Easy Preapproval: 10 Best Online Mortgage Lenders of 2025
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NerdWallet’s top-rated online mortgage lenders make it easy to shop around for mortgage rates and get preapproved. Our picks include traditional banks and nonbank lenders with user-friendly technology and tools.
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.
Easy Preapproval: 10 Best Online Mortgage Lenders of 2025
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Lender ▾ ▾ | NerdWallet Rating ▾ ▾ | Min. credit score ▾ ▾ | Min. down payment ▾ ▾ | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|
620 | 3% | Learn more at Veterans United | ||
620 | 3% | Learn more at Northpointe | ||
620 | 3% | |||
 SoFi: NMLS#696891 Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | 620 | 3% | Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | |
 U.S. Bank: NMLS#402761 Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | N/A | N/A | Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet |
Explore all of our lender picks by category
Veterans United: NMLS#1907
620
3%
- Why We Like ItVeterans United is the largest VA loan lender in the country, accounting for nearly a third of all VA loan originations. Most likely to appeal to veterans and servicemembers.Pros
- 24/7 customer service line supports servicemembers stationed internationally.
- Niche VA products, including refinances, EEMs and VA jumbo loans.
- Maintains a network of real estate agents experienced with VA borrowers.
Cons- No HELOCs or home equity loans.
- No renovation loans.
- No live chat feature on website.
Northpointe: NMLS#447490
620
3%
- Why We Like ItIn addition to standard options like conventional and government-backed loans, including FHA loans, Northpointe Bank’s mortgage portfolio includes rarer offerings like doctor loans, condominium loans, investment property loans and loans for borrowers with credit challenges.Pros
- Closing may be available within 15 business days.
- Offers loans and programs aimed at making homeownership more accessible.
- Offers mortgages for investment properties, including jumbo loans.
Cons- Average mortgage origination fees are on the high side, according to the latest data.
- Bank’s mobile app isn’t useful for mortgage borrowers.
- 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.
Cons- Origination fees are on the high side, according to the latest federal data.
- HELOC requires immediate, full withdrawal of funds.
- Why We Like ItSoFi offers standard purchase and refinance mortgage options, but not construction or renovation loans, and stands out for its convenient one-stop-shopping setup.Pros
- Offers a credit up to $10,000 if closing exceeds the contract date and the lender is at fault.
- Sample mortgage rates are highly customizable.
- HELOC borrowers may access up to 90% of their home equity.
Cons- Borrowers may experience difficulty with customer service.
U.S. Bank: NMLS#402761
N/A
N/A
- Why We Like ItU.S. Bank stands out for online convenience and impressive mortgage options, from government-backed loans to boutique mortgages. Home improvement loans and borrower assistance are available.Pros
- Offers up to $17,500 in down payment and closing cost assistance.
- Wide variety of mortgage types.
- Experienced with construction-to-permanent and renovation loans.
Cons- Assistance programs limited to select cities and states.
- Online rate tool doesn’t customize by credit score.
Andrews Federal Credit Union: NMLS#410421
620
3%
- Why We Like ItThe relatively small Andrews Federal Credit Union offers some mighty advantages, like showing detailed, personalized interest rates without requiring contact info and making it easy to get out of paying an origination fee.Pros
- Has a robust and user-friendly tool for customized mortgage rates.
- Easy to qualify for credit union membership.
- Offers HELOCs and home equity loans.
Cons- Physical branches in the U.S. are limited to Maryland, New Jersey, Virginia and Washington, D.C.
- Does not offer less common mortgage types, like renovation or construction home loans.
- 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.
Cons- 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 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.
Cons- 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.
Bank of America: NMLS#399802
660
5%
National
- Why We Like ItBank of America offers low interest rates, in-person service and plenty of loan options. Current banking customers may be eligible for additional perks.Pros
- Interest rates are lower than most lenders, according to the latest federal data.
- Offers up to $10,000 in down payment assistance to qualified borrowers.
- Banking customers can get discounted interest rates or fees.
Cons- Mortgage origination fees are on the high side, according to the latest federal data.
- Rate estimator tool doesn’t personalize by credit score.
- 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.
Cons- 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.
