10 Best Adjustable-Rate Mortgage Lenders of 2024
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An adjustable-rate mortgage, or ARM, is a home loan with an interest rate that can change over time. In most cases, ARM lenders provide a comparatively low fixed interest rate during an introductory period, which could be as few as three years or as many as 10.
When the introductory period expires, the interest rate adjusts to current market rates. If current rates are lower, your rate and mortgage payment may decrease. But if current rates are higher than the initial rate, your rate and mortgage payment may increase. ARM rates continue to change periodically — usually every six months — until you sell, refinance or pay back the mortgage in full.
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- 50+ mortgage lenders reviewed and rated by our team of experts.
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- Governed by NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.
10 Best Adjustable-Rate Mortgage Lenders of 2024
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Lender ▾ ▾ | NerdWallet Rating ▾ ▾ | Min. credit score ▾ ▾ | Min. down payment ▾ ▾ | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|
620 | 3% | |||
620 | 3% | |||
620 | 3% | |||
 Andrews Federal Credit Union: NMLS#410421 LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | 620 | 3% | LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | |
 Flagstar: NMLS#417490 LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | N/A | 5% | LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | |
 PNC: NMLS#446303 LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | 620 | 3% | LEARN MORE on NerdWallet |
- 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
- 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.
- Borrowers can apply, lock in a rate and receive a commitment letter within one day.
- Offers both HELOCs and home equity loans with a high borrowing limit of 90% CLTV.
- Offers mortgages for manufactured homes, as well as financing for self-employed borrowers.
- No mobile app; customer service is by email or phone only.
- Borrower must provide contact information to see customized rates.
- Does not offer renovation or construction loans.
- 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.
- Origination fees are on the high side, according to the latest federal data.
- HELOC requires immediate, full withdrawal of funds.
Andrews Federal Credit Union: NMLS#410421
620
3%
- Has a robust and user-friendly tool for customized mortgage rates.
- Easy to qualify for credit union membership.
- Offers HELOCs and home equity loans.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Customer service can be difficult to access as a non-member and may require sharing personal information.
- Home equity loans are not available.
Navy Federal: NMLS#399807
National
0%
- 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.
- 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.
- Offers mortgage options focused on affordability.
- Convenient online application.
- Offers a HELOC and construction loans.
- HELOCs are not available in every state.
- Borrowers must reach out for customized rates.
- 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.
- 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.
When an adjustable-rate mortgage is a good idea
Here are some situations in which an ARM makes sense:
You’ll own the house for a short time. If you might relocate within three, five, seven or 10 years, an ARM may save you money. Military members and their families or doctors in a residency program are two examples of borrowers who may anticipate a move.
You plan to pay off the mortgage quickly. Do you expect a financial windfall, such as an inheritance or lawsuit settlement, in the next few years? An ARM may allow you to make smaller monthly mortgage payments until the money comes in and you pay off the loan.
You expect fixed-rate mortgage rates to decrease. It’s risky and hard to predict, but if you expect fixed-rate mortgage rates to drop below current ARM rates before your introductory period expires, an adjustable-rate mortgage may yield savings until fixed rates drop. Be aware that this option requires you to eventually refinance to a fixed-rate mortgage, which means choosing a lender, getting approved and paying closing costs, just like with your ARM.
When an adjustable-rate mortgage is a bad idea
An ARM probably isn’t the right choice if:
You plan to put down roots. If you’re buying your forever home and have no plans to move, a fixed-rate mortgage might be more appropriate. While it may have a slightly higher rate, a fixed-rate mortgage involves less risk than an adjustable-rate mortgage, so your investment is better protected.
You want a predictable mortgage payment. Sure, the interest rate on a fixed-rate mortgage may initially be higher than that of an ARM, but you’ll never have to worry about it going up, and you’re always free to refinance your mortgage if rates drop significantly in the years ahead.
Your budget can’t handle a larger mortgage payment. Maybe you’re thinking about going back to school, starting a family or launching a business. These life changes could affect your income in the years ahead. If you’re not 100% sure you could handle a mortgage payment that gets bigger when rates adjust higher, stick with the predictability of a fixed-rate mortgage.
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Last updated on October 3, 2024
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 earn 4.5 stars or above according to our home loans overall methodology and must confirm the availability of adjustable-rate loans in NerdWallet’s annual mortgage lender survey.
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 2022 Home Mortgage Disclosure Act data for origination volume, origination fee, average interest rate and share-of-product data.
NerdWallet's Best Adjustable-Rate Mortgage Lenders of 2024
- NBKC: Best for ease of application
- Better: Best for competitive mortgage rates
- Rate: Best for online convenience
- Andrews Federal Credit Union: Best for credit union lending
- Flagstar: Best for overall lending experience
- PNC: Best for overall lending experience
- Alliant: Best for credit union lending
- Navy Federal: Best for military borrowers
- Truist: Best for competitive mortgage rates
- Pennymac: Best for rate transparency
