9 Best San Antonio Mortgage Lenders of 2021

NerdWallet scanned San Antonio mortgage lenders to recommend some of the best in important categories.

Last updated on January 22, 2021
Written by 
NerdWallet
NerdWallet
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9 Best San Antonio Mortgage Lenders of 2021

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Lender
NerdWallet Rating
Min. credit score
Min. down payment
Learn more
Rocket Mortgage, LLC

Rocket Mortgage, LLC: NMLS#3030

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at Rocket Mortgage, LLC
at Rocket Mortgage, LLC
Home loans overall
Best for online convenience

620

1%

Learn more
at Rocket Mortgage, LLC
at Rocket Mortgage, LLC
Fairway Independent Mortgage

Fairway Independent Mortgage: NMLS#2289

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at Fairway Independent Mortgage
at Fairway Independent Mortgage
4.0
/5
Refinancing
Best for online convenience

620

3%

Learn more
at Fairway Independent Mortgage
at Fairway Independent Mortgage
Navy Federal

Navy Federal: NMLS#399807

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on NerdWallet
5.0
/5
VA loans
Best for veterans

N/A

0%

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on NerdWallet
PrimeLending

PrimeLending: NMLS#13649

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on NerdWallet
4.0
/5
Home loans overall
Best for first-time home buyers

620

3%

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on NerdWallet
USAA

USAA: NMLS#8722

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on NerdWallet
4.0
/5
Home loans overall
Best for veterans

620

3%

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on NerdWallet
Caliber

Caliber: NMLS#15622

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on NerdWallet
3.5
/5
FHA loans
Best for FHA loans

620

3.5%

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on NerdWallet
Bank of America

Bank of America: NMLS#399802

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on NerdWallet
4.0
/5
Home loans overall
Best for conventional & jumbo loans

660

5%

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on NerdWallet
Chase

Chase: NMLS#399798

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on NerdWallet
4.0
/5
Home loans overall
Best for conventional & jumbo loans

620

3%

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on NerdWallet
Flagstar

Flagstar: NMLS#417490

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on NerdWallet
5.0
/5
Home loans overall
Best for first-time home buyers

N/A

5%

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on NerdWallet
Rocket Mortgage, LLC
Learn more
at Rocket Mortgage, LLC
at Rocket Mortgage, LLC
Rocket Mortgage, LLC

Rocket Mortgage, LLC: NMLS#3030

4.5
Home loans overall
NerdWallet rating
Min. 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.
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Fairway Independent Mortgage
Learn more
at Fairway Independent Mortgage
at Fairway Independent Mortgage
Fairway Independent Mortgage

Fairway Independent Mortgage: NMLS#2289

4.0
Min. credit score

620

National / regional

National

Why We Like ItGood for: borrowers looking for a low-down-payment mortgage, renovation loan, or a specialized mortgage geared to medical professionals.
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 and mortgage rates are on the high side compared with other lenders, according to the latest federal data.
Navy Federal
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on NerdWallet
Navy Federal

Navy Federal: NMLS#399807

National / regional

National

Min. down payment

0%

Why We Like ItGood for: military members and their families looking for low-down-payment mortgages.
Pros
  • Offers a wide range of affordable mortgage products, including 0% down payment loans, designed for military members.
  • Offers HELOCs and home equity loans.
  • Offers low rates compared with most lenders, according to the latest federal data.
Cons
  • Website does not provide customized mortgage rates based on credit score or other factors before you apply.
  • Credit union membership is limited to veterans and current military members, their families, and certain federal employees, retirees and contractors.
PrimeLending
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PrimeLending

PrimeLending: NMLS#13649

4.0
Home loans overall
NerdWallet rating
Min. credit score

620

Min. down payment

3%

Why We Like ItPrimeLending stands out for its wide variety of loan types, including non-QM loans and renovation and construction options, but lacks some technical features like online rates or a mobile app.
Pros
  • Offers closing cost assistance.
  • Wide variety of loan types, including non-QM loans.
  • Mortgages are available for manufactured homes, including 3D-printed houses.
Cons
  • Loans are not available in all states.
  • Rates are not posted online.
  • Does not have a mobile app.
USAA
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USAA

USAA: NMLS#8722

4.0
Home loans overall
NerdWallet rating
Min. credit score

620

Min. down payment

3%

Why We Like ItUSAA is among the top five 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.
Pros
  • Wide range of VA options, including jumbo loans and refinancing.
  • Offers a low-down payment loan for first-time home buyers.
  • Offers 10-, 15-, 20- and 30-year repayment terms, which is unusually flexible.
Cons
  • Average VA loan interest rates are less competitive than some other top VA lenders, according to the latest data.
  • Does not offer home equity loans or HELOCs.
Caliber
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on NerdWallet
Caliber

Caliber: NMLS#15622

3.5
Min. credit score

620

Min. down payment

3.5%

Why We Like ItGood for: first-time home buyers, veterans and those who may have credit challenges to overcome.
Pros
  • Offers extensive educational resources for military borrowers.
  • Participates in some down payment assistance and first-time home buyer programs.
Cons
  • No mortgage rates displayed online.
  • Doesn’t offer home equity loans or lines of credit.
Bank of America
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on NerdWallet
Bank of America

Bank of America: NMLS#399802

4.0
Home loans overall
NerdWallet rating
Min. 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.
Chase
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on NerdWallet
Chase

Chase: NMLS#399798

4.0
Home loans overall
NerdWallet rating
Min. credit score

620

Min. down payment

3%

Why We Like ItChase offers a good variety of loan types, including programs for first-time buyers, but it doesn't offer home equity options or stand out for competitive average rates and fees.
Pros
  • Offers two loans with 3% down payment minimums.
  • Home buyer grants up to $7,500 may apply for qualifying borrowers.
  • Receives high marks for customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power and Zillow.
Cons
  • Borrowers must speak with a home loan expert before completing an online application.
  • No online live chat feature, and in-person services vary by branch location.
Flagstar
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on NerdWallet
Flagstar

Flagstar: NMLS#417490

5.0
Home loans overall
NerdWallet rating
Min. credit score

N/A

Min. down payment

5%

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.

Local and regional mortgage lenders in San Antonio

The following mortgage companies are among the top lenders by loan volume in San Antonio, so they’re worth checking out if you’re looking for more options. NerdWallet has not reviewed these lenders.

  • Offers options for low-down-payment borrowers.

  • One of the highest-volume FHA lenders in the area.

  • Offers combined purchase and renovation home loans.

  • Offers online pre-qualification.

  • More than half of its lending volume is in FHA and VA loans.

  • Has a full menu of conventional loan options, too, including jumbo loans.

  • Offers online pre-qualification.

  • Good for borrowers who want a homegrown lender based in San Antonio.

  • Offers a full menu of conventional and government-backed loans.

  • Makes Spanish-language versions of forms available online for borrowers to reference.

  • Has an online application process.

  • Offers home equity loans and lines of credit.

  • Offers lot, land and construction loans.

  • Allows certain borrowers to save up to $5,000 on select closing costs for conventional loans.

More from NerdWallet

Last updated on January 22, 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.

To recap our selections...

NerdWallet's Best San Antonio Mortgage Lenders of 2021

  • Rocket Mortgage, LLC: Best for online convenience
  • Fairway Independent Mortgage: Best for online convenience
  • Navy Federal: Best for veterans
  • PrimeLending: Best for first-time home buyers
  • USAA: Best for veterans
  • Caliber: Best for FHA loans
  • Bank of America: Best for conventional & jumbo loans
  • Chase: Best for conventional & jumbo loans
  • Flagstar: Best for first-time home buyers
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