Navy Federal: NMLS#399807
National
0%
- Why We Like ItNavy Federal is known for VA lending, but it's the flexible VA-like loan options that truly stand out. While you don't have to be a current or former servicemember to take advantage of them, you will need a military connection to join the credit union.Pros
- Offers unique no-down-payment and no mortgage insurance loan options for military and civilian borrowers.
- 24/7 customer service supports borrowers stationed overseas.
- Has both home equity loans and lines of credit.
Cons- Borrowers must join the credit union before applying for a mortgage.
- Does not offer FHA, renovation or construction loans.
- We sometimes waited longer than 10 minutes before connecting with a customer service representative.
- 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.
Cons- Customer service can be difficult to access as a non-member and may require sharing personal information.
- Home equity loans are not available.
State Employees' Credit Union: NMLS#430055
N/A
0%
- Why We Like ItState Employee's Credit Union in North Carolina has some of the lowest average mortgage rates of lenders we review, as well as generous grants and specialty loans for first time home buyers who meet its membership criteria.Pros
- Offers a no-down-payment mortgage without private mortgage insurance.
- Participates in multiple first-time buyer assistance programs.
- Very low average mortgage rates, according to the latest federal data.
Cons- Credit union membership eligibility is limited.
- Loans only available in five states.
- Doesn’t offer government-backed mortgages.
Can you get a mortgage completely online?
Yes, getting a mortgage online is easier than ever. Most lenders have websites and let you apply online. The best ones go beyond the basics, with easy-to-use tools to take you from preapproval to closing.
An online mortgage lender can be a bank, credit union or nonbank lender. Simply put: It’s any lender that offers easy, self-service digital tools — whether the lender has in-person branches or not.
Which is the easiest lender to get a mortgage with?
NerdWallet’s best online mortgage lenders stood out in our research of 40+ lenders for their easy-to-use websites, apps and tools. Here’s what the 10 best ones have in common:
Display mortgage rates clearly online — no digging through fine print
Let people customize their own quote using credit score, location and other factors
Offer a fully online, do-it-yourself mortgage application
Provide customer support via online chat and phone
Have a highly rated mobile app
To speed up the process, many online mortgage lenders can pull needed documents from government agencies, banks and employers with your permission.
Do online mortgage lenders have better rates?
Some online lenders have lower costs and pass the savings to you with lower rates and fees. But the best way to get a low mortgage rate is to compare offers from multiple lenders.
However, it’s not always simple to compare mortgage rates. Some lenders don’t show sample rates online. Instead, they ask you to call or fill out a form.
The best online lenders let you see sample rates and adjust them based on your location and credit score. This makes shopping and comparing easier. Learn how to get the best mortgage rate.
More from NerdWallet:
Last updated on March 4, 2025
Frequently asked questions
Most lenders have some online capabilities. Look for a lender that offers the type of mortgage and services you need that 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. You should also know that a lower credit score generally means you'll be offered a higher mortgage interest rate, making your home loan more expensive. It might make more sense to hold off on purchasing a home while you work on building your credit.
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 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.
For inclusion in this roundup, lenders must score highly in most dimensions of the mortgage application process, including an easily accessible online application, numbers for phone support and online chat, and a highly-rated mobile app with at least one mortgage feature. Lenders must also post rates online that are easily accessible without digging through fine print and can be personalized by location and credit score. Displayed rates must have at least two details or assumptions, such as APR, discount points, down payment amount, closing costs and fees or other details, clearly spelled out. The highest scoring lenders are included here.
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 the latest Home Mortgage Disclosure Act data for origination volume, origination fee, rate spread and share-of-product data.
NerdWallet's Easy Preapproval: 10 Best Online Mortgage Lenders of 2025
- Veterans United: Best for military borrowers
- Northpointe: Best for first-time home buyers
- Rate: Best for fast closing
- SoFi: Best for rate transparency
- U.S. Bank: Best for home loans overall
- Andrews Federal Credit Union: Best for borrowers in the mid-Atlantic
- Flagstar: Best for variety of loan types
- PNC Bank: Best for first-time home buyers
- Bank of America: Best for Bank of America customers
- Pennymac: Best for FHA loans
- Navy Federal: Best for military borrowers
- Alliant: Best for credit union borrowing
- State Employees' Credit Union: Best for borrowers in GA, NC, SC, TN or VA
