waiting, or “seasoning,” requirement of at least six months before you can get a cash-out refinance. Within that guideline, you can refinance as often as you want — but you’ll pay closing costs each time.
Home equity loans or lines of credit are alternatives for borrowing from your home equity without refinancing your entire mortgage.
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Pros and cons of a cash-out refinance

Pros
  • Potentially lower interest rate (if rates dropped since your purchase).
  • Simple repayment: One loan, one bill to remember.
  • Access more funds at a potentially lower rate than a personal loan or credit card.
Cons
  • Potentially higher interest rate (if rates went up since your purchase).
  • Risk of foreclosure if you can’t make the payments.
  • Closing costs run 2%-6% of the new loan amount.
  • Funds aren’t instant: Underwriting can take weeks.

Alternatives to a cash-out refinance

A cash-out refinance isn't the only way to access your equity. If you don’t want a new interest rate or repayment terms, you might be better off getting a second mortgage instead.
Keep in mind that second mortgages often have higher rates than primary mortgages. This is because the more liens you have against your home, the riskier you are as a borrower.

Home equity line of credit, or HELOC

A HELOC is a line of credit (similar to a credit card) that is secured by your home. You’re usually able to borrow up to 85% of your equity, pay it down and borrow again. The interest rate is usually variable, moving up and down with the market.
HELOCs can be a great fit if you don’t know exactly how much you’ll need to borrow (for example, if you’re completing a series of projects) or if you don’t want to touch your primary mortgage.

Home equity loans

If you know exactly how much you need to borrow, you might consider a home equity loan, which you receive as a lump sum and pay back at a fixed rate.
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