9 Best Missouri Mortgage Lenders of 2021
Searching for the best Missouri mortgage lender? See our picks for the top lenders in various categories, including borrowers who are first-time home buyers, want a low down payment or seek the convenience of an online process.
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Finding the right Missouri mortgage lender is important when buying a home, but it can feel overwhelming. If comparing credit requirements, interest rates and lender fees makes your head spin, NerdWallet is here to help.
We researched the Show Me State’s leading mortgage lenders, then matched the best ones to five specific borrower needs.
Whether you hope to buy a condo in St. Louis, a split-level in Kansas City or a farmhouse in Excelsior Springs, consider these lenders for your mortgage needs.
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.
9 Best Missouri Mortgage Lenders of 2021
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Lender ▾ ▾ | NerdWallet Rating ▾ ▾ | Min. credit score ▾ ▾ | Min. down payment ▾ ▾ | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|
620 | 3% | Learn more at NBKC | ||
640 | 0% | Learn more at New American Funding | ||
620 | 1% | Learn more at Rocket Mortgage, LLC | ||
 Fairway Independent Mortgage: NMLS#2289 Learn more at Fairway Independent Mortgage | 620 | 3% | Learn more at Fairway Independent Mortgage | |
 Bank of America: NMLS#399802 LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | 660 | 5% | LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | |
 Veterans First Mortgage: NMLS#449042 LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | 600 | 0% | LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | |
 Flagstar: NMLS#417490 LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | N/A | 5% | LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | |
 Carrington: NMLS#2600 LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | 620 | 3% | LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | |
620 | 0% | Learn more at NBKC |
Learn more
at NBKC
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
Cons
- 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.
Learn more
at New American Funding
New American Funding: NMLS#6606
4.0
Home loans overall
NerdWallet ratingMin. credit score
640
National / regional
National
Why We Like ItGood for: First-time home buyers and other borrowers looking for a broad array of loan choices.
Pros
- Offers a wide variety of purchase and refinance mortgages with an emphasis on helping underserved communities.
- Receives high marks for customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power and Zillow.
Cons
- Mortgage origination fees tend to be on the high end, according to the latest federal data.
Learn more
at Rocket Mortgage, LLC
Rocket Mortgage, LLC: NMLS#3030
4.5
Home loans overall
NerdWallet ratingMin. credit score
620
Min. down payment
1%
Why We Like ItRocket Mortgage is the largest mortgage lender by volume, standing out for its range of affordable borrowing options, down payment assistance and closing cost credits.
Pros
- Reported average time to close is 15 days faster than industry average.
- FHA and VA loans make up 40% of Rocket Mortgage’s total loan volume.
- Borrowers can apply via mobile app.
Cons
- Origination fees are on the higher end, according to the latest federal data.
- No construction or renovation loans.
- Physical branches are only available in Detroit, Cleveland, and Phoenix.
Learn more
at Fairway Independent Mortgage
Fairway Independent Mortgage: NMLS#2289
3.0
Home loans overall
NerdWallet ratingMin. credit score
620
National / regional
National
Why We Like ItGood for: borrowers who want access to a wide variety of mortgages, including renovation loans and ITIN loans.
Pros
- Offers a robust suite of loan products, including ITIN loans for borrowers without Social Security numbers, renovation loans, government-backed mortgages and loans for self-employed borrowers.
- Receives high marks for customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power and Zillow.
Cons
- Mortgage rates for different types of loans aren't posted online.
- Origination fees are on the high side compared with other lenders, according to the latest federal data.
LEARN MORE
on NerdWallet
Bank of America: NMLS#399802
4.0
Home loans overall
NerdWallet ratingMin. credit score
660
Min. down payment
5%
National / regional
National
Why We Like ItBank of America offers low interest rates, in-person service and plenty of loan options, but it was fined by regulators for reporting inaccurate mortgage data.
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.
- Fined $12 million for reporting inaccurate mortgage applicant info to the federal government.
LEARN MORE
on NerdWallet
Veterans First Mortgage: NMLS#449042
3.5
VA loans
NerdWallet ratingMin. credit score
600
Min. down payment
0%
Why We Like ItGood for: veterans and active military members interested in a VA, FHA or USDA home loan.
Pros
- Specializes in VA loans and working with military borrowers.
- Offers several low-down-payment government loan options.
Cons
- You can't shop rates online.
- Doesn't offer conventional home loans or renovation mortgages.
LEARN MORE
on NerdWallet
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 will be 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.
LEARN MORE
on NerdWallet
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.
Cons
- 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.
Learn more
at NBKC
Why We Like ItNBKC stands out for offering low VA rates and origination fees, as well as energy-efficient mortgages.
Pros
- Interest rates and origination fees are on the lower side compared to other VA lenders.
- Offers energy-efficient mortgages.
- Offers VA refinancing.
Cons
- Does not offer VA renovation loans.
More from NerdWallet
Last updated on January 26, 2021
Methodology
NerdWallet's star ratings for mortgage lenders are awarded based on our evaluation of the products and services each lender offers to consumers who are actively shopping for the best mortgage. The five key areas we evaluated include the variety of loan types and products offered, online conveniences, online mortgage rate information, and the rate spread and origination fee lenders reported in the latest available Home Mortgage Disclosure Act data. To ensure consistency, our ratings are reviewed by multiple people on the NerdWallet Mortgages team.
NerdWallet's Best Missouri Mortgage Lenders of 2021
- NBKC: Best for online experience
- New American Funding: Best for USDA loans
- Rocket Mortgage, LLC: Best for online experience
- Fairway Independent Mortgage: Best for USDA loans
- Bank of America: Best for low down payments
- Veterans First Mortgage: Best for veterans
- Flagstar: Best for first-time home buyers
- Carrington: Best for low down payments
- NBKC: Best for veterans
